Ainola Centre Guesthouse

ULA is a cosy bar on the edge of Toome Hill in Tartu. ULA has the smallest bar building in Tartu, but we also have a beautiful yard area where we organise various events. In summer, we have concerts, DJ parties, and memory game and board game evenings. In autumn, we organise campfire evenings. Last winter, we decided to build a snow bar in our yard.We want to be the home bar for the people of the neighbourhood: we want to offer a cosy and pleasant place to meet, but also to offer Tartu residents and guests of Tartu something new and surprising – be it a haircut in the outdoor bar or a snow fort in the yard in the winter.

Located in the manor park of the same name, the Helme caves, are an unrivalled sight in Estonia. Situated to the north of castle ruins, the caves have a white Burtniek layer of sandstone walls standing 3 m high. Unfortunately for cave lovers though, some of the better known caves have already collapsed. Once comprised of seven interlinked chambers, the biggest of which was known as the Church of Moses. Peppered with springs, the caves have a long history; and over the years they have been dug out and used as shelters when needed. Did you know...?: In ancient times the Helme caves were also known locally as the gateway to Hell.Kivialune (under the rocks) was a shelter for Old Estonians during the wars.

Pindi Veinitalu in Võru County is a small winery where unique berry and fruit wines are made from both South Estonian forest products and local raw ingredients. We have wines for every taste – dry, semi-dry, and dessert.The tastings are held at the Andri-Peedo goat farm. During the visit, the Andri-Peedo family will introduce the goat farm while we taste their goat cheeses and the wines of Pindi Veinitalu.

Hotel Sophia was created to offer a great hotel experience at a great price. It is inspired by a smart lifestyle and an attentive hotel family that you can look forward to meeting even before you arrive. Hotel Sophia is family-friendly and pet-friendly because we understand that the best moments can be shared with family and furry friends. Relax in a comfortable room, enjoy the hospitality of Restaurant Fii, and make the most of the various leisure opportunities offered by the largest shopping center in South Estonia, Lõunakeskus, which is connected to the hotel: cinema, golf, ice skating rink, fitness facilities, and shopping.

Võru Institute is the creative home of Võro language and culture: here, you can ask about the language and customs of Võro. There is an exhibition sale of books in the Võro language. The e-shop Umapuut of Old-Võromaa sells books in the Võro language, CDs with Võro songs, a wide selection of local crafts, and souvenirs with Võro symbols. If you wish, you can order a short course of the Võro language as well as lectures or presentations on the Võro language and cultural space at the institute.To learn about the cultural heritage of Old-Võromaa, first visit the local museums, which open the doors to the local culture. The museums have permanent exhibitions, theme days, and workshops.

The Tõrva Health Trail winds through the scenic park forest surrounding Lake Vanamõisa, following paths through old-growth trees and lakeside woods. It connects Tõrva Gymnasium, the beach area of Lake Vanamõisa, and the gymnasium’s stadium complex. In 2017, it was recognized as the best health sports facility in Estonia. The main hiking loop is 11.1 km long. In winter, the park offers illuminated ski tracks of various lengths. Together with the Tõrva stadium, Tõrva Veemõnula water and sauna centre, outdoor gym, low ropes course, and disc golf track, the trail forms a well-rounded sports complex.

The monument consists of the number 100,000 carved of granite with the bronze sculpture of a child sitting on number 1. The monument celebrating the birth of the 100,000th Tartu resident was initially located in the green area between the former Restaurant Kaunas and the Võidu Bridge. The monument was moved onto the banks of the Emajõgi River between Atlantis and Kaarsild.

The Tamme-Lauri oak is Estonia's largest oak tree. It has a circumference of 8 m (measured at a height of 130 cm) and is approximately 800 years old. The trunk has been filled with reinforced concrete. The Tamme-Lauri oak was named after Laurits, the god of fire, who was said to live in the oak and bring misfortune, but also sometimes good to the surrounding farms. The farm located near the oak is also known as Tamme-Lauri. The Tamme-Lauri oak was featured on the back of the Estonian ten kroon banknote. Signs leading to the site of the oak tree are found along the Urvaste-Kanepi highway.