Experience the authentic charm of an Estonian smoke sauna on the shores of Lake Jõksi at Kevvai Guesthousein South Estonia. This 125-year-old, lovingly restored sauna invites you to enjoy the heat of a traditional stone stove, with room for up to 10 people in the spacious steam room. When your body is warm and relaxed, step straight out into nature for a refreshing plunge into the clear lake. Guests can also take part in a special introduction to smoke-sauna customs and traditions, learning how this ancient ritual nurtures both body and spirit. Good to know: Next to the sauna is a cosy event house, perfect for gatherings of 20–25 people, making Kevvai an ideal place to unwind with friends or celebrate in true Estonian style.
Mooska Adventure Trips offer a great opportunity to learn about Võru County's smoke sauna traditions and heritages. From smoking meat in the sauna during winter-time, to the smoking hole lined with stones method used in the summer. A hiking trip to Vällamägi in also available. According to the folk belief, Vällamägi is an especially sacred site and it fumes because it has an underground connection with the Baltic Sea. This expedition will help you explore the nature-based way of life led by Southern Estonians; while letting you take part in trips to breath-in fresh air, play orienteering games; or give you the chance to simply enjoy a Nordic walking or snowshoeing trip.Mooska Adventure Trips are best suited for groups of up to 12 people, though larger groups are encouraged to inquire! Each group is introduced to a suitable trail by a company representative, who will also provide additional information on the difficulty and duration of the trip.
The largest smoke sauna in Southern Estonia awaits guests on the shore of the pond of Kakulaane Tourist Farm.We heat the sauna with alder for 5–8 hours, depending on the weather and the number of guests. Hot smoke cleans the air and the hot air in the smoke sauna is very healing. When the heating is complete, the sauna is ventilated, and some water is thrown onto the heater to get rid of the excess smoke.After the sauna, you can go for a refreshing swim in the pond in summer. In winter, you can jump into the snow or an ice hole.While in Estonia, you must go to a smoke sauna at least once!
A smoke sauna is a traditional Estonian sauna that doesn't have a chimney. The fire heats the stones, and the smoke fills the surrounding room. After the sauna is heated, the smoke is let out through the door before the sauna-goers enter. At Ööbikuoru Villa's smoke sauna, you can take your time and cleanse your body and soul while enjoying peace and quiet. The sauna steam room can accommodate up to six people, and some visitors can enjoy the hot tub at the same time. If you wish to stay overnight, you can stay in the romantically furnished rooms at Ööbikuoru Villa.
The Struve Geodetic Arc is a survey circuit created by astronomer and surveyor Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve to specify the size and shape of the Earth and to produce accurate topographic maps, consisting of 265 measuring points and extending from the Arctic Ocean to the Black Sea.One of the triangulation points is located in Kaarepere on Aruküla hill. The point is marked with an information board and in the immediate vicinity, there is the Kaarepere disc golf course, a barbecue and picnic area, and a pleasant village swing. In 2005, the Struve Arc was entered into the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Mooska Smoke Sauna Farm in Haanja, Võrumaa introduces the heritage of smoke saunas preserved and honored in Võrumaa, which has found a rightful place on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.By appointment, the tour lasts about one and a half hours. Visitors explore 3 distinctive smoke saunas, learn about smoke sauna traditions, bath whisks, whisking, hear sauna words, and taste meat smoked in the sauna. The smoke saunas are located by the pond, at the edge of the forest, and the setting is beautiful and typical of a modern lifestyle farm. The tour ends at the farm shop enjoying sauna supplies and food souvenirs.
At Hämsaare Holiday Home in Võru County you can try both an old Estonian-era smoke sauna as well as a modern Finnish sauna. The latter is situated in a sauna building which is a great place to relax and spend time with family, friends or colleagues. Both saunas are next to a pond.Lighting the smoke sauna - €120Finnish sauna for 1.5 hours for up to 4 people - €20Did you know...?*You can recharge your batteries at the nearby Hämsa Tavern
We invite you to experience an authentic, private smoke sauna adventure in Võru County, amidst the hills of Haanja in Southern Estonia. The Uue-Saaluse smoke sauna is located right by the lakeside, offering not only a sauna but also a refreshing swim. As a bonus, you can watch the short film "The Devil Comes to Sauna," which was filmed right here at Uue-Saaluse. In the sauna, you will be guided by an experienced sauna woman who conducts rituals and creates a mindful sauna experience. Each guided sauna experience is unique – sometimes you need the power of birch branches, other times calming herbal compresses. Even different seasons and moon phases have their own influence. We collaborate with the best in the field, and the smoke sauna tradition of Old Võromaa is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Intangible Cultural Heritage list. If desired, you can also enjoy the sauna independently, without guidance. In addition to the sauna, you can order a Uue-Saaluse wine farm tour with tastings of drinks made at the farm and catering.