Who are the Russian Old Believers? How and when did they arrive in Estonia? Why did they settle in the Peipsi region, and what are their customs? Why have they grown onions this way for centuries? The Old Believers Museum in Kolkja is located on the Onion Route and tells visitors the story of the Peipsi Region's Russian Old Believers. The exhibition is in Estonian, English, and Russian and includes virtual reality, where you can experience the Old Believer prayer. We also offer hour-long guided tours in Estonian and Russian. There is an observation tower overlooking Lake Peipsi at the museum! Come and discover the world of the Old Believers in Kolkja!
Fairytale Alatskivi Castle awaits visitors in South Estonia, about 40 km from Tartu. In the castle, you travel back in time to the 19th century, get acquainted with the life of a noble family and the manor's daily routine, and meet the servants who worked here a hundred years ago, brought to life with wax figures in the basement. Castle guides share captivating stories, and visitors can create a personal souvenir in the ceramic workshop. Allocate at least 1.5 hours to explore the exhibition, which spans three floors. On the castle's third floor is the museum of composer Eduard Tubin, which presents the life and works of one of Estonia's most famous musicians. The former carriage-horse stable next to the castle offers insight into the manor's management and daily operations. Alatskivi Castle is part of the Onion Route, which can also be explored through the bright yellow National Geographic windows. Stroll in the castle park, enjoy nature on the Alatskivi hiking trail, stay in romantic castle suites, and taste local dishes at the castle restaurant.
A hike that combines physical activity, fresh air, and a sense of history!Come alone, bring a friend or all of them, and enjoy a scooter hike in the magnificent atmosphere of Setomaa in the landscapes and villages near Lake Lämmijärv. We will ride along the old lake bed, through pine forests, pass ancient settlements and burial mounds, until we reach a traditional well-preserved Seto residence.The hike starts and ends at the parking lot of the Mäe Nature House of the State Forest Management Centre. Min. group 10 people or minimum group fee 200 €
The Pilgrim House introduces visitors to everything related to medieval pilgrims and pilgrimages. Here you can get acquainted with various medieval holy places and pilgrimage destinations. One of them, the most famous in Northern Europe, was located right here in the Holy Cross Chapel of the Vastseliina Bishopric! Thanks to the interactive exhibit, visitors can experience firsthand what a medieval pilgrim felt, what he feared, and what he loved. You can play medieval board games, and with prior arrangements, we offer various experience packages, including period and themed meals prepared in the Pilgrim House oven to fill your stomach!
We invite you to visit Agirregoikoa Kennel. We will introduce you to our 20 Nordic sled dogs, all of whom are working Siberian Huskies, and we will talk about the history and present-day conditions of the breed. Our dogs are trained, award-winning sled dogs. We will take the dogs for a walk around the two-hectare orchard. You can pet, hug, take pictures of the dogs, and have a photo session with your favorite dog. Siberian Huskies love people and will be happy to meet you! It is also possible to order a sled ride in addition to the visit.
Discover the early morning city of Tartu with its awakening sounds, birdsong, and crisp, beautiful views! We walk along the banks of the Emajõgi River, enjoy the morning peace, and take a look at the Market Hall, happily preparing for the day, where local flavors greet us. Then the Old Town awaits us — surprising in its morning light and beautiful solitude, Toomemägi with its enchanting views and a few surprises. Of course, beautiful Tartu architecture is found at every step! The guided tour is suitable for solo travelers, couples, international guests and business travelers. The tour is conducted by an officially certified guide.
Mesi Tare homestay offers exciting boat trips on beautiful Lake Peipsi during the summer season. The ship called Mesiroos can accommodate up to 10 people to enjoy the enchanting beauty of Lake Peipsi! It is possible to order day cruises to Piirissaare in Lake Peipsi, fishing trips for team events, or round-trip transport for Mesi Tare guests from Varnja to a concert or a visit to a tourist attraction on the shores of Lake Peipsi. All trips according to your wishes! Give us an idea, and we'll figure out a way to do it! All your friends, family members, children, and pets are welcome on our ship!
Dear traveler, join us at Meelega Metsa!Guided forest bathing offers you the opportunity to take a break and encourages you to be present in the moment. Forest bathing helps you notice what you usually don't and supports the sense of presence. It's a special opportunity to see and perceive the Estonian forest from a different perspective. During the forest bathing journey, you will experience the forest through your five senses, have the chance to look both outward and inward, cultivate a greater sense of well-being, and gift yourself with greater physical ease and mental balance. Being in contact with nature, we feel how something inside us settles again. We conclude the journey together around the campfire, enjoying warm drinks and forest-inspired flavors. The journey is conducted with care and attention by Helen and Anneli, who have trained as forest bathing guides in Japan. Each forest bathing journey is unique and adapts to the participants and the forest. Are you ready to go to the forest and meet yourself there?