• History & Culture
  • Architecture and history

The city centre square of Võru

Võru linn, Võru maakond, 65608

The central square of Võru, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, is unique for its urban furniture. The word furniture originates from the Latin word mobilis – movable. Today, the square is in constant transformation, reflecting the character of different events – sometimes it’s a market square, at other times a concert hall, and in winter, a magical Christmas land.
The central square is the historical heart of Võru, surrounded by the Government House (1938), the Lutheran St. Catherine’s Church (1793), the grammar school building (the oldest house in the city, 18th century), the fire station (1900), the Apostolic St. Catherine’s Church (1804), and the bank building (1938).
The renewed central square was opened in 2019, designed by architect Villem Tomiste.
Taking a step onto the square brings you into a space where past and present blend seamlessly. There’s room here for both reflection and liveliness – for meeting old friends, spending time with family, or simply being in the moment. Võru’s central square is more than just a plaza – it’s a living meeting place that invites everyone to pause, enjoy, and experience. Come to the heart of Võru – to where the city lives and breathes.

Amenities

  • Information boards
  • Free parking

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  • Canoeing
  • Rafting
  • Kayaking

Two-day hike on the River Võhandu with kayak or canoe

The longest River in Estonia - Võhandu (162 km) flows through Võru and Põlva County in its beautiful and abrupt bed surrounded by sandstone outcrops. An elaborate 80 km independent canoe hike, kayak hike or raft hike is suitable for both families and friends to familiarize themselves with Estonian nature. Hikers move on their own, designing their own hiking day, movement schedule and journey length. Overnight in tents, meals are made on Primus. The tips and additional materials required for the hike can be obtained by ordering and hiking from the hiking guide at the starting location. The hotspots can be viewed on the RMK website.

  • Hiking Trails

RMK forest study trail at Pähni Nature Centre

The 2.8 km Pähni forest trail starts and ends at the Pähni Nature Centre.The trail starts with an information board with introductory text, later on you have to follow the signs.There are 15 points of interest on the trail with information on different types of forests, species of trees and evidence of cultural heritage and animal activity. There is also a fire pit and shelters (4) where you can relax and take a break. The trail is partially covered with a wooden boardwalk (200 m).

Workshop “Baking home made bread”

In the Bread Room one can make their first attempts in baking homemade bread. The Wood Shop’s breadmaster will guide you through the process of the perfect bread dough, and show you all the good ingredients and the secret components to a well risen dough and delicious taste. In the end of the workshop the Bread Room is full of irritatingly good bread baking fragrance. And of course no one is leaving without tasting the outcome of this exciting workshop and you can also take the leaven to go, to keep up the new learned skill of breadmaking. And if later there’s a need for a bread basket, Avinurme Wood-Shop can offer exactly what you need.

  • Camping sites

Pikasilla recreation area

Pikasilla recreation area, located in Põdrala rural municipality by the southern tip of Lake Võrtsjärv, is easily accessible and has a strategically good location by a waterway (at the mouth of the River Emajõgi). The place has become well-known as a venue of sports competitions and various public events. The area has different sports facilities, a children's playground, cabins and a campfire site; it also has washing and cooking facilities.The services of the recreation area include:- renting the recreation area- renting canoes, kayaks and boats- boat harbour and mooring spots- renting a stadium building and a building with washing and cooking facilities- caravan parking- camping ground for about 100 people- cabins for rent

Küti Mäeveski (The Hunters Hill Mill)

Kütiorg, located in the northern part of Haanja Nature Park, is the largest and most powerful valley in Estonia. The historical Hunters Hill Mill is located here.The mill was built in 1868 and it was last used in the autumn of 2016. It is planned to preserve the mill as industrial heritage of Estonia. The mill is near Noodasküla in Haanja Nature Park. You can walk to the mill if you take the longer trail on the RMK Kütiorg hiking trail. If you are coming by car, you can drive to Noodasküla.If you want to explore the historic mill, please book a time in advance.Welcome!

  • Lighthouses

Mehikoorma Lighthouse

Mehikoorma Lighthouse is located on the west coast of Lake Lämmijärv in the south end of Lake Peipus. The first data from the beacons located in Mehikoorma, which showed the shipping route to Piirissaare towards north and to Sausaare towards south, date back to the First World War. By 1929, a beacon with a blinking light had been installed in Mehikoorma. The wooden beacon was replaced with a lighthouse built of reinforced concrete in 1938. The lighthouse, which is 15 m high and 3 m in diameter, worked on acetylene energy. Mehikoorma Lighthouse, with its 15 m of height, is the highest lighthouse of Lake Peipus. Visitors can only see the lighthouse from the outside.