Värska Visitor Centre – Reek’s House

The museum features the home of Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald (1803-1882), a physician and the founder of Estonian national literature, in Võru and gives a good overview of his activities. His living quarters reflect the interior design typical of the time; the garden house accommodates literary exposition. In the storehouse there is an exhibition of art inspired by Kreutzwald’s writings, reprints and translations of his works. The stable features different vehicles and the fairy-tale room several ethnographic objects. There are also a cellar, sauna, well, garden and an arbour in the museum complex. The activity room is designed for handicraft, drawing and constructing.

In 1562, Walk (the old name of present-day Valga) along with the rest of Livonia was handed over to Poland as part of the ceasefire agreement of the Livonian War. The city rights of Valga were signed by Polish King Stefan Batory on June 11, 1584, based on his colonization policy. The king believed that land should be granted as hereditary property to new Catholic settlers (peasants, craftsmen, merchants) in Livonia and thereby strengthen Catholicism in Livonia.Therefore, there is a monument dedicated to Stefan Batory on Kesk Avenue in Valga, which was completed in 2002 as a joint effort of the city of Valga, and the Hungarian and Polish embassies.

Põltsamaa Museum is located within the walls of the ancient Põltsamaa Ordensburg. Põltsamaa Museum gives an overview of the glorious past of the stronghold, town and the parish: Interesting facts: During the Livonian War the castle was the residence of the King of Livonia In the 19th century the castle was a Rococo style castle, a flourishing centre of culture and industry.

The central square of Põlva is like a living room in the open air. It is a nice meeting place in the city centre that attracts people of all ages. Children can play in the sandbox, on the small slide, and near the fountain. They can also play table tennis. There are long benches for sitting, single stools surrounded by grasses, swings with a backrest, wide stands for lying down, and large blocks for climbing. The traditional market is also open here.The square, completed within the EV100 Spatial Programme, was opened in the summer of 2018. The designers were H. Rebane, E. Metusala, and K. Kuldkepp.Nearby is the Lutheran Church of Blessed Virgin Mary, Lake Põlva, and Põlva Department Store.

Jaani Church, located right in the heart of the city, was built in 1816 according to the design of architect Christoph Haberland and it is the only church in Estonia with an oval ground plan. The unique organ has been preserved in its original shape and it is the only instrument built by Friedrich Ladegast still left in Estonia.Interesting facts: * the organ is one of the 200 best organs in Europe; * music can be heard from the church’s bell tower at midday and midnight.

Taagepera Castle is a special place – it is a mixture of elegant and rustic milieus, history, and the present. Baron Hugo von Stryk had the impressive art nouveau castle built as a home for himself more than a hundred years ago. The renewed castle complex is a unique conservation area with an art nouveau castle, an à la carte restaurant, a luxorious castle spa, a hotel in the style of the 1930s, and sports and leisure facilities. Come alone or bring your family and enjoy the milieu, peace, silence, massages, à la carte restaurant, a sauna, healing fresh air, and endless experiences that will guarantee that you will leave with a restored peace of mind.

Tartu's Gothic-style St. John's Church dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest churches in Estonia. It is known for its unique terracotta sculptures, which are considered rare in all of Europe. The church once had over 1,000 handmade terracotta statues; about 200 have survived. Each sculpture is different, which has led to speculation that they may depict Tartu's former inhabitants or other important people. The tower of St. John's Church offers a wonderful view of the entire historic old town of Tartu. It houses two bronze bells, called Peter and Paul. On the last Sunday of every month, the church holds a service in English!

In the heart of Tartu’s Old Town, right next to Town Hall Square, stands the Leaning House, often affectionately called “The Leaning Tower of Tartu” by locals. The house was built in 1793 along the edge of the medieval city wall. The side facing the river rests on the old wall’s stone foundation, while the other side sits on softer ground. This unique construction has caused the building to slowly but noticeably lean, making it one of Tartu’s most visually distinctive landmarks today. From 1879, the building housed a pharmacy for many years, where, in the early 20th century, a young Oskar Luts worked. He went on to become a famous Estonian writer. Today, the Leaning House is home to the Tartu Art Museum, where visitors can explore works by both Estonian and international artists, participate in educational programs, and enjoy inspiring art experiences. Tartu's Leaning House is listed in the national register of cultural monuments, making it both a historical and cultural gem that combines the rich history of Tartu’s Old Town with vibrant contemporary art.