• Nature and Activities
  • Nature

Kissing Hill (Musumägi)

Lossi tn 15b, Tartu linn, Tartu maakond, 51003

Locals call the artificial hill on the Toome Hill, in the immediate vicinity of the Cathedral, the Kissing Hill. It was built in the 19th century as part of the park’s romantic design over the former Moscow Rondel at Karl XI Bastion. Today, stairs lead to the Kissing Hill and at the top, there is a viewing platform with benches. Next to the Kissing Hill, there is a monument to the poet Kristjan Jaak Peterson, between the sacrificial stone, the hill, and the cathedral. The place has been popular with young couples who take pictures there. There have been open-air performances on and around the Kissing Hill.

Vaata lisaks

  • Camping sites

Kotkapesa Holiday Centre

The Kotkapesa Holiday Centre complex includes a 320 m2 main house and a smaller house with a sauna and two rooms for accommodation. There is a swing and campfire site nearby, as well as several nature tourism attractions (e.g. the primeval valley of the Piusa River with hiking trails and sights, and the recreation area of Lake Kirikumäe).We offer catering upon reservation, and our traditionally prepared smoked meat products can also be ordered from the kotkapesa.ee e-store.If you are looking for a quiet and secluded place to spend your holiday, then you have come to the right place. Welcome!

  • Lookout towers

Suur Munamägi observation tower

Suur Munamägi is the highest peak in the Baltics, rising 318 meters above sea level. The 29.1-meter-tall observation tower at the top of the hill was completed in 1939 and offers breathtaking views up to 50 kilometers away in clear weather. From here, the true essence of Estonia’s landscape unfolds—vast forests stretching into the distance, shimmering lakes, rolling hills, and the scattered farmsteads of Old Võromaa. The views from the tower are different every time—spring brings soft green tones, summer a lush abundance of color, autumn radiant foliage, and winter paints the landscape with a fairytale-like white. This is why Suur Munamägi remains a unique destination throughout the year. Suur Munamägi has been a beloved attraction for over two centuries—the first observation tower was built here in 1812. The current tower is the sixth in its history; previous wooden or lower towers were gradually destroyed or dismantled. For this reason, the present tower is a historical gem of its own kind, combining both cultural and natural value.

Memorial stone to the first Estonian Song Festival

The memorial stone to the first Estonian song festival was unveiled on the 125th anniversary of the festival in 1994. It was designed by Mati Karmin.Between the two millstones (czarist power and hard work and austerity), the heads are like grains that are being ground. They sing despite the pressure (Mati Karmin XL, 2019).The first song festival was held in Tartu from 18–20 June 1869. It was opened in Toomeoru but mainly took place in the gardens of the Ressourc society opposite St Peter’s Church, which enjoyed beautiful views over the town and the Emajõgi River. The festival was attended by 46 choirs, involving almost 800 male singers and four brass bands. Almost 15,000 people attended the festival.

Saunas and hot tubs on the shore of Saarjärve bog lake

Saarjärve Villa lakeside saunas offer a private, nature-centered experience in Southern Estonia, ideal for guests seeking a peaceful retreat, a high-quality sauna experience, and the opportunity to enjoy local flavors. The lakeside complex includes an oval sauna, a glass sauna, and a hot tub, with windows overlooking the bog lake and surrounding forests. Our most popular service is the daytime sauna package with catering, which is ideal for small groups, birthdays, team days, or relaxation after an active hike on South Estonia's trails. The package includes dinner, snacks, and an optional drink package. In the summer, paddleboards and a rowboat are available at the saunas for exploring the lake. Terraces and relaxation areas create a pleasant spot for sunbathing or outdoor dining. Saarjärve lakeside saunas are the perfect place for those who want to combine nature retreats, sauna rituals, and culinary experiences on a private and beautiful lakeside.

  • Lookout towers

Pühajärve Spa & Holiday Resort – Tower Café

You can enjoy good food and great views in the Pühajärve Spa & Holiday Resort's Tower Café! You can walk onto the 25 m high viewing platform from the café and we offer binoculars for hire free of charge. The exclusive tower with glass walls that was built to replace the old wooden tower of Pühajärve Manor has seats for up to 30 people on different levels and offers magnificent views of Lake Pühajärv and Otepää Nature Park.We are offering you the opportunity to celebrate important occasions in truly spectacular surroundings.

  • Churches

Saint Isidore’s Main Church in Valga

This historicist-style church is built from red and yellow bricks and has five domes and a bell tower. It is one of the four representative churches of the Apostolic Orthodox Church in Estonia. The church is named after the priest martyr Isidore of Tartu. The church was built in 1897–1898 and was consecrated in 1898. The architect of the building is Vladimir Lunski.The church was built in 1896 for the congregation of Orthodox Russians and Latvians.