The monument to the legendary Estonian statesman and journalist Jaan Tõnisson was established in 1999. Its authors are Mati Karmin and Tiit Trummal. Jaan Tõnisson was a legendary statesman and journalist who was prime minister from 1919 to 1920, the head of state from 1927 to 1928 and in 1933, the owner of the Postimees newspaper from 1896 to 1930 and the editor-in-chief of the Postimees from 1896 to 1935. Tõnisson was made an honorary citizen of Tartu in 1939.
The park and monument dedicated to Betti Alver were opened with a ceremony on the writer's 90th birthday in 1996. This is not a traditional bust of a writer, but a symbol focussed on creation. The poet's autograph, signature in stone, is in the base of the monument. The monument as a whole depicts the airy lightness, classic strictness and energetic striving of the poet's works, but also shows contrasts, suppressing and destructive forces. The general image of the monument represents Betti Alver's fate and story.
The Wagenküll Hotel offers luxurious and romantic accommodation in three different historic buildings – the Art Nouveau castle, a functionalist park house, and the house of a historical ruler. We have 75 rooms, including 10 suites, each of which is special due to its unmatched history and sophisticated architecture.The castle complex includes the Art Nouveau castle, an à la carte restaurant, a luxury castle spa, and a 1930s hotel.Wagenküll – we value stress-free holidays and time outside of time.
At the Metsavenna Farm located on the Estonian-Latvian border, you have a unique opportunity to search for forest brothers in hiding places during a forest brother hike, stay in a bunker, and listen to true stories.The experience continues at the Metsavenna eatery, where simple yet authentic food from the era is served: boiled potatoes with skins, butter, salt, and juice. The visit concludes with a musical experience – singing the song of the former Härmiku forest brothers' orchestra. Visiting Metsavenna Farm is an engaging and educational journey into the history of forest brotherhood.
During the summer months, we depart on selected dates at 9:00 AM from the quay next to the Tartu Market Hall for a journey to Piirissaar. Piirissaar is the only permanently inhabited Estonian island in Lake Peipsi. The north-eastern part of the island has three villages (Piiri, Tooni, and Saare). Most of the inhabitants of Piirissaar are Russian Old Believers whose main activities include fishing and growing onions. The boat trip to Piirissaar takes 4–4.5 hours, with approximately 2 hours planned for independent exploration and dining on the island. The estimated return to Tartu is around 21:00. For the exact schedule, please visit the Seto Line Reisid website.
Jõesuu Home Accommodation offers boat and canoe rentals on the Purtsi River for exhilarating water adventures. You can fish, watch birds, take pictures of nature, or enjoy being on the water. We offer a four-person rowboat for rent (with a motor if desired), two canoes for three people, a pedal boat, and four SUP boards. All watercraft can be rented on an hourly basis. For safety, we always provide life jackets. When the day's adventure ends, we will be waiting for you at our cozy holiday farm. Bring your family or friends and begin your vacation in Jõesuu.
The patron saint of the Värska Orthodox Church is St. George. The most important church holiday is St. George's Day, which is celebrated in Setomaa on May 6 and culminates with the afternoon kirmaski, or village party. The church was built with money from the community, and the original iconostasis from the beginning of the 20th century has been preserved, part of which is an icon of St. George painted on a tree in the 17th century. The church also has several handmade holy shawls. Värska cemetery is next to the church, and several important Seto cultural figures are buried there.
One of the most important battles of the War of Independence took place near the Paju Manor on 31 January 1919. The Northern Sons Regiment that consisted of Finnish volunteers also fought for the independence of Estonia over here. The most legendary commander in the War of Independence, Lieutenant Julius Kuperjanov, was fatally injured in the battle. The battle memorial is a granite pillar on a three-level pyramid, which was reopened on the 75th anniversary of the battle on 30 January 1994.Interesting facts: * the memorial was opened by President of the Republic of Estonia Lennart Meri; * a memorial tablet to the Northern Sons who fell in the battle can be found on the wall of the Valga Jaani (St John’s) Church.