University of Tartu Botanical Garden

Laidi and Igor Zalekeshin's garden in Mustvee attracts gardening enthusiasts from outside Estonia as well.Visitors are charmed by the quarrystones and conifers, more than a hundred in total in the garden. Most of them, more than 50 varieties, are arborvitae. Both the host and the hostess love quarrystones, so this love has resulted in many exciting garden design elements – stone baskets, pathways, garden posts. Garden patches are mostly covered by stones. Old items are on display in the garden house; a visitor enjoying a walk is enchanted by the small bridges, waterholes, a swing set and a windmill, most of them made by the family. The walls of the house are decorated by paintings of the family's favourites – quarrystones, conifers and cats. There are more than 20 cat statues in the garden.

Põltsamaa — the city of bridges, parks, roses, and wine — and beautiful Roosisaar at its heart. Põltsamaa Rose Island is a place where you can enjoy beautiful nature, fascinating history, and peaceful city life all at once. Formerly known as Kaubasaar before World War II, it was the heart of Põltsamaa's business activities, but today it has become one of Estonia's most beautiful public rose gardens. You will find nearly 2,000 blooming roses, a romantic gazebo, winding walking paths, and stunning views of the Põltsamaa River and fish pass. Rose Island is lovely in every season. In addition to the rose garden, you can enjoy a music park, fountain, amphitheater, and children's play area, making the island a pleasant stop for both family travelers and those seeking a romantic stroll. In the evening twilight, illuminated paths and the fountain create an especially enchanting atmosphere. Come walk, relax, and discover a place where both roses and the story of Põltsamaa bloom.

Alatskivi Castle's park is the largest in Tartu County, covering approximately 130 hectares. The park, designed in the 19th century by Count Arved von Nolcken, surrounds Alatskivi Castle and is one of the best-preserved manor parks in Southern Estonia. From the towers and terrace of Alatskivi Castle, there is a view of the lake, bridge, church, and surrounding landscape. The park's hiking trail winds through a forest of lindens, maples, and oaks and is perfect for walking and enjoying the natural surroundings. Within the park is also the Alatskivi landscape protection area, which preserves the region's diverse flora and landscape. Here, you can see both old park groves and natural lakeside zones. For those looking for a more active holiday, there's a disc golf course. It is also worth visiting Alatskivi Castle, which houses an information center, the Eduard Tubin Museum, artists' studios, and the Alatskivi Castle restaurant. We welcome you to immerse yourself in the history and natural beauty of the park and landscape protection area.

Mikko farm is located in Põlva County by a creek in Tänassilma village.The garden was established in 1996, and over the years, it has grown into a farm garden in English style that covers 2 hectares and is rich in species; its varied landscape offers picturesque views. There are several separate areas and over 1,000 taxons. We also have a small tree nursery.You can visit the garden upon previous notice. If you wish, you can also order a coffee break or catering in the seminar building.

When walking around the Räpina School of Horticulture, you will find an exciting planting area for perennials, and you can enjoy various summer and perennial flowers in the collection garden. In the collection garden, you can admire 50 different varieties of park roses by Rein Joost, lilies of Mart Heering, about 30 varieties of lilacs by Adolf Vaigla, and 20 varieties of vines by Jaan Kivistik.There are more than 600 different species of trees and shrubs throughout the park and the school (dendrological plant material), with herbaceous plants that include perennials, roses, lianas, natural herbaceous plants, and summer plants – a total of almost 1,200 plants.It is possible to book excursions both in the park and in the collection garden.

Families with children are particularly welcome in the Lake Pühajärv Park as there are many opportunities to feed ducks and other birds when walking on the lakeshore. There is an exercise track by the northern part of the park. This is also the place where you will find the beach with a beach house, cafés, arbours and boat hire.The park used to be a part of the Pühajärv Manor Park and it was designed as a walking forest with paths already in the 19th century. The park is mainly a naturally grown forest.

The heart of Luke Manor is a beautiful neo-baroque park full of greenery and flowers. It has terraces on different levels, uniquely shaped trees, concrete lion statues, and a sculpture of Eve. The park also has a restored pond system, which adds a special charm. The manor was first mentioned in 1557. Today, the governor's house and the dollhouse-like Kärner's House have been restored. There is also an information point, an exhibition, and a cafe in the summer. The park is open all year round for free. Enjoy the sound of the water and the view from the pavilion of ducks swimming in the ponds. Forget about everyday life and immerse yourself in the romance of the manor era!

Toomemäe Park, a natural hill with a rich history, is one of the favorite places for Tartu residents to enjoy greenery without leaving the city. In the cathedral located here, you can visit the University of Tartu Museum, which provides an overview of the university's history and scientific research, and enjoy the views from the towers' observation platforms. While walking in the romantic English-style park, don't miss the beautiful Angel Bridge with its twin Devil's Bridge, statues, outdoor exhibitions, and university buildings, such as the observatory and the old anatomical museum. The park is accessible with a stroller, there is a playground for toddlers and a sports park for more active visitors.