In summer you can hike on the Kääriku recreational trails and in winter you can ski along the hills and valleys of the Otepää Upland. All the skiing, running, cycling and hiking trails are signposted, so you will always find your way safely back to the starting point. There are three hiking trails - the Running Track (5 km), the Lakeside Circuit (2.3 km) and the Seinamägi Hill Circuit (4.6 km). The latter is of particular interest to extreme sports enthusiasts. The Kekkonen hiking trail is perfect for cycling, and you can also cycle along the quiet bicycle and pedestrian track between Kääriku and Lake Pühajärv. The maps of the trails can be found on the homepage of Kääriku Sports Center.
The areas surrounding the rivers and bogs of Lake Peipsi have historically been sparsely populated due to the wet soil. The main means of transportation were rivers and waterways through the bog, which froze in winter. We invite you to explore these frozen winter roads with your family and pets! Most of the winter roads still exist today, and the most important one runs from Kodavere to Varnja. We will walk and hike through the bog along the old winter roads with Mesi Tare owner Marko and discuss their importance. We will have a picnic, and, if we are lucky, we will find especially sweet cranberries in the bog! We do part of the journey by karakat, a truck made by the locals to travel over the ice of Lake Peipsi. The hike will only take place during cold winters when there is ice!
Experience a magical evening under lantern light as a friendly sled dog walks by your side! The walk takes you to the snowy forest trails of Tartu County, where the guide shares fascinating knowledge about the native nature and tells stories related to the forest. Together with the dogs and lanterns, it creates a fairy-tale feeling, as if stepping into a timeless winter evening. In the middle of the hike, a campfire spot awaits, where a fire is lit to create a cozy atmosphere. You can enjoy campfire stories, drink warm tea, grill sausages and marshmallows, and feel how the silence and darkness of the winter evening become cozy thanks to the firelight and company. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends, colleagues, or family. The hike is suitable for participants of all ages – especially children, who delight in the company of dogs and the charm of the forest. The evening walk is a great way to take a break, breathe in the crisp forest air, and experience a genuine Nordic adventure. Come and create unforgettable memories in the company of sled dogs – it is an experience that warms the heart even on the coldest winter evening.
Tõrva disc golf park has 18 baskets. The course runs mainly on forest trails, but there are also baskets on clearings.
What does life really look like in the Old Believers' villages by Lake Peipus? This question is answered by Mesi Tare's host, Marko, who takes guests on a walking tour through the historic village of Varnja. This is not a regular excursion but a personal, direct experience in which the village, its people, and their stories unfold through the eyes of a local resident. Marko has been connected to Peipsiveere all his life, and his stories are based on real experiences. He has worked as a border guard, been a fisherman and boat captain, and today he operates as a tourism entrepreneur. During the tour, Marko discusses the customs, architecture, and lifestyle of the Old Believers, as well as the importance of Lake Peipus for the local community. Walking tours are arranged by prior reservation and tailored to visitors' interests and schedules. In addition to Varnja village, you can explore Kolkja village and Kallaste town, each with its own character and story. If desired, the tour can be combined with a visit to the Varnja Samovar House.
Vudila Playland has a large outdoor water park with a three-tier slide and a tube, saunas, swings, climbing attractions, trampolines, sky-jump, bumper cars, adventure trails, ATVs, electronic games, paddle boats, water bikes, a large playroom, animals, horse riding, and more. Vudila also offers catering and you can fish for trout here. On Sundays we have plays for the entire family!All children, their parents, grandparents, and friends are welcome – everyone will find something to do here for the whole day! Vudila Playland is located in Tartu County, near the picturesque Kaiavere Lake, 1.7 km from Elistvere Animal Park.
Disc golf is a sport that can simultaneously be a fun hobby, a pleasant pastime with friends, a health-promoting form of exercise, or even a serious top-level sport. In the beautiful, historical surroundings of Alatskivi Castle's park in Tartu County, a disc golf course with 10 baskets awaits you, with a total par of 30 and a course length of 1077 meters. The course offers challenges for both beginner players and more experienced enthusiasts, as it is designed to suit players of all ages and skill levels. The park's naturally inspiring atmosphere makes the experience even more special. The disc golf course is open to players around the clock, allowing you to come and play whenever it suits you. Discs can be borrowed free of charge from Alatskivi Castle's reception desk during the castle's opening hours, provided an identity document is presented. Grab the discs, invite your friends, and head to Alatskivi Castle Park. Enjoy a game, nature, and the unique atmosphere of the castle's garden!
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.