Babelhouse guided day trip in the Võru and Võromaa region

Discover the heart of Estonian literature: the Oskar Luts Home Museum in Tartu! The museum is a quiet, charming place that takes you back in time and offers a glimpse into the life of one of Estonia's most beloved writers, Oskar Luts (1887–1953). The museum is located in a functionalist house built in the 20th century, where the author's personal belongings, furniture, manuscripts, and work desk have been preserved. The permanent exhibition reveals Luts's influence on literature, theatre, and film. The authentic atmosphere and warm stories offer a meaningful experience even for those just discovering his name. This is not just a museum, but a home where literature and life meet!

The Kodavere Heritage Center in Tartu County breathes new life into the historical Pala Town Hall, which has been the heart of the local community for years. The center showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Peipsi region and is a place where old stories, languages, and traditions are revitalized. Visitors can gain a comprehensive overview of the history of Kodavere parish municipalities and town halls, and view the intriguing photo exhibition "People of Kodavere Parish in Oskar Tõrva's Glass Negatives," which reveals the everyday and festive life of rural areas a century ago. Additionally, they can admire the handicraft exhibition "Kodavere Kupuliud," highlighting the skills of local craftsmen and folk aesthetics. A separate display is dedicated to the Kodavere dialect, an essential part of the region's identity. The center also features a memorial room for poet Anna Haava and an exhibit "Song Festivals in Pala 100 Years Ago." Guided tours and heritage culture workshops are offered by reservation, suitable for both school groups and adults.

Lake Peipus Living Room is a permanent exhibition that gives visitors information about the natural conditions in Lake Peipus and the lives of people living by the lake. You can see models of the 34 species of fish that inhabit Lake Peipus. There is also a three-dimensional model of the lake that is 4 m long and 1.4 m wide and also shows the location of the towns and villages, accommodation establishments, museums, watchtowers and other places of interest near the lake.The Mustvee beach by Lake Peipus is marked with a yellow National Geographic window; it is one of the 21 places worth discovering in Southern Estonia. If you are interested in nature, it is definitely worth a visit.

The Pilgrim House introduces visitors to everything related to medieval pilgrims and pilgrimages. Here you can get acquainted with various medieval holy places and pilgrimage destinations. One of them, the most famous in Northern Europe, was located right here in the Holy Cross Chapel of the Vastseliina Bishopric! Thanks to the interactive exhibit, visitors can experience firsthand what a medieval pilgrim felt, what he feared, and what he loved. You can play medieval board games, and with prior arrangements, we offer various experience packages, including period and themed meals prepared in the Pilgrim House oven to fill your stomach!

Põltsamaa Food and Wine Museum – discover the story of Estonia's food and wine industry! Põltsamaa Food and Wine Museum takes you on an exciting journey through more than 100 years of the Estonian food and wine industry. Põltsamaa Castle's museum houses a permanent exhibition on the second floor that introduces the development story of ETK Põltsamaa Factories since the 1920s, when coffee, potato starch, and wine were produced here. You can also discover the unique foods of the Soviet era — tube foods made for cosmonauts. The exhibition awaits you with genuine historical production equipment, fascinating exhibits, and products from various decades that tell the story of Põltsamaa as an important center for Estonia's food and wine industry. The museum is also accessible to visitors with mobility impairments. Wine tasting and various food packages are offered by Restaurant Oberpahlen, which operates in the castle. Come and discover the flavors, stories, and memories that have shaped Põltsamaa's place in Estonian food culture!

A museum unique in Estonia is located on the main street of Mustvee, founded by Heino Lubi who worked as a scales maker for more than 30 years. The collection includes over 120 various scales, about 50 steelyards, a great number of metal and ceramic weights and other things related to scales.In addition to scales made in Estonia, Heino Lubi's collection also features scales made in the Soviet Union and Poland. The museum also displays several contemporary scales which help to understand the history of scales.Guided tours must be pre-booked!

The interactive exhibition at Alatskivi Castle's horse stable provides a good overview of manor life. The central part of the exhibition is a drawing of the Alatskivi Manor estate grounds, which explains the management and living environment of the entire complex. You will learn what role purebred dog breeding played in the manor, how forestry was managed, how much income Alatskivi Manor earned, and where the money came from to build the fairytale castle. The play corner with a beautiful replica of the castle and dolls will delight the youngest visitors. The horse stable is perfect for organizing concerts and events! Discover manor life inside the castle, too — bring your friends, family, and pets!

Discover the gems of South Estonia: Taevaskoja and Põlva! If you wish to spend a day filled with the beauty of nature, local flavors, and inspiring encounters, try the Babelhouse day trip starting from Tartu to Southern Estonia. One of the highlights of the tour is a walk on the famous Taevaskoja hiking trail, where mighty sandstone cliffs, mysterious caves, and the flowing Ahja River create a stunning landscape. After exploring nature, the small town of Põlva awaits, surprising you with its charm. There, you'll have the opportunity to meet local small business owners and hear their stories. Transportation from Tartu and back is included in the tour price. Babelhouse tours are flexible and tailored to meet the group's wishes and time constraints. During the tour, you can purchase local souvenirs. The Taevaskoja and Põlva tour is ideal for culture enthusiasts, foreign guests, and groups of friends who wish to experience the beauty of nature together, as well as for pre- and post-conference programs. Book the trip and spend a wonderful day in Southern Estonia!