Loodustaju birdwatching in Southeast Estonia

We organize fatbike hikes in Taevaskoda year-round. From spring to autumn, we ride along forest trails on the banks of the ancient valley of the Ahja River. In winter, we also stop by the ice of Lake Taevaskoda. The most famous places on the route are Suur- and Väike Taevaskoda, Neitsikoobas Cave, and the Kiidjärve water mill and manor park. The tour runs most of the time along beautiful forest trails in the varied landscape of South Estonia. The tour is suitable for anyone who is at least 150 cm tall. The pace is calm, and we take breaks to catch our breath and chat every 15-20 minutes. We talk about nature and local attractions. Taevaskoda has a rich history and cultural heritage; it contains sacred places and springs important to ancient Estonians. This area is known for its sandstone outcrops and magical forest trails. We use regular fatbikes and electric fatbikes (e-fatbikes) for riding. You can find clothing recommendations and information about the equipment you need for the tour on our website. If you wish, you can also order meals.

Many birds and animals await you at "Talu ja loomad" (Farm and Animals) hobby farm, located in Kulli village in Tartu County! At the farm you can see various birds: chickens, the world's smallest seramas, ducks, turkeys, and geese. Additionally, the farm has goats, sheep, rabbits, chinchillas, hedgehogs, and a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. You can meet about 300 animals and birds at the farm. Come with family and spend your time with lovely and unique birds and animals!

The wetlands, bogs, and forests of the Peipsiveere Nature Reserve are rich in berries and mushrooms, and picking them has always been a summer tradition for Estonians. Led by an experienced guide with a forager's soul, we will hike to places where you can find Estonian nature's top delicacies, like blueberries and cranberries. We will learn how to find these berry and mushroom spots, what to pick, what to leave in the forest, and how to preserve berries and mushrooms for the winter. The trips take place from mid-July to mid-October. At the end of the trip, we will prepare a delicious dish from the natural products we have picked over a campfire in the forest. Join us to go foraging for berries and mushrooms!

The two Taevaskoda outcrops on the banks of the ancient valley of the Ahja River are one of the most frequently visited sites in southern Estonia. The sandstone outcrops and the ancient river form the most beautiful part of the Ahja River Landscape Reserve. Legends speak of caves, secret passageways and of demons and a mermaid with a golden comb. A walk from the Saesaare dam to the Small Taevaskoda outcrop, the Emaläte spring, the Neitsikoobas cave and the Large Taevaskoda outcrop, which rises 22.5 metres above the river, is worth undertaking in every season. The beautiful and exciting natural setting attracts hikers – it is a place that every Estonian visits at least once in their life!

Join the long-distance sled dog team training in Tartu County and experience something that not everyone can! Your role is simple but important – you sit on a special terrain cart as extra weight and enjoy an adrenaline-filled ride with a professional racing team. Meanwhile, we will unveil the behind-the-scenes of the sled dog world – discussing training methods, competitions, and the unique aspects of the dogs' work. You will be guided by Estonia's first musher to participate in long-distance races, Heinrich Lukk, whose experience extends to the challenging tracks of Norway and Finland. During the training, you will see a racing team of eight Alaskan huskies in action and practicing simpler practical tasks. The training lasts 2 to 3 hours, takes place from September to November, and is suitable for only one participant at a time, which makes the experience personal and special. Put on rubber boots or hiking shoes, choose weatherproof clothing, and come to Tartu County for an adventure that will be remembered for a lifetime!

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.

Emajõe-Suursoo, located in Tartu County, is home to dozens of bog islands and pristine nature, where a local guide can take you on an adventure. Since humans rarely set foot here, the area is home to a diverse range of species. Using bogshoes, we will walk across the bog islands and explore their primeval forests. We will definitely see traces of animal and bird activity and maybe even meet the local inhabitants themselves. If you are lucky, you may find a proud eagle owl or moose antlers during the hike. The trip also includes a light snack. The hike is suitable for children aged 12 and above. Friendly pets are welcome too!

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!