Varnja Samovar House

A visit to the Tartu Observatory Visitor Centre in Tõravere represents one of the places worth exploring in South Estonia, marked with a yellow National Geographic window. It is highly recommended for space enthusiasts. What you can see at the observatory: An outdoor area and the Stellarium with space attractions The hilly landscape of Tõravere through the yellow window The largest telescope in the Nordic countries, with a 1.5 m mirror Exhibitions and activities for schools and businesses. Come and visit us; we've got the cosmos here! In autumn, winter, and spring, tours are by appointment only. They are held on weekdays for a minimum of ten people.

The museum is located at the historical Ülenurme Manor and introduces the development of the Estonian agriculture and rural life.In addition to exhibitions, museum visitors can participate in museum classes meant for children and adults, participate in master classes or cooking workshops, enjoy the nice surroundings and meet farm animals. The museum ponies take children for a ride. There are several traditional, but also innovative family events at the museum.It is possible to rent the museum's rooms and territory for events.

The National Piano Museum is located in a special building - the historic Holdre Manor.The Art Nouveau-style main building, with its Heimat-style influences, was erected around 1910 during the time of Woldemar von Ditmar. Previously, the manor centre had not been built in a representative style. The architect of the building was Otto Wildau, who also designed the nearby Taagepera and Karksi manor buildings. The aim of the National Piano Museum is to collect as complete a collection of Estonian pianos as possible.By prior arrangement, we offer a musical guided tour with Alo Põldmäe, a composer, singer and music educator who is in charge of the Piano Museum.

Fairytale Alatskivi Castle awaits visitors in South Estonia, about 40 km from Tartu. In the castle, you travel back in time to the 19th century, get acquainted with the life of a noble family and the manor's daily routine, and meet the servants who worked here a hundred years ago, brought to life with wax figures in the basement. Castle guides share captivating stories, and visitors can create a personal souvenir in the ceramic workshop. Allocate at least 1.5 hours to explore the exhibition, which spans three floors. On the castle's third floor is the museum of composer Eduard Tubin, which presents the life and works of one of Estonia's most famous musicians. The former carriage-horse stable next to the castle offers insight into the manor's management and daily operations. Alatskivi Castle is part of the Onion Route, which can also be explored through the bright yellow National Geographic windows. Stroll in the castle park, enjoy nature on the Alatskivi hiking trail, stay in romantic castle suites, and taste local dishes at the castle restaurant.

A peaceful and pleasant guide tour will take us to enjoy the uniqueness of Tartu parks and shores.The parks are enchanting at any time of the year, offering the pleasure of Estonian nature in the spring, in the summer, in the autumn, or in the winter.The walk away from the city noise offers an opportunity to explore the cultural values found in the parks, literary historical connections, and the peculiarities of Estonian nature.The tour is suitable for visitors who want to slowly take everything in, attendant programmes, conferences, corporate or project partners, foreign visitors, and solo travellers and groups.

The winter charm of Lake Peipsi is best experienced on an adventurous ride across the ice with a karakat, offered by Mesi Tare. Karakats are locally built machines created by Peipsi fishermen, equipped with large airplane tires that ensure safe, stable movement on the frozen lake. The ride lasts about an hour and includes stops where Peipsi fishermen's tools, techniques, and methods for catching fish from ice holes are introduced. Additionally, information is shared about local life, Old Believers' traditions, and what makes karakats special. A ride in a karakat offers the chance to experience the ice of Estonia's largest lake and expansive winter views that will be long remembered. Services are provided only when ice conditions are suitable and with the permission of the Police and Border Guard Board to ensure a safe and memorable experience. It is also possible to order rides for larger groups, company winter days, or children's birthdays, making the experience even more special. Come and experience the winter charm of Peipsi with a karakat!

The Museum of Living History in Varnja is a permanent exhibition which introduces the life of the Old Believers in the late 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The museum examines the life of three villages in the Peipus area.The museum was created with love and it gives the visitor an opportunity to feel the centuries-old vibe.On request, the museum serves samovar tea and pies baked in a Russian oven. The exact price will be agreed upon with the service provider.If you wish, you can order a guide (20 euros). As the museum is small, up to 25 people can visit it at a time.

The hike takes us through the beautiful Emajõe-Suursoo bog, where we spend the night in the wilderness on a secluded bog island. In the evening, we will prepare dinner on a camp stove, using as many seasonal forest products as possible. We will spend the night in hanging beds with a magnificent view of the sunrise! In the morning, we will have a light meal, take down camp, and hike across the bog to the end point. A local guide leads the hike, which includes the guide's service, equipment (bog shoes, hanging bed, camp stove), and meals (breakfast and dinner). Bring your pet along! Come and experience an unforgettable Estonian bog hike!