Families with children are particularly welcome in the Lake Pühajärv Park as there are many opportunities to feed ducks and other birds when walking on the lakeshore. There is an exercise track by the northern part of the park. This is also the place where you will find the beach with a beach house, cafés, arbours and boat hire.The park used to be a part of the Pühajärv Manor Park and it was designed as a walking forest with paths already in the 19th century. The park is mainly a naturally grown forest.
The recreation area by Lake Pangodi is a popular holiday destination, offering a variety of opportunities to enjoy nature. In the holiday complex, you can swim, camp, and make a campfire. The large lawn by the sandy beach has a children's playground with active holiday elements and a volleyball court. At the beginning of the recreation area, there is a parking lot that can accommodate up to 30 cars. The Pangodi camping area is by the lake, where you can find three campfire sites with canopies and benches. Along the Pikksaare hiking trail (1 km) starting from the car park, you will reach the Pangodi campfire site, which is about 500 m from the crowded camping area in the Pangodi park forest. Be respectful to nature!
Emajõe City Beach is located on the left bank of the Emajõgi River in Tartu’s Ülejõe district and is a popular place among locals during the summer. There is a sandy beach for sunbathing. There are various attractions for children: swings, climbing equipment and a slide. During the summer months, the coast guard also works during the day.On the city side of the beach, you will find the Lodjakoda, which operates as centre for building historical ships and a theme park as well as a museum, where adults and children alike can see how barges are made. This is also the harbour where viking and barge trips start.
Lake Kiidjärv is the perfect place to enjoy the beach or summer evenings: there is a sandy beach, two swimming bridges, and a small playground for children. Swim at the beach at your own risk! Kiidjärve Manor Park is located near the swimming area.Nearby are Kiidjärve Water Mill, RMK Kiidjärve Visitor Centre, Roiupalu study trail (800 m), Valgesoo bog study trail and watchtower (3.5 km), and Large Taevaskoda sandstone outcrop (3.5 km).The buildings of Kiidjärve Manor were built in the second half of the 18th century and the park was probably built at the same time. The manor house was destroyed in a fire in 1950, but some smaller buildings have been preserved, such as a granary-drier.
Tõrva's Vanamõisa Lake is a popular summer destination for both locals and visitors from afar. The lake is located on the outskirts of the city, near Tõrva Veemõnula Water and Sauna Center. At the edge of Vanamõisa Lake stands the Baltics' highest diving tower, Tõrva Lion Tower. It was built in place of the legendary Tõrva Vanamõisa diving tower, offering visitors a safe and exciting opportunity for summer water fun. The tower has five floors, each with a diving platform into the lake. The height of the last platform above the water surface is 11 meters, and the total height of the tower, including light masts, reaches 14 meters. In addition to the long sandy shore, the beach features a boardwalk and ball game courts. During the summer season, lifeguards are on duty at the beach from 11 AM to 7 PM. Visitors can rent volleyball, badminton sets, and spikeball sets from the lifeguard. Changing rooms and toilets are available. Good to know: you can park your car at the Tõrva Gymnasium parking lot, and from there, it's a short walk to the lake. Come and enjoy the summer and water fun in Southern Estonia!
The Tamula lake beach is located in the city of Võru. The beach is interestingly designed, modernly landscaped and maintained, equipped with changing cabins and attractions offering various activities. You can play football and volleyball, climb on the net, build sandcastles, sunbathe on the grass or sandy beach. The beach promenade, 800 meters long, starts at the Tamula hotel and extends to the Roosisaare bridge. During the swimming season, lifeguards ensure safety. On the beach playground, children are welcomed in summer by climbing nets, ball courts, and various swings. In addition, it is pleasant to walk or simply enjoy the moment by Tamula lake — the mirror-like surface of the lake and birdsong create a peaceful atmosphere in every season. In the evenings, the beach offers views of picturesque sunsets, making this place a favorite for photographers and romantics. Nearby parks, cafes, and terraces offer the opportunity to enjoy coffee or ice cream with a view of the lake. Concerts and events are also organized along the promenade during the summer months, bringing life and buzz to the Tamula area.
Erastvere is one of the oldest settlements near Põlva. There is an old manor park with the tallest lime-tree in Estonia, with the height of 35 m. A chapel of the noble German family von Ungern-Sternberg which is built on the foundation of the former Church of Mary and called after the last family member born in Estonia – Gerhard – is located in the middle of the park. The park also includes the fascinating Lake Erastvere which offers good opportunities to bathe, camp and spend a good time. The Ahja River starts from the north-eastern part of Lake Erastvere.
The Palumägede hiking trail is situated near Lake Pangodi, within the picturesque Pangodi Landscape Reserve, and is an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking an active holiday experience. The hiking trail offers diverse landscapes with pleasantly alternating ups and downs, adding a little excitement to the hike. The starting point of the hiking trail is conveniently located at the second parking lot of Palumägede, where you will also find an information board that gives a good overview of the surrounding nature. Clear signposts and benches along the trail make the walk particularly comfortable. The Palumägede campfire site offers a space for grilling, swimming, and camping.