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.
Watermill River House is a cosy 55 m2 house on the banks of the Õhne River, with a living room and an open kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom. The kitchen is equipped with essential utensils, a capsule coffee machine, a toaster, an oven, an induction stove, a refrigerator, a dishwasher, and a wine cooler.The house accommodates two adults (and up to 2 children for an extra fee). There is a large terrace in front of the house where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Õhne River. In addition, there is an ÖÖD mirror sauna, a hot tub, a barbecue area, a smoke oven, and fishing equipment. Parties are not allowed in the holiday home. Watermill River House is a country home where you can ACTUALLY have a rest.
Väimela Health Centre is customer-friendly sports centre that offers exercising facilities to all family members. The swimming complex of the health centre features a swimming pool, a pool for kids and two family saunas, on Saturdays it is possible to go to a public sauna; in addition you can attend water aerobics classes. There is also an aerobics hall, a full-sized squash hall, a gym and a table-tennis board.
Peipsi Kalapunkt – ancient fish recipes in a historical location! If you appreciate fresh and delicious fish, then Peipsi Kalapunkt is the place to come. Here, in Kallaste, delicious fish awaits, and it will make your taste buds jump with joy. We mainly offer smoked fish: vendace, bream, rudd, and other lake delicacies. If you want to be sure that the fish you like is available, we recommend calling in advance. Kalapunkt’s outdoor café is also open in warm weather, where you can quickly enjoy delicious fish burgers, wraps, and other snacks.
Come and have fun with your group at the Gerda Retter Design Studio in Aparaaditehas in Tartu! We offer a creative, inspiring workshop where everyone can craft their own unique leather jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, or cufflinks. The workshop is conducted under the guidance of a designer who teaches various techniques, including decorating cut-out shapes with foil. It's a perfect opportunity to create a personalized gift for yourself or a friend. Each crafted piece of jewelry comes in a stylish jewelry box. Come to us for your next company event, birthday, or bachelorette party. We also organize public workshops. The workshop is suitable for everyone – no prior craft experience is required. If desired, the table can be set with tasty snacks and drinks to make the experience even more memorable.
The adventure on the Kooraste lakes takes place on 11 different bodies of water – lakes Vidrike, Voki, Lambahanna, Nahajärv, Sinikejärv, Lubjaahju, Liinu, Pikkjärv, Vaaba, Hatsike and Kooraste Suurjärv – connected by the narrow, winding Sillaotsa River. A primeval valley, beaver dams, and wild nature are just some of the things you will see and experience on this trip. During spring, there is plenty of water, but in drier seasons, there are some sections where you may have to carry your canoe with you. The lakes are normally warm in summer and perfect for swimming.We welcome families with children and groups of friends and colleagues. We organise trips for both small and large groups.
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.
Järvselja nature study trail introduces the forest surrounding the centre of forestry and research. The trail is diverse and passes through a number of forests. Here, you will see the King’s pine (Kuningamänd), which is over 380 years old, as well as spruces that are more than 40 meters high – making them one of the highest trees in Estonia.The trail runs partly on a boardwalk and the route is 1–5 km long. A good starting point is either the Järvselja Hunting Lodge or the guest house, where there are information boards with a map of the trails.Järvselja study trail and the primeval forest represent one of the best locations to discover in Southern Estonia, marked with the yellow frame of National Geographic.