The field of naturally growing daffodils, which is unique in the Baltic states, can be found in the Vara rural municipality. Yellow daffodils are rare in the wild and the daffodil field in Sookalduse is a rarity that has been taken under conservation. The daffodils originate from the bulb that Peep Sibul, the landlord of Sookalduse, got from Saare Manor and planted in his garden in the end of the 19th century.The yellow sea of flowers can be enjoyed from around the middle of April, depending on the spring.
The University of Tartu Botanical Garden offers study programmes and excursions for visitors of all ages. There are more than 10,000 species and varieties of plants in the garden. In addition to natural plants, including rare protected plants, we introduce new decorative plants. In the greenhouses, rainforest and desert plants can be seen. We are the oldest botanical garden in the Baltic States, operating for more than 200 years in the same location. The garden is designed by world-renowned botanists, professors Ledebour and Bunge. Guests can visit the greenhouses with a ticket, but the garden is open for everyone for free. There is a playground for children.
In Piusa Ürgorg Holiday Complex you can angle rainbow trout from the pond and have it cooked by the host family from early spring to late autumn. If you wish, you may also take raw fish along. We are located in the beautiful primeval valley of the Piusa River in Setomaa. This is a perfect place for a stress-free holiday.The murmuring Piusa River, a piece of Estonian history and the splended ancient nature will give you and your family or friends the best vacation. Upon an advance notice, the kitchen of Piusa Ürgorg Holiday Complex caters groups, prepares banquet tables and is responsible for all the catering in case of company events. The menu consists mainly of trout dishes, but it also includes Estonian national farm food that is highly valued by guests.
Otepää Adventure Park is a place you can easily spend a whole day experiencing real thrills! Whether you get your shot of adrenaline on the various climbing tracks, the 350 m flight above the valley of the fort, or by catapulting yourself up to 20 m high in the air, there is an opportunity for every thrill seeker.So as not to be left out, the smallest members of your family can also have an adventure of their own, too, on the safe children’s track. With a professional team to advise and support families visiting the Adventure Park, all challenges will be conquered together! A great place to forget about your daily worries and stress, the Otepää Adventure Park is the spot to enjoy an adventure on your own, with family, friends, or colleagues.
In winter, when Lake Peipsi is frozen, the Mesi Tare family offers guests a real adventure holiday — a winter day on Lake Peipsi! The host takes the group out onto the lake ice in a karakat (a vehicle specially built for driving on ice), teaches them how to fish, and catches fish from an ice hole with the group. The fish that are caught are used to make a delicious soup in a pot set up on the lake ice. After a 3-hour karakat safari and ice fishing, a heated tent sauna awaits on shore, where you can warm up your body and then cool off in an ice hole! Enjoy an authentic Lake Peipsi experience with your family, children, and pets!
In Tartu County, near the Elva railway station, the Väike Väerada trail is one of the area's most popular hiking paths. It is special because of the wooden sculptures inspired by Estonian fairy tales and created by local artists. Small but mighty, Väerada has a healing effect on both the mind and body. The nature trail offers experiences for hikers of all ages and is suitable for exploration year-round. The attractive sculptures not only adorn the trail but also guide the correct path. The forest trail includes several resting spots and exciting attractions for children, making the journey even more enjoyable. The hiking trail ends at the Tartumaa Health Sports Center, where you can continue adventuring on other forest trails, play disc golf, or enjoy playground fun with children under the beautiful pines. Come take a walk in nature, discover fairy-tale sculptures, and let Elva Väerada offer you peace and experience in every season.
From early spring until late autumn, a canoe and kayak trip on Võhandu River is an exiting way to have fun and gain new experiences.As an alternative to familiar canoes, we also offer river kayaks. These kayaks are stable, fast, comfortable and safe. A kayak can be easily steered by foot pedals and the paddlers are protected from rain and spray by the deck and the spray skirt of the kayak. Therefore, the weather will not get in the way of your adventure. We offer shorter and longer trips (2-6 hours and 1-3 days).Price list for water trips and information about accommodation options is available on our website.Minimum size of the group is 10 people.
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.