How to get here and where to stay
From February 7th-9th, 2025, the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup stage will take place in Otepää, at the Tehvandi Sports Center. To ensure that every sports and winter enthusiast can easily reach the event and enjoy the beautiful sights of South Estonia, we’ve compiled practical suggestions for transportation options and ways to explore the region. Estonia may be small, but it offers plenty of places to stay, and one can even spend a month discovering all the beautiful gems in our culture and nature.
Visiting Otepää during the winter season is more popular than at other times of the year, thanks to the beautiful winter landscapes and the opportunities this area offers for adventurers and vacationers of all ages.
How to get by?
Buses and Trains - national bus services cover all major destinations. Timetables and tickets can be conveniently found on the TPilet website. For local and regional bus routes, information can be accessed on the Peatus website. Traveling by train is also a popular option – Elron trains offer fast and comfortable connections between various cities. Detailed information and tickets are available on the Elron website.
Cycling - the snow-free period, typically lasting from spring to late autumn in Estonia, is a great time to explore the region by bike. Tartu offers a bike sharing system with over 70 bike stations, offering both regular and electric bikes. Fat Bikes can also be rented at various health sports centers in winter in South Estonia, allowing you to enjoy both movement and nature together.
Special offers during sports events – Otepää World Cup Fan Bus
If you plan to visit Otepää during the World Cup stage, we recommend using the special Fan Bus. This convenient transport option will take you directly to the event venue. The bus will depart from the lower parking lot of Vanemuine in Tartu (Ülikooli Street), stop at the Elva train station, and reach Otepää, the Tehvandi Sports Center. The Fan Bus route will operate for three days – taking passengers to Otepää in the morning and back to Tartu in the evening.
Plan your trip and enjoy Estonia's, designed for a convenient and memorable exploration experience!
Accommodation in Otepää Region
Otepää area offers a variety of accommodation options suitable for the winter season.
- Hotel Karupesa near Tehvandi Sports Center in Otepää offers comfortable accommodation, training facilities for elite athletes, seminar rooms, various active vacation activities through cooperation with partners, and a relaxing sauna.
- Tehvandi Hotel, with its unique horseshoe shape and green roof, is located directly at the Tehvandi Sports Center, providing an excellent place to stay in South Estonia with comfortable rooms, family-friendly options, a beautiful courtyard park, seminar rooms, and easy access to active recreation and sports events.
- Pühajärve Spa & Resort, located in a beautiful manor park by the most scenic lake in Estonia, offers homely accommodation, spa and conference services, active vacation opportunities, and unique views from the pool, gym, and observation tower – the perfect destination for a getaway, health rejuvenation, or remote work year-round.
- Georgi Hotel, located in the historical Post Office building in the center of Võru, combines luxury and coziness with custom-made, fine wood furniture, a restaurant "Postmark" in historic surroundings, a Mini-Spa, and a beauty salon – the ideal place to stay in Võru.
- Ugandi Hotel, nestled in the beautiful nature of Otepää, near Tehvandi stadium, is a luxurious boutique hotel offering personalized service, thoughtfully designed rooms, and unique character for a memorable stay.
- GMP Clubhotel, located on the shores of Pühajärve in the Otepää Nature Park, offers comfortable apartments with modern kitchenettes, a rooftop sauna complex with lake views, a gym, a seminar room, and the highly-rated GMP Pühajärve restaurant in the same building.
Accommodation in Tartu
- Hotel Dorpat, the largest hotel in Tartu, is located by the Emajõgi River and carries the historical name "Dorpat" that refers to the city's old, rich history. The hotel offers spacious à la carte restaurant, modern seminar rooms, and professional service.
- V Spa, a four-star hotel, spa, and conference center, offers relaxation and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Tartu. Luxurious Superior and Deluxe rooms, suites, and top-tier conference rooms are designed for both relaxation and business travelers. The Green Key-certified hotel is the ideal destination for families, couples, and visitors from afar.
- Art Hotel Pallas, located in downtown Tartu, offers comfortable and affordable accommodation that combines the charm of the old town with modern architecture. The hotel's interior design is inspired by the works of 1920s Pallas school artists. Art Hotel Pallas has become a favorite for culture and creative enthusiasts, providing a unique experience and holding the Green Key certification.
Unique Gems
- KODAS offers unique experiential accommodation in cozy, light-filled igloo houses, where you can enjoy mesmerizing views of the South Estonian hills and the peaceful lake. In addition to finding peace and inspiration, KODAS offers exciting activities such as cider-making tours and tastings. You can also enjoy concerts, movie nights, and unforgettable team-building events.
- Riverside Villa, located in the historic Luunja riverside harbor, is the perfect spot for a group stay or organizing events and seminars, offering whole-house rental for up to 14 guests, a hall with a full kitchen, a sauna, and additional services such as boat rentals and fishing trips.
- Mesi Tare offers a unique stay on the shores of Lake Peipsi, with five different boat houses to choose from, all equipped with a double bed, a kitchenette, and a seating area. Outdoors, there is a fire pit and a swimming area with a sandy bottom – perfect for a romantic getaway in nature.
Visiting Otepää and Southern Estonia is easy and convenient – with a variety of transportation options, whether by bus, train, or bike. The region offers a range of accommodation options to suit every taste and need, from family-friendly and luxurious to unique experiences. Plan your trip and enjoy unforgettable moments in Otepää and its beautiful surroundings!