Nature Tours Estonia bogshoe hike in Emajõe-Suursoo

Discover the secrets of Estonian nature on Mesi Tare's bog safari, which takes you from Varnja to remote areas of Emajõe Suursoo that are inaccessible by foot. During the boat trip, you will see lesser-known rivers and lakes, cormorant forests, and hidden corners of the bog, while listening to the soothing sounds of waves and nature. Traveling in small boats gives you the opportunity to be the captain of your crew for the whole day, enjoying the ride at your own pace. One of our boats is a historical Peipsi wooden boat, adding an authentic touch to the journey. The safari is not just a trip but also an educational experience, as guide Marko introduces the area's nature and history. After the boat ride, a delicious and hearty campfire lunch awaits you, where you can enjoy the silence and surrounding nature. This experience is perfect for families, friends, or couples looking for an active, educational, and unforgettable nature experience in Estonia. Come and see how the Estonian bog turns into an adventure you won't forget!

Valgesoo is the smallest but the most fascinating bog in Põlva County; it conceals tiny bog islands, colonies of ants and hiding places of animals. The hike takes place in a nature reserve. In order to protect the surface of the bog, we are going to use bogshoes for hiking. The hike is led by an experienced guide. The route is exciting – it begins in a sandy pine grove, trails across a watery swamp to a raised bog and to the gigantic ant hills of a wood ant colony in an old fir grove. We are going to come back through a low pine forest growing in the bog and cross animal trails on the way. Your guide will talk about the mysterious nature of swamps, folk tales and the fascinating life of bog plants and bugs. If we're lucky, we'll be able to snack on cranberries. You can also have a picnic. Minimum size of the group - 4 people.

Come and take a look at the one-storey classicist wooden building on the slope of Toomemägi in Tartu. Naturalist Karl Ernst von Baer used to live in the house from 1869 to 1896. The house was restored and turned into the Baer House Museum in 1976. The building currently belongs to the Estonian University of Life Sciences and houses the von Baer Natural History Centre.

Aparaaditehas is a cultural space built in an old factory complex. Many creative entrepreneurs, artists, designers, and the house cat Johannes Gutenberg have made their homes here. The restaurants, cafes, and bakery in Aparaaditehas offer a variety of flavors to appeal to foodies of all types. Aparaaditehas also has small shops, galleries, and the TYPA Printing and Paper Arts Centre. Major events such as the Aparaaditehas Festival and Gallery Night take place inside the Creative City and factory yard. The factory also hosts smaller concerts, fairs, exhibitions, and workshops. Come and discover the world of the Aparaaditehas!

In the Mesi Tare fish cooking workshop, we prepare local dishes from seasonal Peipsi fish! The fish cooking workshop, held in the courtyard of the Mesi Tare Holiday Home, covers the entire process from start to finish, including cleaning, filleting, preparation, and cooking the fish. Depending on the season and the fish we have, we cook uhhaa, a traditional fish soup, smoke the fish, pan fry fish, etc. And finally, the moment that everyone is especially looking forward to — we serve the food and enjoy an authentic meal in an Old Believers' village on the Onion Route. The winter fish cooking workshop includes an experience on the ice with a karakat ride on frozen Lake Peipsi, ice fishing, and preparing uhhaa. See you at the workshop!

Dear traveler, join us at Meelega Metsa!Guided forest bathing offers you the opportunity to take a break and encourages you to be present in the moment. Forest bathing helps you notice what you usually don't and supports the sense of presence. It's a special opportunity to see and perceive the Estonian forest from a different perspective. During the forest bathing journey, you will experience the forest through your five senses, have the chance to look both outward and inward, cultivate a greater sense of well-being, and gift yourself with greater physical ease and mental balance. Being in contact with nature, we feel how something inside us settles again. We conclude the journey together around the campfire, enjoying warm drinks and forest-inspired flavors. The journey is conducted with care and attention by Helen and Anneli, who have trained as forest bathing guides in Japan. Each forest bathing journey is unique and adapts to the participants and the forest. Are you ready to go to the forest and meet yourself there?

Mustvee Old Believer’s Museum is one of the 21 places in Southern Estonia worth discovering that are marked by a yellow National Geographic window; all those interested in culture and history should definitely pay a visit.The exhibits give an overview of the culture of Old Believers both in the past and in the present. The collection includes samovars, irons, clothes worn by the Old Believers, commodities, furniture and fishing equipment. Also on display – J. Kolpakov’s paintings of the churches of Mustvee, P. Mihhailov’s and his son’s wood engravings and L. Korobova’s paintings and drawings of Lake Peipus.

The nature trail connecting two cities runs along the banks of the Pedeli River. The asphalt trail is 5 km long. If you find yourself on a boardwalk in the middle of the path, you have already crossed the border. Take the time to climb the stairs to Pudrumägi hill, which offers a wonderful view of the twin cities! There is no rush here – there are children's playgrounds, outdoor gyms, a beach, a recreation area on the peninsula, and even dog parks by the trail. The tracks are perfect for walking, cycling, rollerblading, and skiing. Come and enjoy this beautiful city!