Come and discover the charm of nature at the Tartu Nature House! Tartu Nature House is much more than an educational center; it is an inspiring place showcasing an eco-friendly lifestyle, nature, and smart architecture. Our special building, whose shape is inspired by the cracks in tree stumps, has been set up in an environmentally friendly and healthy manner and is surrounded by a green park. Our guided tour takes you to a species-rich conservatory and an animal sanctuary, where you can meet interesting inhabitants such as rabbits, water turtles, caterpillars, and cockroaches. Plants can be studied, sometimes tasted, and the guide tells exciting stories about the lives of our animals and plants. This educational yet lively tour suits children and adults alike, offering visitors the opportunity to discover nature and eco-friendly lifestyles from a new angle. Come and discover how architecture, environmental conservation, and wildlife work together in one special place. Tartu Nature House is waiting for you!
Toretalu Farm awaits guests to solve the game hidden in the corn jungle and take part in other activities put up at the yard that test their cleverness and skills.In the corn labyrinth you have to find six check points with a map. The corn has grown to the size of a person, there are many converging paths in the jungle and finally you have to find the exit. Are you ready for the test?
The Rõuge primeval valley, which is 10km long and 52m deep, contains seven lakes: Kahrila Lake, Tõugjärv, Ratasjärv, Kaussjärv, Rõuge Suurjärv, Liinjärv, and Valgjärv. The lakes are connected by the Rõuge or Ajo River, which starts from the Tindi valley. The side valleys of the Rõuge primeval valley are Tindi, Külm, Mõhk, Ööbikuorg, Tinopeetri, Hinni, Sikasoo, and Järveotsa valleys. The most famous of these is Ööbikuorg, which borders the ancient hillfort from the north. In spring, during the blossoming of bird cherry trees, the valley resonates with the song of nightingales – hence the name of the valley. Several hiking trails run through Rõuge, including the popular Ööbikuorg hiking trail, which takes visitors through the primeval valley, past lakes and springs. The trail is suitable for families with children and is partially accessible by bicycle. In summer, you can swim and paddle in the lakes, while in winter, the same trails are enjoyed by skiers and sledders. In the Rõuge settlement, there is also Estonia's deepest lake – Rõuge Suurjärv (38m) – and the largest Nature Clock in Estonia, whose hands mark the passage of time in nature's rhythm.Good to know: At the edge of Ööbikuorg, there is a visitor center and the Pesapuu observation tower, which offers a view of the entire valley.
Anne Canal is located in the city of Tartu, where you can enjoy summer beach fun. The beach has a golden sandy beach that awaits sunbathers and sandcastle builders. There is also a playground with swings, climbing ladders, and a slide. There are fitness trails, an outdoor gym, and a volleyball court along the Canal. There are changing cabins and toilets on the beach. During the swimming season, the beach café Lennuk is open, where you can buy refreshing drinks and street food. In winter, you can go winter swimming in Anne Canal and go ice skating with your own skates. Good to know: During the summer months, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards.
In the city centre of Tartu, around the new Tartu Environmental Education Centre, there is a large park covering 10,000 m² and containing a large number of species. Old and ancient trees meet newly designed park trails offering learning and recreational possibilities in the hilly park. The park is home to over 80 species of trees and shrubs and over 200 species of herbaceous plants.A visitor can find peat, butterfly, and vegetable beds in the park; there is also a man-made beaver nest, a sun dial, a fountain, an observation tower, and a study trail about rocks. The old orchard has also been preserved. Children can have fun at the otter slide, a three-sand sandbox, and a carousel. Park facilities and plants are introduced by several information boards.
Mini Golf RIO in Tartu – a unique leisure center for the whole family! Mini Golf RIO is a modern entertainment center located in Tartu designed for sporty play, movement, and fun leisure time. The heart of the center is a 20-hole mini-golf course that challenges children, young people, and adults alike. It's a place where you can enjoy the game, try your hand at a new sport, and spend quality time with family or friends. In addition to mini golf, several other activities await you: dart games, a remote-control car racing track, and Estonia's largest interactive LED floor that responds to movement and creates special light effects. For younger guests, there is a soft play area and a trampoline where they can safely climb and play. Mini Golf RIO is perfect for organizing birthdays, family days, and team events. Here, visitors of all ages will find activities. Buy a day ticket, book a single ticket, group ticket, or party room and make your day in Tartu special – the experience is guaranteed!
The recreation area by Lake Pangodi is a popular holiday destination, offering a variety of opportunities to enjoy nature. In the holiday complex, you can swim, camp, and make a campfire. The large lawn by the sandy beach has a children's playground with active holiday elements and a volleyball court. At the beginning of the recreation area, there is a parking lot that can accommodate up to 30 cars. The Pangodi camping area is by the lake, where you can find three campfire sites with canopies and benches. Along the Pikksaare hiking trail (1 km) starting from the car park, you will reach the Pangodi campfire site, which is about 500 m from the crowded camping area in the Pangodi park forest. Be respectful to nature!
Come and experience Estonia's vast natural landscapes in a primal way — by dogsled! Karusaare dogsled trips in Tartu County offer unforgettable experiences throughout the year in the forest landscape of Järvselja and the Peipsiveere Nature Reserve in Emajõe-Suursoo. From autumn to spring, we move on off-road carts and, in winter, when there is enough snow, on traditional sleds. You can choose a shorter trip or a longer journey. It is an appropriate activity for the whole family, including children over the age of 3. The hike begins and ends at the sled dog training center, where the instructor shares the necessary safety and driving instructions. On our journey, we take short breaks to water the dogs, and on longer journeys, we stop by the fire to enjoy a bit of heat, light, and warm food. If you wish, you can also order catering to make your trip even more memorable. Trips only take place when the air temperature is below +12 °C and there is no storm warning or wind gusting above 15 m/s.