Meelega Metsa forest immersion trips in South Estonia

A guided winter walking tour in the fairytale-like Old Town of Tartu feels like a journey to a magical land: your senses are open, wishes come true... On the tour, we explore the mysteries of Tartu's history and learn about the more mystical aspects of various places, legends, light and shadows, and feel the aura of centuries past. Walking through the Old Town, illuminated by Christmas lights, on snowy streets, and in a quiet park environment, snowy Tartu unfolds like a postcard – every corner hides a new story, and each step reveals the city's unique character. A leisurely pace allows you to enjoy the moment and notice architecture and details that might otherwise go unnoticed. On the walk, we also explore the local flavors of Tartu's Christmas City, which add warmth to the journey and provide an opportunity to experience winter Tartu with all your senses. The Winter Fairytale Walking Tour is designed for smaller groups, couples, and solo travelers seeking a more personal winter experience of Tartu. Come and discover the magic of winter in Tartu's Old Town!

Discover the early morning city of Tartu with its awakening sounds, birdsong, and crisp, beautiful views! We walk along the banks of the Emajõgi River, enjoy the morning peace, and take a look at the Market Hall, happily preparing for the day, where local flavors greet us. Then the Old Town awaits us — surprising in its morning light and beautiful solitude, Toomemägi with its enchanting views and a few surprises. Of course, beautiful Tartu architecture is found at every step! The guided tour is suitable for solo travelers, couples, international guests and business travelers. The tour is conducted by an officially certified guide.

At the Barge Center Theme Park, you can observe how a historical 24-meter-long two-masted Emajõe-Peipsi barge is built. You can also craft model barges, learn sailor skills, visit the forge, try old-time barge-related tasks, and explore the history of barge shipping. In the cinema area, you can watch films about barges and slide shows. We offer guided tours and workshops for groups upon prior reservation.Lodjakoja is a historical ship-building center, museum, theme park, and conference and exhibition venue. Viking and barge journeys begin here, and we have our own café and harbor. Explore an educational trail that introduces shipbuilding and forge work. Try out the sailing simulator that takes you on the water, and the test pool lets you try out your homemade model barge. Small visitors will be delighted by the play ship, sandbox-boat, and block corner, while older ones can puzzle over 3D puzzles. Everyone will enjoy the rope-pulling machine and old-time sports games. By visiting Lodjakoja, you help make history!

The museum is housed in Betti Alver’s home next to the Jõgeva railway station.The museum gives an overview of Betti Alver’s life and works, also perpetuates the memory of Alo Mattiisen and acquaints visitors with the historic and cultural heritage of Jõgeva.

The Pilgrim House introduces visitors to everything related to medieval pilgrims and pilgrimages. Here you can get acquainted with various medieval holy places and pilgrimage destinations. One of them, the most famous in Northern Europe, was located right here in the Holy Cross Chapel of the Vastseliina Bishopric! Thanks to the interactive exhibit, visitors can experience firsthand what a medieval pilgrim felt, what he feared, and what he loved. You can play medieval board games, and with prior arrangements, we offer various experience packages, including period and themed meals prepared in the Pilgrim House oven to fill your stomach!

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!

Located at the Estonian Agricultural Museum in Ülenurme, the MUHK, or the Rural Curiosity Center, is a lively place where visitors of all ages can discover, research, and play. This is where rural life comes to play through engaging education. Located on two floors, the center introduces modern agriculture through practical activities. The “Barn Symphony” exhibition explores topics related to animal welfare, feeding, and husbandry. You can also meet the museum's farm animals and relax in a soothing rabbit village. The exhibition “Manure and Milk” adds to the excitement, where you can also see a rare manure spreader. For the more adventurous, the slightly gut-wrenching veterinary room takes a look at the history of animal treatment. The museum’s treasury, or open storage, also awaits visitors, where fascinating objects from the museum’s collections are on display. The Estonian Rural Museum ticket gives you access to all museums in the complex, including the Rural Curiosity Center.

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.