Suur Munamägi observation tower

Tõrva's Vanamõisa Lake is a popular summer destination for both locals and visitors from afar. The lake is located on the outskirts of the city, near Tõrva Veemõnula Water and Sauna Center. At the edge of Vanamõisa Lake stands the Baltics' highest diving tower, Tõrva Lion Tower. It was built in place of the legendary Tõrva Vanamõisa diving tower, offering visitors a safe and exciting opportunity for summer water fun. The tower has five floors, each with a diving platform into the lake. The height of the last platform above the water surface is 11 meters, and the total height of the tower, including light masts, reaches 14 meters. In addition to the long sandy shore, the beach features a boardwalk and ball game courts. During the summer season, lifeguards are on duty at the beach from 11 AM to 7 PM. Visitors can rent volleyball, badminton sets, and spikeball sets from the lifeguard. Changing rooms and toilets are available. Good to know: you can park your car at the Tõrva Gymnasium parking lot, and from there, it's a short walk to the lake. Come and enjoy the summer and water fun in Southern Estonia!

Harimägi is one of the largest mesas in the Otepää Uplands (211 m above sea level). It is worth coming to Harimäe whenever you are near Otepää. The Harimäe Observation Tower is located 3 km from Kääriku in the direction of Sangaste. The height of the tower is 28 m, and the highest viewing platform is 24 m high. The tower offers views of the Otepää mountains and across the Väike Emajõgi valley to the Karula upland. Camping is also allowed at the tower. Good to know: Harimägi is also called 'Leenard and Leonhard's hill.' From 1816 to 1819, geodetic surveys were carried out here by the internationally recognised astronomer and surveyor Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struwe (1793–1864).

Cabins for hikers, an observation tower and a boardwalk attract many nature lovers to the Meenikunno bog. It is a beautiful recreation area. While walking down the boardwalk, you can see the most common bog plants: leather leaf, bog rosemary, crowberry, Marsh Labrador tea, and tussock cottongrass; at the edge of the bog, dwarf birches can also be found. There are also a number of different species of peat moss of various colours. The bravest hikers can try drinking bog water (it has an interesting taste!) from the overgrown ditch near the edge of the bog.Good to know: The boardwalk is pram and wheelchair accessible.

From the 25-meter-high viewing platform of the Pühajärve Spa & Holiday Center's tower, visitors have a great opportunity to enjoy the enchanting landscapes around Pühajärve in every season. The modern glass-walled tower, built in place of the former wooden tower of Pühajärve Manor, which also operated as a café for years, offers expansive views of the surrounding area. From the top of the tower, there is a wonderful panoramic view of Pühajärve, Neitsijärve, and the picturesque forests and hilly landscape of Otepää Nature Park. In addition to regular visits, we offer the option to celebrate important events in the tower, by prior arrangement. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, romantic surprise, engagement, or any other special moment, the unique ambience makes every event even more special. If desired, there is also the possibility to work remotely or spend a peaceful moment alone here. Good to know: To reach the top of the tower, you need to climb 152 steps.

The study trail is well-suited for getting acquainted with the development and vegetation of bogs and for observing pine cultures. A 1.8 km long circular study trail revolves around the Valgesoo bog. On the she study trail you can explore the bog vegetation, old pine plantation ("Baron's pine forest"), and a forest edge rich of Scottish wood ants. The whole trail is accessible by a wheelchair or stroller. To facilitate movement on the track, there is a track map and colour markings on the trees. There is an observation tower and a campfire site at the start of the study trail.Valgesoo bog is one of the 21 places worth discovering in Southern Estonia, which is suggested to be visited for those who are interested in nature.

Tellingumäe's 25-meter-high observation tower offers a beautiful view of the winding Mustjõgi gorges and the hilly landscape typical of South Estonia. Latvia can be seen in the distance, as nearby the Mustjõe River joins the Koiva (Gauja) River on the Estonian-Latvian border. Tellingumäe observation tower is a great place to observe nature and birds. Several rare bird species can be found here. The tower has an RMK campfire site and marked cycling and hiking trails of different lengths, like the Estonian-Latvian joint cultural heritage trail and the Koiva Cycling Trail.

Toomemäe Park, a natural hill with a rich history, is one of the favorite places for Tartu residents to enjoy greenery without leaving the city. In the cathedral located here, you can visit the University of Tartu Museum, which provides an overview of the university's history and scientific research, and enjoy the views from the towers' observation platforms. While walking in the romantic English-style park, don't miss the beautiful Angel Bridge with its twin Devil's Bridge, statues, outdoor exhibitions, and university buildings, such as the observatory and the old anatomical museum. The park is accessible with a stroller, there is a playground for toddlers and a sports park for more active visitors.

Climbing to the top of Munamägi Hill is worth the effort – the view covers more than 50 km. The absolute height of Väike or Otepää Munamägi Hill is 207.5 m (relative height exceeds 80 m). There is a spring on the north-eastern slope of Väike Munamägi (in the direction of Otepää) that has been considered the start of the Väike Emajõgi River for a long time. The boulder on the edge of the first plain is the biggest in the area – 250,000 kg. Take a look at the aerial panorama (picture by Joel Tammet).