The areas surrounding the rivers and bogs of Lake Peipsi have historically been sparsely populated due to the wet soil. The main means of transportation were rivers and waterways through the bog, which froze in winter. We invite you to explore these frozen winter roads with your family and pets! Most of the winter roads still exist today, and the most important one runs from Kodavere to Varnja. We will walk and hike through the bog along the old winter roads with Mesi Tare owner Marko and discuss their importance. We will have a picnic, and, if we are lucky, we will find especially sweet cranberries in the bog! We do part of the journey by karakat, a truck made by the locals to travel over the ice of Lake Peipsi. The hike will only take place during cold winters when there is ice!
Come and experience an adventure at the Agirregoikoa Kennel with Nordic sled dogs! A kennel visit lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours, during which you can enjoy a 1.5 km long sled ride. After the ride, you can walk with the dogs and pet and cuddle them. Choose your favorite dog, take selfies, capture a memorable moment with a large group photo, and enjoy hot tea or coffee. We warm up and share stories about the dog breed and history. Sled dogs are therapy for children. We do sled rides with snow and cart rides without snow. Only kennel visits are offered during the summer period.
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.
What does life really look like in the Old Believers' villages by Lake Peipus? This question is answered by Mesi Tare's host, Marko, who takes guests on a walking tour through the historic village of Varnja. This is not a regular excursion but a personal, direct experience in which the village, its people, and their stories unfold through the eyes of a local resident. Marko has been connected to Peipsiveere all his life, and his stories are based on real experiences. He has worked as a border guard, been a fisherman and boat captain, and today he operates as a tourism entrepreneur. During the tour, Marko discusses the customs, architecture, and lifestyle of the Old Believers, as well as the importance of Lake Peipus for the local community. Walking tours are arranged by prior reservation and tailored to visitors' interests and schedules. In addition to Varnja village, you can explore Kolkja village and Kallaste town, each with its own character and story. If desired, the tour can be combined with a visit to the Varnja Samovar House.
The hike will last up to three hours. We will ice skate along the channels that are covered with smooth ice. We will also skate over/around flooded meadows, stop at beaver dams and otter burrows, explore animal tracks on the snow, and admire Lake Peipus as well. In the middle of the hike, we will take a short break to drink tea and have a bite to eat. If it is allowed to go on Lake Peipus at the time of the hike, we will skate back along the shore of Lake Peipus. The hike is for adults!Participants will receive the hiking skates (attached to your boots), poles, and ice awls. NB! Bring your ID-card.
A hike that combines physical activity, fresh air, and a sense of history!Come alone, bring a friend or all of them, and enjoy a scooter hike in the magnificent atmosphere of Setomaa in the landscapes and villages near Lake Lämmijärv. We will ride along the old lake bed, through pine forests, pass ancient settlements and burial mounds, until we reach a traditional well-preserved Seto residence.The hike starts and ends at the parking lot of the Mäe Nature House of the State Forest Management Centre. Min. group 10 people or minimum group fee 200 €
Come and experience Estonia's vast natural landscapes in a primal way — by dogsled! Karusaare dogsled trips in Tartu County offer unforgettable experiences throughout the year in the forest landscape of Järvselja and the Peipsiveere Nature Reserve in Emajõe-Suursoo. From autumn to spring, we move on off-road carts and, in winter, when there is enough snow, on traditional sleds. You can choose a shorter trip or a longer journey. It is an appropriate activity for the whole family, including children over the age of 3. The hike begins and ends at the sled dog training center, where the instructor shares the necessary safety and driving instructions. On our journey, we take short breaks to water the dogs, and on longer journeys, we stop by the fire to enjoy a bit of heat, light, and warm food. If you wish, you can also order catering to make your trip even more memorable. Trips only take place when the air temperature is below +12 °C and there is no storm warning or wind gusting above 15 m/s.
The "Suur Sume" barge is the largest wooden sailing ship built in the Baltic States after World War II. Come and sail on a historic ship and enjoy the beauty of the Emajõe-Peipsi River and views of the city of Tartu! Enjoy a comfortable boat ride while lying on soft sheepskin, admiring the passing scenery. "Suur Sume" is perfect for birthdays, seminars, weddings, and concerts. You can also order a guide service, musicians, and catering. We offer various scheduled departures, allowing you to come alone, with friends, or with family. Come and discover the charm of the Emajõe and Lake Peipsi aboard the barge "Suur Sume"!