A lantern hike with sled dogs in the snowy forests of Tartu County

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 KGB Cells Museum, known as the "Grey House", is a historical museum in Tartu, where the NKVD/KGB was located in the 1940s and 1950s. The basement of the building, where the cells were located, is open to visitors. Several cells, the punishment cells, and the basement corridor have been restored to their historical form. The prison cells are filled with an exhibition that provides an overview of Estonia's post-war struggle for freedom and the crimes of the communist regime. Here you can see photographs and objects from Siberian prison camps, as well as materials on the history of the Forest Brotherhood and secret resistance organizations. Step into history and experience the meaning of freedom!

The stable is one of the buildings of the Sangaste Manor which has been renovated into a visitor centre and today houses the exhibition Rukkikrahv ja Ilmaimed (The Rye Count and Wonders of the World).The exhibits at the centre tell the story of the scientific wonders of the 19th century and Count Berg, the owner of Sangaste Castle. It will take the visitors back in time for a hundred years and more. Visitors can also try out exercise devices and other equipment from that time. Children can have fun in the hall of technical wonders as well as at the ‘grandmother’s place’. Come discover and marvel!

Between Hellenurme, Elva, and Otepää, there is a unique opportunity to see Estonia's last historical water-powered flour and grist mill in operation – the Hellenurme Water Mill. Upon arrival, we explore the mill building and views over the mill pond to Hellenurme Manor, then we open the turbine, and the mill begins to work, powered by water. Through the mill's four floors, you can see, touch, and feel the power of the mill, and soon fresh flour and grist fall into the bag as in the old days. In the bread house, you can try breadmaking under the guidance of the Mill Mistress, honoring traditions and telling stories about bread and the wisdom of ancestors. In the bread trough, dough is kneaded from sourdough. Each guest molds their own little loaf from a dough ball, which the Mill Mistress throws into the large bread oven with an old bread peel. Soon, the bread house fills with the smell of bread, and each guest can take their loaf from the oven, which tastes warm and buttery like an unforgettable dessert! As writer Juhan Liiv wrote: "... warm bread – imagine!"

Tartu Environmental Education Centre encourages people to value nature and behave in an environmentally friendly way. We are a piece of nature right in the heart of Tartu, offering relaxing and exciting and educational activities for both young and old visitors.Tartu Environmental Education Centre offers: temporary exhibitions and summer special exhibitions on nature, permanent exhibition ‘Transparent nature house, species-rich winter garden, animal room (pre-bookings), some educational task trails, environmentally friendly souvenirs and snacks, excursions (pre-bookings), a park wit study trails, flower beds and playground.

Pazzo restaurant in Tartu embodies the rhythms of Italy. Pazzo means "crazy" in Italian, and that's exactly what we are, but in the best sense! We do crazily good things. Pazzo combines authentic Italian flavors, warm service, and a cozy atmosphere. The menu is full of fresh pastas, crispy pizzas, delicious risottos, and irresistible desserts that you can enjoy with creative cocktails. Each dish showcases our passion and creativity because Pazzo is bursting with new ideas, flavors, and the desire to offer something extraordinary. Three different halls provide the opportunity to create the atmosphere you want, whether it's a romantic dinner, a birthday, a bachelor party, or a formal reception for business partners. Pazzo is also a child-friendly restaurant, where a cheerful play corner has been created for smaller guests. Come and discover Pazzo, the place where Italian passion and the spirit of Tartu become one!

Families with children are particularly welcome in the Lake Pühajärv Park as there are many opportunities to feed ducks and other birds when walking on the lakeshore. There is an exercise track by the northern part of the park. This is also the place where you will find the beach with a beach house, cafés, arbours and boat hire.The park used to be a part of the Pühajärv Manor Park and it was designed as a walking forest with paths already in the 19th century. The park is mainly a naturally grown forest.

While hiking at Hummuli health trail everyone can feel like becoming one with nature - silence, peace and nature's voices invite you to come back over and over again.The trail starts from Hummuli Manor School, passes the stadium and runs along the long oak alley to the Väike-Emajõgi river.There are an outdoor gym, discgolf courses, a campfire site for having a picnic, and a boat bridge suitable for fishing at the health trail. Hummuli health trail can be completed by walking, running, riding a bike or skiing in winter. The visitor can choose either the 2.2 km or 2.8 km trail, which are mostly covered with mulch.