AHHAA Science Centre

Põltsamaa Castle has been an important site throughout the centuries and carries a distinguished history – founded in 1272 on the riverbank, it was the residence of Magnus, the King of Livonia, and later evolved into a magnificent Rococo palace. Wars and fires left the castle in ruins, but now it has come back to life and is waiting for you to visit! Today, the castle offers visitors plenty of excitement. First and foremost, it is worth climbing to the viewing platform of the seven-story castle tower, where a captivating view of the city unfolds in every season. The tower is crowned by a restored historical dome, which is unique in all of Estonia. The church, located within the complex, is built directly into the castle's fortification walls and tower, and is open daily during the summer. The convent and gatehouse feature a modern exhibition that tells the colorful story of the castle and the town of Põltsamaa. In the castle courtyard, craft workshops await, where you can watch the work of masters or purchase something interesting yourself. Culinary experiences are offered by the restaurant Oberpahlen, where history and excellent food come together. Discover Põltsamaa Castle – a place where history comes to life!

Supilinn is Tartu's most bohemian district, where 18th-century wooden houses, courtyards awash in urban greenery, and the banks of the Emajõgi River create an unparalleled atmosphere. It combines the best of city living with a natural environment, where you can feel the community spirit and local creativity. Go for a walk in Supilinn on the beautiful promenade along the Emajõgi River, where century-old trees and a tranquil frog pond give the city a breath of fresh air. Street art, colorful courtyards, and wooden houses tell Supilinn's story, which is best experienced during the spring Supilinn Days, when courtyards and gardens open to guests and the entire district turns into a large festival. The best way to explore Supilin is on foot or by bike, so you can notice hidden corners, shutter patterns, and backyard gardens. A walk with a local guide can reveal hidden layers of the district and highlight its bohemian spirit. More information about guided tours can be found on the Tartu Guides page.

The museum is housed in Betti Alver’s home next to the Jõgeva railway station.The museum gives an overview of Betti Alver’s life and works, also perpetuates the memory of Alo Mattiisen and acquaints visitors with the historic and cultural heritage of Jõgeva.

Luke Manor invites you to discover the historical architecture of its former knight's manor and the enchanting park, where you can find the stylish dollhouse-like Kärnerimaja, which has an information point, an exhibition introducing the manor, and a café in the summer. The restored Governor's House adds historical depth to the manor complex. The water fountain and the pavilion's view of the ponds invite you to immerse yourself in the romance of the manor era. The manor's terraces, an alley of uniquely shaped trees, and the concrete lion statues on the stairs (a favorite with the youngest visitors) create a unique and majestic atmosphere. At Luke Manor, you can organize a seminar, take a tour, attend a concert, or tinker in the craft workshop!

Theatre House, situated in Tartu Old Town, is a theatre inspired by a museum, forming a part of the Tartu Toy Museum. The Theatre House takes its inspiration from our childhood, the games we played, the dreams we had, and the fantasies we brought to life. The Theatre House stages plays, but you can also put on your own show, play games, make handicrafts, and discover what goes on behind the scenes in the theatre world. There is a children’s studio on the first floor, in which children’s groups can take part in theatre-themed programmes. Visitors find a museum, an automated puppet theatre, and several exciting theatre-themed exhibitions in the basement level.

A visit to the Tartu Observatory Visitor Centre in Tõravere represents one of the places worth exploring in South Estonia, marked with a yellow National Geographic window. It is highly recommended for space enthusiasts. What you can see at the observatory: An outdoor area and the Stellarium with space attractions The hilly landscape of Tõravere through the yellow window The largest telescope in the Nordic countries, with a 1.5 m mirror Exhibitions and activities for schools and businesses. Come and visit us; we've got the cosmos here! In autumn, winter, and spring, tours are by appointment only. They are held on weekdays for a minimum of ten people.

The permanent exhibition Earth. Life. Story. includes nearly 8,000 scientific exhibit items, which tell the development story of planet Earth from the beginning of the universe until the modern day. At the exhibition, you can explore the traces of life from millions of years ago, admire shiny minerals, watch the so-called night airport of butterflies, or track the movement of the placoderm fish from the Devonian era. You can look the first jackal caught in Estonia in the eye and experience the human body through the eyes of a reptile. Visitors will be glad to see the favourites of several generations: the elk, bison, and giraffe. We also have live animals, such as the Python Regius, a turtle, a green iguana, and many other small exotic animals. See you at the Natural History Museum!

At the Barge Center Theme Park, you can observe how a historical 24-meter-long two-masted Emajõe-Peipsi barge is built. You can also craft model barges, learn sailor skills, visit the forge, try old-time barge-related tasks, and explore the history of barge shipping. In the cinema area, you can watch films about barges and slide shows. We offer guided tours and workshops for groups upon prior reservation.Lodjakoja is a historical ship-building center, museum, theme park, and conference and exhibition venue. Viking and barge journeys begin here, and we have our own café and harbor. Explore an educational trail that introduces shipbuilding and forge work. Try out the sailing simulator that takes you on the water, and the test pool lets you try out your homemade model barge. Small visitors will be delighted by the play ship, sandbox-boat, and block corner, while older ones can puzzle over 3D puzzles. Everyone will enjoy the rope-pulling machine and old-time sports games. By visiting Lodjakoja, you help make history!