Sookalduse daffodil field

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!

You'll need several people to measure the circumference of the ancient, nearly 400-year-old oak tree towering nearby Lake Pühajärv in Otepää! The trunk of this ancient tree has a circumference of 6.6 meters. It is called the War Oak because it has witnessed many historical events. Apparently, peasants of the Pühajärv Manor refused to work for the manor in autumn 1841 and the rebels were punished near the oak. The Pühajärve War was one of the first peasant uprisings against the landlords in Estonia, and in memory of it, an oak tree was planted nearby, where a memorial stone was erected on the 130th anniversary of the uprising. A beautiful park with walking tracks surrounds the tree today, and although the ancient tree is no longer in its full glory, it stands here to its full dignity, recalling times gone by.

The University of Tartu Botanical Garden offers study programmes and excursions for visitors of all ages. There are more than 10,000 species and varieties of plants in the garden. In addition to natural plants, including rare protected plants, we introduce new decorative plants. In the greenhouses, rainforest and desert plants can be seen. We are the oldest botanical garden in the Baltic States, operating for more than 200 years in the same location. The garden is designed by world-renowned botanists, professors Ledebour and Bunge. Guests can visit the greenhouses with a ticket, but the garden is open for everyone for free. There is a playground for children.

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.

Pühajärv, with its picturesque winding shoreline and four islands, is the largest lake in Otepää Nature Park. At the northern tip of Pühajärv, there is a beach area with a beach house, ball courts, a children's playground, recreation areas, a café, and a boat harbor. At the southern tip is the Kooliranna recreation area, and from there begins the Väike Emajõgi, which meanders through Valgamaa. Pühajärve Park is the starting point for the Murrumetsa hiking trail, and around the lake runs the 12 km long Pühajärve hiking trail, which passes by the lake's most famous spring, the Armuallikas. In winter, when weather conditions are suitable, an ice trail is created on the lake for hiking, and a winter swimming area is open at Pühajärve Beach.Pühajärv has provided plenty of inspiration for writers and artists. For example, Fridebert Tuglas and Eino Leino have vacationed here. Information about Konrad Mägi's Pühajärv paintings can be found on an info board by the lakeshore near the GMP Pühajärve restaurant. In 1991, the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, visited Otepää and blessed the lake, an event commemorated by a wooden sculpture on the shore of Pühajärve Park.

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.

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.