Alatskivi Castle Ceramics Workshop

Between Hellenurme, Elva, and Otepää, there is a unique opportunity to see Estonia's last historical water-powered flour and grist mill in operation – the Hellenurme Water Mill. Upon arrival, we explore the mill building and views over the mill pond to Hellenurme Manor, then we open the turbine, and the mill begins to work, powered by water. Through the mill's four floors, you can see, touch, and feel the power of the mill, and soon fresh flour and grist fall into the bag as in the old days. In the bread house, you can try breadmaking under the guidance of the Mill Mistress, honoring traditions and telling stories about bread and the wisdom of ancestors. In the bread trough, dough is kneaded from sourdough. Each guest molds their own little loaf from a dough ball, which the Mill Mistress throws into the large bread oven with an old bread peel. Soon, the bread house fills with the smell of bread, and each guest can take their loaf from the oven, which tastes warm and buttery like an unforgettable dessert! As writer Juhan Liiv wrote: "... warm bread – imagine!"

Explore the home and inspiring work of one of Estonia's most famous writers and poets at the Juhan Liiv Museum. The museum offers interactive experiences where poetry comes to life through sound and video, highlighting the region's unique characteristics. It tells the story of Kodavere's rich cultural heritage, and in summer, you can stroll around the beautiful garden. The Liiv Museum also offers activities for children, and families are welcome to visit with their four-legged friends. You can order a guided tour introducing the museum's story if you wish. Come and let the Liiv Museum inspire you!

Hellenurme Mill Museum in Southern Estonia is the last operational historical watermill in Estonia and one of the few examples of a water-powered mill as industrial heritage in the Nordic countries. Visiting the mill feels like a trip back in time. Visitors can see century-old equipment across four floors of the mill, from the turbine to the milling machines and millstones, which still grind rye into bread flour. In the bread house, the mill hostess offers guests traditional Estonian rye bread made on-site and shares stories that bring the everyday life of centuries past to life. The large mill building of Hellenurme Manor, built in 1880 in Tartu County, hides surprises at every step. In addition to the working mill, guests can enjoy workshops and meals in the bread house. It is possible to stay overnight in the freshly renovated mill chambers, which offer views of the river and lake. Visitors can admire the lake's beauty and the surrounding nature.Here, you can also enjoy cultural events and celebrate festive moments with friends, family, or colleagues.

The Mõniste Museum is the oldest open-air museum in Estonia; here you can light a fire in a Stone Age tepee or practice archery, slinging or lassoing. You can also learn how to make bone and earthenware objects, weave fishing nets and fabric, grind grain or bake a loaf of Stone Age bread. The threshing barn dating back to Czarist times features the interior of the 19th century building, tools, household utensils and clothing. The farmhouse from the times of the first Republic of Estonia exhibits the tools that blacksmiths used, horse necessaries, handicraft tools, national costumes, folk music instruments, etc. You can also try what farm works felt like at that time.

The Art Studio sells great Estonian oil paintings and graphic art, high-class leather and wood goods and high temperature ceramics by Aivar Rumvolt. Please do not hesitate to call on us, if you need a special gift for your guest. The Avatud Ateljee Studio organises different courses: you are welcome to sign up for pottery, calligraphy, binding or leatherwork classes. In addition the studio organises poetry reading nights and meetings with artists. Groups can also visit Aivar Rumvolt’s pottery shop in Kubja by previous appointment. In summer there are workshops both for grown-ups and the young.

The Tartu Song Celebration Museum is located in a 19th-century classicist building, where the organizer of the first Estonian Song Festival and founder of the national theater, the Vanemuine Society, operated. The first Estonian-language play, written by Lydia Koidula, premiered here. Koidula was a prominent female poet of the Estonian National Awakening, who thereby laid the foundation for the Estonian national theater. The museum offers an introduction to the Song Celebration tradition as well as the 150-year history and heritage of the Vanemuine Theater. Visitors can take part in interactive exhibitions, virtual reality experiences, workshops, and guided tours. The museum park is also open during opening hours.

The Medieval Theme Park and Pilgrim House at Vastseliina Episcopal Castle is a unique destination in South Estonia, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the medieval world. This place combines the ruins of a 14th-century castle, a sanctuary, interactive exhibitions, and activities suitable for history buffs, families, and pilgrims alike. At our interactive museum, you can explore the medieval-themed exhibition, learn about the castle's history, discover knights' equipment and Hanseatic merchants' wares, visit an alchemist's corner, and participate in various workshops. There is a children's room and the Castle Tavern, open in summer, which serves dishes inspired by the Middle Ages.

The TYPA Print and Paper Art Center, located in Tartu, invites you to participate in a paper marbling workshop. This technique, which is over a thousand years old, is a simple yet captivating way to create unique artworks. Marbling paints are dripped into a special water bath, where they float on the surface, and beautiful patterns can be formed using bamboo sticks or other tools. When paper is gently placed on the water's surface, the pattern transfers onto the sheet, creating a distinctive pattern. Each marbled paper is unique because the process starts anew with each sheet. This makes the workshop a special experience, resulting in something new and surprising every time. Participants can experiment with different colors and shapes, allowing creativity to flow freely. The finished paper can later be used in various ways. It is perfect for decorating cards, invitations, and gift packages, as book covers, or even as an interior design element. The marbled paper sheets created in the workshop bring joy both to the creator and as gifts for others.