Museum of Living History in Varnja

Põltsamaa Castle has been an important site throughout the centuries and carries a distinguished history – founded in 1272 on the riverbank, it was the residence of Magnus, the King of Livonia, and later evolved into a magnificent Rococo palace. Wars and fires left the castle in ruins, but now it has come back to life and is waiting for you to visit! Today, the castle offers visitors plenty of excitement. First and foremost, it is worth climbing to the viewing platform of the seven-story castle tower, where a captivating view of the city unfolds in every season. The tower is crowned by a restored historical dome, which is unique in all of Estonia. The church, located within the complex, is built directly into the castle's fortification walls and tower, and is open daily during the summer. The convent and gatehouse feature a modern exhibition that tells the colorful story of the castle and the town of Põltsamaa. In the castle courtyard, craft workshops await, where you can watch the work of masters or purchase something interesting yourself. Culinary experiences are offered by the restaurant Oberpahlen, where history and excellent food come together. Discover Põltsamaa Castle – a place where history comes to life!

The University of Tartu Art Museum is located in the historical University Main Building and has Pompeian-style interior. The museum’s permanent exhibition consists of sculptures, mostly from the antiquity – original size plaster cast copies of the best works of Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic Greece. The Art Museum also displays many ancient originals: coins, vases, clay lamps, and cuneiform tablets. There is also the mysterious mummy chamber, where you can find a genuine Egyptian mummy. You can also visit the beautiful Assembly Hall of the university and the student lock-up in the attic.

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!

We offer an unforgettable experience with a haunted dinner at Alatskivi Castle. Travel back in time to 140 years ago when the Nolcken family lived in the manor, and there was no electricity or modern technology. During the evening, the lady of the manor will move through the dark rooms of the castle, telling stories of bygone times and ghostly legends, because the castle is truly haunted! The experience includes a guided tour of the castle and a 3-course period-themed dinner, accompanied by a welcome drink. It is possible to order additional drinks with the courses. The minimum number of people is 10. Come and enjoy the historical atmosphere, delicious food, and mystical stories!

The Musical Instruments Museum has more than 3,000 exhibits, which include various musical instruments, as well as other exciting things from other fields. For example, in addition to musical instruments, you can see and explore speakers, microphones, amplifiers, and effects units from different eras. We also have turntables, tape recorders, transistors, telephones, and much more.Organising various concerts has also become a tradition in the Musical Instruments Museum.We also offer a guided tour of the museum!See you soon!

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.

This is a four-hour event taking place in the castle, its grounds and other parts of Alatskivi.The day includes:* A guided tour of the castle* A tour of the castle grounds and/or the nearby forest led by a cultural heritage guide, covering the manor-era buildings and other sites* A manor-era meal in the castle restaurantAlatskivi is located in Eastern Estonia, and at first glance the castle seems like something out of a fairytale with its battlements and towers. It is one of the most beautiful manor houses in the country.The minimum size of the group is 4 people.

We will take you on a memorable bike ride on the beautiful trails of Taevaskoda. During the hike, we will see the watermill of Kiidjärve, peek into the bunker of the Forest Brothers, get to know the River Ahja and its valley, admire the sandstone outcrops of Taevaskoda and the forest trails under primeval trees. If we are lucky, we will get to see and hear kingfishers. We will also try to find the filming locations of "Viimne Reliikvia" (The Last Relic). With our E-Bikes, we will traverse the trails with ease, and all the leftover energy can be used to enjoy the views.You can take part in scheduled hikes or book a private tour for your group at a time suitable for you.