Tamme-Lauri oak — Estonia’s largest oak tree

Trepimäe Recreation Area is a popular and very beautiful leisure spot on the eastern shore of Estonia's largest inland lake, Lake Võrtsjärv, in Elva municipality, offering visitors expansive lake views, tranquility, and pure nature away from mass tourism. It is an ideal destination for both family holidays and nature lovers who appreciate silence, open views, and an authentic natural environment. Trepimäe has been recognized as a natural heritage site, and its natural appearance has been preserved for generations. The forest area hosts a nearly 90-year-old pine forest with lingonberry and blueberry habitats. The area is perfect for walks, nature observation, and at the right time, for berry and mushroom enthusiasts to enjoy quiet foraging trips. The recreation area's beach is suitable for swimming, and visitors have access to picnic and campfire sites, a small camping area, a volleyball court, and an open beach house. When visiting the Trepimäe Recreation Area, it is worth stopping by the nearby Lake Museum, where you can explore the secret life of Lake Võrtsjärv's fish in an exciting way!

The Pallas Gallery is a contemporary, ever-evolving art space where you can experience fresh Estonian art and ideas from young creators. Exhibitions change approximately every five weeks, offering new experiences each time. The exhibitions feature works by students, lecturers, and alumni of the Pallas University of Applied Sciences, providing a good overview of contemporary Estonian art. The gallery's aim is to introduce and popularize contemporary art in Tartu, bringing the creations of both young authors and collaborative partners to visitors. The spacious main hall is located in the center of Tartu, offering an inspiring setting for enjoying art. In addition, various cultural and educational events are held in the gallery, making the visit more diverse. The gallery is free for everyone to visit, making it an especially good opportunity to get acquainted with contemporary art in Tartu. Come and be inspired at the Pallas Gallery!

Kivitalu Country Hotel is situated 8 km from Otepää among the woods and hills of Southern Estonia.Guests of Kivitalu Country Hotel can relax in small cabins which stand on the shore of a tiny lake – in the summer, you can go for swim, a boat ride or fishing; in the winter, you can skate. Those who like a good sauna can use three different types of saunas.The services of the farm's restaurant Rock Summer can be used with advance notice; it serves meals prepared with vegetables grown on the farm as well as lamb and mutton dishes. You can also buy organic food products from the farm.Welcome!

Hinni Canyon is located in the special protection zone of Haanja Nature Park and is a unique canyon valley in all of Estonia. Hinni Canyon has cut into Devonian era sandstone. It is a 15-20 m deep and 300 m long ravine with steep slopes, at the bottom of which flows the fast-flowing Enni stream. When visiting Hinni Canyon, it is worth considering that here you can experience the true power of nature: the sandstone cuts through the landscape, deep in a transverse direction, the slopes rise around – this is a rare and visually impactful place in Estonia. The trail at the bottom of the valley runs alongside the stream. Enni stream flows quickly and adds the sound of water and fresh air to the adventure. Moreover, in the outcrops, you can notice indentations, smaller caves, and more secluded inner cuts, creating a mystical feeling. From a nature conservation standpoint, it is important that this place is located in the special protection zone.Good to know: there is no additional lighting at the site, so it is best visited during the day. Since Hinni Canyon is partially located on private land, walking with dogs is not allowed!

Gustav Café coffee shops are cozy places to take a break in Tartu and Tallinn. At every Gustav, you are greeted with warm service, a perfect cup of coffee, and a selection of handcrafted cakes and delicacies. Our goal is to offer visitors a comfortable and friendly environment where they can take a moment to relax. Our coffee comes from sustainable and organic sources – grown with respect for nature and appreciation for taste. In baking, we use only natural ingredients – fresh and unprocessed. Gustav's cakes, pastries, and confectionery are made from carefully selected raw materials, in small batches, and with great care. Our cafés are characterized by Viennese-style interior design and a peaceful atmosphere. Start your day with breakfast at Tartu Kaubamaja, enjoy a moment at Eeden or Solaris Shopping Centers, and relax in the cafés in Kristiine and Mustamäe. Check the cafés' opening hours on our website! Gustav Café – a place you want to return to again and again.

Of the Orthodox churches in Võru County, Ritsiku church in Mõniste is the second oldest (dating back to 1855). The oldest is St Catherine's Church in Võru itself.The church in Ritsiku was consecrated in the name of the prophet John the Baptist. Its name day is celebrated by the congregation every year on 24 June.The congregation was established in 1837. The church was constructed from timber and has a tin roof. It was originally known as Mõniste church, since it was located on the lands of the Mõniste estate. But since it was not in Mõniste itself, it was renamed Ritsiku church in Mõniste.The sacristan and parson did a lot of work in educating the local community. Until 1931 the congregation had its own parish school and three smaller schools.

The Koiva cycling trail is located at the territory of the Haanja-Karula holiday area starts at the foot of the Tellingumägi hill at the Cycling trails campfire site. The 20 km track circles around the forests by the Mustjõgi and Koiva Rivers and runs along gravelly forest paths. Along the trail, you can see a sacrificial rock, a sacrificial pine tree, the confluence of rivers, an interesting community of oaks. There are several picnic spots on the track where you can rest and grill some food and there are also 8 spots of interest on the track.

The Estonian blue-black-and-white national flag waves in the highest flagstaff in Estonia – on the renewed Central Square in the centre of Otepää. The flag was hoisted on a 20-metre flagstaff on the National Flag Day on 4 June 2009, when 125 years passed from the day when the first blue-black-and-white flag was commemorated and consecrated. Next to the flag are information stands with the story of the Estonian flag, and in the nearby Community Garden, you can learn exciting facts about the history of Otepää.The flag consecrated on 4 June 1884 was initially the flag of Estonian University Students, then the Estonian national flag, and when the Republic of Estonia was established, blue, black, and white were declared the national colours.