• History & Culture
  • Architecture and history

Otten’s Mill Bridge or the Bridge of Siim

Põlva vald, Põlva maakond, 63226

Otten’s Mill Bridge is known as the setting for the feature film The Last Relic. This is where Siim blocks the path of his chasers on the bridge and one of the chasers’ horses falls into the river.The mill bridge, which also worked as a mill dam, was built by Jaan Otten, the owner of the mill, in 1916, following the example of the Tartu Stone Bridge. The water channel with a bridge built of quarrystone has only partially survived. The dam of the watermill is built of quarrystone and it has two large concrete arches that could be closed with gates.Otten’s Mill Bridge is the border of the Ahja River Primeval Valley Nature Protection Area. The bridge is also entered in the state register of cultural monuments.

Mugavused

  • Information boards
  • Free parking
  • Recreation area/picnic ground

Vaata lisaks

  • Hiking Trails

Kütioru hiking trail

The hiking trail starts from the parking area near the Kütiorg Holiday Centre. The trail is diverse, with fairly steep and challenging terrain, so it's recommended to allow four to five hours to complete it. Along the trail, hikers get the best view of Estonia’s largest and most powerful ancient valley – Kütiorg – and can explore old mill sites and other cultural heritage landmarks. In the forested slopes of Kütiorg, there are spruce stands over a hundred years old, as well as exceptionally thick and tall aspen trees. Near the starting point of the trail, there is a campfire site equipped with a grill grate. Good to know: Part of the trail passes through private property, where dogs may roam freely.

  • Ruins

12th Century Ruins of the Otepää Bishop’s Castle

Here You can see the ruins of the first known brick building in Estonia on top of the Otepää Hill Fort. Herman I, who became the Bishop of Tartu in autumn 1224, established the first stronghold of its diocese here. A settlement, which was mainly populated by craftsmen and merchants, appeared around the bishop’s castle in the 13th century.Interesting facts: * the oldest traces of a settlement on the Fort date back to approximately the change of the system of chronology; in the 11th century, Otepää was the most important stronghold of the ancient Ugandi County; * a metal map of the Estonian strongholds was installed on the Fort Hill in 1937.

  • Guided tours
  • Wildlife tours

Beaver observation trip in canoes

We will observe beavers on the Emajõgi River. The canoe trip is for small groups and includes an experienced guide who instructs on both the canoeing and beaver-watching.There are a lot of brave beavers on the Emajõgi River. If you act correctly, you can see them from very close up.The trip does not require any special ability or canoeing experience, which means it is also suitable for beginners. We have stable wide-bottomed hiking canoes that are very safe. Besides, the Emajõgi River is a calm river with no waterfalls or other obstacles in the way.

  • Camping sites

Pikasilla recreation area

Pikasilla recreation area, located in Põdrala rural municipality by the southern tip of Lake Võrtsjärv, is easily accessible and has a strategically good location by a waterway (at the mouth of the River Emajõgi). The place has become well-known as a venue of sports competitions and various public events. The area has different sports facilities, a children's playground, cabins and a campfire site; it also has washing and cooking facilities.The services of the recreation area include:- renting the recreation area- renting canoes, kayaks and boats- boat harbour and mooring spots- renting a stadium building and a building with washing and cooking facilities- caravan parking- camping ground for about 100 people- cabins for rent

Communal granary in Nursi

The communal granary in Nursi Village by the Võru-Valga road was built in the second half of the 19th century.Building of communal granaries started in Estonia already during the second half of the18th century. The required grain reserve was kept there and peasants could borrow grain for food or sowing.As this is the place of summer spare-time activities in Rõuge Rural Municipality, the Nursi communal granary is also known as Midriait.You can see the unplastered quarrystone building with a hipped roof from the outside.

  • Pet friendly
  • Family friendly
  • Spas
  • Medical spas

Värska Water Center Hotel

South Estonia and Setomaa are definitely worth exploring! A relaxing family holiday, a refreshing getaway with a partner, or a business trip with colleagues — at the renovated Värska Water Center, you can relax, have fun, and organize seminars.The hotel at Värska Water Center offers single and double rooms with all amenities, more spacious family rooms, a room for people with disabilities, and one room suitable for allergy sufferers. Rooms decorated with Seto patterns offer views either of the surrounding pine forest or the water park, and some rooms have skylights. There are also provisions for travelers with pets. On the first floor of the hotel is Näki Café, where healthy cocktails and hearty pub dishes are served. Here, you can also try Värska water with varying salt content, directly from the earth. The hotel also features a gym and a solarium, a seminar room, and a party hall for children. The water center offers visitors swimming pools, plunge pools, a sauna world, and a water bar.