Ice skating in the Venice of Peipsi

The multi-layered Onion Route near Lake Peipus is waiting for you!The Onion Route offers many adventures in the winter: *A tour at the Alatskivi Castle with the castle damsel; making a bag with the traditional woodblock printing technique at the castle's workshop, and tasting the local foods in the castle's restaurant;*Going on a journey of discovery on a local vehicle (karakat) meant for driving on ice on Lake Peipus or the swamps of Emajõe Suursoo, and having a picnic in the nature;*Going to a sauna tent or a plasticsauna, whichever you like, on Lake Peipus or the yard of Mesi Tare Home Accommocation at Varnja village.The price includes a guide and a day programme, prepared in accordance with your wishes.Wear warm clothes, bring your friends, and come discover the Onion Route!

Urban Space Bike Tours are a fresh way to discover Tartu! This is not an ordinary excursion; it is a city experience through a dynamic urban environment: We visit picturesque, thought-provoking places in the city where Tartu's past, present, and future are intertwined. We learn about upcoming urban development. We see historical and modern architecture, enjoy urban nature, discover street art, and dive into the pleasant atmosphere of this student city. We discuss good cities, the kind of cities where one would want to live. The tour is private for groups of 2–12 people. Young people are welcome from the age of 14. The distance and pace are moderate and adaptable to the group's abilities. No need to wear sports clothes. As a visitor, the best way to explore the city is to rent a Smart Bike electric bike from Tartu Smart Bike. But you can also come with your own bicycle or light vehicle. The guide is Aljona Galazan, the creator of Urban Space Bike Tours, a landscape architect, lecturer, and cycling enthusiast.

The winter charm of Lake Peipsi is best experienced on an adventurous ride across the ice with a karakat, offered by Mesi Tare. Karakats are locally built machines created by Peipsi fishermen, equipped with large airplane tires that ensure safe, stable movement on the frozen lake. The ride lasts about an hour and includes stops where Peipsi fishermen's tools, techniques, and methods for catching fish from ice holes are introduced. Additionally, information is shared about local life, Old Believers' traditions, and what makes karakats special. A ride in a karakat offers the chance to experience the ice of Estonia's largest lake and expansive winter views that will be long remembered. Services are provided only when ice conditions are suitable and with the permission of the Police and Border Guard Board to ensure a safe and memorable experience. It is also possible to order rides for larger groups, company winter days, or children's birthdays, making the experience even more special. Come and experience the winter charm of Peipsi with a karakat!

The host of Mesi Tare will take your group on an adventure to Piirissaar, a small island in Lake Peipsi! We start from the Varnja Harbor, where the host will be waiting with a fishing boat. The boat trip lasts two hours, depending on the weather and water level. We will walk with a guide through Piirissaar's three villages and see all the important places on the island, including the Piirissaare Old Believers Museum, the location of the Old Believers' prayer house, the Orthodox church and the Piirissaare Titanic. For lunch, the guide will take you to Zinaida's home, where she will lay out a magnificent table for her guests. (Note: The food must be paid for on the spot.) The day ends with a boat trip back to Varnja.

The uninhabited Salosaar is located in Lämmijärv, about 1.5 km from the mouth of River Võhandu. It is one of the thirty islands of Lake Peipus. The island is special thanks to its nature, history, and the fact that Lake Pskov starts at the eastern coast of the island. This means that during one trip, you can visit two lakes!The guided Robinsonade to Salosaar and back lasts for about two hours. During it, we will move on the lake with kicksleds and stop on the island. We will explore a colony of cormorants, take a look at Russia, see an old farm and the German line of defence, and admire the view from the high shore of the island.More information is available on our website.

Mesi Tare homestay offers exciting boat trips on beautiful Lake Peipsi during the summer season. The ship called Mesiroos can accommodate up to 10 people to enjoy the enchanting beauty of Lake Peipsi! It is possible to order day cruises to Piirissaare in Lake Peipsi, fishing trips for team events, or round-trip transport for Mesi Tare guests from Varnja to a concert or a visit to a tourist attraction on the shores of Lake Peipsi. All trips according to your wishes! Give us an idea, and we'll figure out a way to do it! All your friends, family members, children, and pets are welcome on our ship!

A canoe trip on the Põltsamaa River takes you away from the city directly into the silence of the bog. The Põltsamaa River flows through the Endla Nature Reserve, where views of the authentic bog landscape open up. Nature is constantly changing: water levels, weather, and seasons make each trip unique. During the trip, you can stop and step directly onto the edge of the bog from the canoe to pick cranberries, bilberries, or rare cloudberries. The journey takes you through quiet river stretches, offering real relaxation and the peace of nature. The trip can be chosen as a one-day, two-day, or multi-day adventure. There is an option to make a detour to Lake Endla. A shorter route can be completed at the Kirikumäe campfire site, while the longer route ends at Jõeküla Bridge. If desired, you can continue from there for a multi-day journey. The Põltsamaa River is known for its clear water and is very popular among fishermen. Before or after the canoe trip, it is worth exploring the nearby springs (Norra Springs, Oostriku Springs, Sopa Spring, etc.). A true nature experience awaits — grab a paddle and come discover!

Although West Estonia is known to most of people as a place to observe migratory birds in the spring, then Southeast Estonia is almost as fascinating. At Lämmijärv and its surrounding region it is possible to encounter various migratory waterfowls and local eagles. In addition, we also have virgin forests with rivers and wetlands, where one can observe different species of owls, woodpeckers, hazel grouses and forest birds such as crossbills, northern goshawks, river kingfishers, etc. You can encounter a moose or hear the howling of a wolf. I offer tours for both beginners (binoculars and a fieldscope are included in the price) and experienced observers - from 3 hours to several days, including accommodation. More information can be found from website.