The Monument to the Estonian Mother was inaugurated in Rõuge on 26 June 2010. The monument is meant to demonstrate appreciation for the Estonian woman as a mother, to express gratitute, and to value the survival of our people. Hans Sissas (1933 - 2012), who has recounted the stories of Estonian deportees and authored many memoirs, initiated the idea of a monument to the Estonian mother, and lead the efforts to have the monument completed.The monument is made from stone brought from Udmurtia, and is 3.6 high, weighing nearly 6 tonnes.The monument was designed by the artists/sculptors Ilme and Riho Kuld, and was made by the sculptors/stone masons Margus Kurvits and Kristjan Kittus.
Meenikunno Bog is one of the most beautiful bogs in South Estonia. It has a diverse fauna and birdlife, picturesque open lakes and numerous bog islands! Guided bogshoe hikes offer a wealth of new and exciting knowledge about the formation of bogs, their unique nature, flora, and fauna. The hike includes the service of a guide, snowshoes, walking sticks, and hot tea in cold weather. At the end of the hike, you can order a luxurious forest restaurant meal or a simple, refreshing picnic lunch. Register for a public hike, either alone or with a smaller group, via the hiking calendar. A bogshoe hike is a journey of discovery!
Peipsiveere Samovar House is a small museum in the Old Believers' village of Varnja that introduces visitors to the world of samovars and tea culture along Lake Peipsi. The private collection, accumulated over decades, contains more than 200 diverse samovars. From simple tin samovars to rare ones with elaborate engravings, reflecting the skills and traditions of masters from different eras. The exhibition, located in an authentic Old Believers' house, offers visitors insight into why the samovar was more than just a kettle for centuries. Stories reveal the origins of samovars, manufacturing techniques, usage methods, different design types, and tea-drinking traditions in the communities along the lake. Every guest can taste genuine samovar tea and the famous Ivan chai, and try traditional boiled sugar with the tea, an integral part of Old Believers' tea culture. If desired, one can also explore handmade samovar accessories and hear stories from the hostess of Mesi Tare about preparing, serving, and respectfully preserving tea.
We offer boat rental in Varnja village, which is located on the shore of Lake Peipus. Lake Peipus is one of the largest lakes in Europe and it is the favourite lake of many fishermen all year round.You can rent both motorboats and rowboats from us. The selection includes various boat models: Cursus440, Progress-4, Voronez, and Kasse. All these are suitable for managing the waves of Lake Peipus.In order to rent a boat you do not have to be interested in only fishing. A beautiful summer weather is especially enjoyable while sailing on water, either by exploring the villages of Old Believers along the shore, sailing to the River Emajõgi located 3 km away or by exploring streams which connect the swamp with Lake Peipus and the River Emajõgi.
Kivitalu Restaurant Rock Summer is known for its delicious and fresh meals, made with love from ingredients from our farm. You can enjoy a wonderful view of the lake and eat the meat of Kivitalu sheep, as well as pancakes and omelettes made from eggs from our own chicken. We grow potatoes, beetroot, carrots, cucumbers, pumpkins, salads, herbs, garlic, and onions here. Other raw ingredients come from South-Estonian farmers. The restaurant was named after Rock Summer festivals, which were held at Tallinn Song Festival Grounds – our chef Jüri Makarov used to organise them.
Kiisa Jahi- ja Matkamaja (Kiisa Hunting and Hiking Lodge) is suitable for seminars, trainings, birthday parties, company events, weddings or simply an enjoyable get-together.The holiday home is located by Lake Kiisa in a quiet rural area in Põlva County. The property has two ponds and a large lawn, where you can play various games and camp. At our barbecue shelter, you can smoke and grill food, or enjoy a warm evening by the fire in the fireplace.We offer accommodation for 12 people; however, upon agreement, the house can accommodate up to 18 people as well.
Kakulaane Tourist Farm is located in a private, naturally beautiful place in Southern Estonia. We offer great opportunities for a pleasant holiday, summer and winter days, company parties, and birthdays.There are camping and holiday homes of various sizes and a large camping area. The tourist farm has a large open-air stage, an outdoor kitchen, South Estonia's largest smoke sauna, sports grounds, a playground, and a barbecue area. We organise paintball battles in the wild and help organise nature tours.Do you like active holidays? Kakulaane can offer you one!
The Fairy Trail, also known as the Vitipalu Adventure Trail, offers a fairytale experience for both children and adults. The trail takes you through the mushroom and berry forests of Elva, where Witch Island awaits, featuring the lovely "Little Witch" house, cool tree sculptures, and a low-adventure trail built in the middle of the forest, perfect for children and families to have a great time in nature. The 1.4 km long trail, part of which is accessible with a stroller, intersects with the Elva River's primeval valley hiking trail and introduces the diverse landscape of Elva. The trail starts and ends at the RMK Jõeharu picnic area and camping site, where several shelters with grills and campfire sites are available.