Where to go and what to do

Winter activities in Southern Estonia offer both adventure and relaxation. Whether the goal is fast ski descents or a peaceful walk through snow-covered trails, there's something for everyone here.

Where to ski and hike in Southern Estonia?

Tehvandi Sports Center is known for its cross-country ski trails for both amateurs and professionals. Several top Estonian athletes have trained and grown at this center.
Kuutsemäe Ski Resort is one of Estonia’s leading mountain sports centers, offering downhill slopes, snowboarding parks, training, accommodation, and active leisure opportunities throughout the year.
Haanja Recreation and Sports Center, located in the heart of the cozy hills of Southern Estonia, offers not only ski and hiking trails but also catering services.
Kütioru Center is located in the Kütioru valley in Haanja Nature Park, offering year-round active leisure activities and accommodation.
Tartu County Health Sports Center is situated in a scenic environment and provides accommodation and relaxation in the midst of a pine forest, in addition to active leisure activities. The ski trails are suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers.
Kääriku Sports Center is a historical and modern sports complex in Southern Estonia, where you can enjoy ski trails, hiking paths, and lakeside activities.

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Unique Experiences in the Pühajärve Area

Pühajärve - Kääriku Ski and Hiking Trail: A 10 km trail with natural snow that starts from Pühajärve SPA or Kääriku.
Pühajärve Ice Trail and Kick-sledding Tours: Winter adventures on the frozen lake.
Ice Skating Tours on Pühajärv: Guided exploration of the lake and surrounding area.

For more information about activities in the Otepää region, visit here.

Estonian Major Event: Tartu Marathon

The Tartu Marathon will take place this year on February 15-16, offering ski enthusiasts a 63 km distance, starting from Tehvandi Sports Center in Otepää and ending at the Tartu County Health Sports Center in Elva. A shorter 31 km route is also available, starting from the Arula crossroads. This legendary ski marathon is part of the Worldloppet and attracts thousands of participants from both Estonia and abroad each year. The marathon tradition dates back to 1960, making it one of the oldest and most respected winter sports events in Estonia.

Otepää Sauna Marathon is a unique winter event where 4-member teams visit as many saunas as possible on a map in the Otepää area within 5 hours. The start is at noon from the Otepää town square, where participants receive orienteering maps and must spend at least 3 minutes in each sauna. Bonus points can be earned by taking a dip in an ice hole, spending time in hot tubs, and other activities offered by sauna owners. The aim of the Sauna Marathon is to honor the traditions of the Estonian sauna and provide fun entertainment for both participants and spectators. The Sauna Marathon will take place on March 1, 2025.

In 2016, the Estonian National Museum (ERM) was opened in Tartu. The museum's opening was a significant cultural event, inaugurated by the President of Estonia, Kersti Kaljulaid, and the Prime Minister of Estonia, Taavi Rõivas.

As Estonia’s largest museum, ERM invites visitors to explore 6000 m² of exhibition space, with permanent exhibitions such as "Encounters," showcasing the daily life of Estonians throughout history, and "Echo of the Urals," focusing on the lives of Finno-Ugric peoples. The museum offers rich and interactive exhibits to help visitors better understand the history, lifestyles, and traditions of Estonia and other Finno-Ugric nations. It’s a place to get to know the essence of Estonia and Estonians in depth.

Visitor Information: ERM is located in Tartu, by Lake Raadi, offering visitors not only content but also a beautiful natural environment. The museum also has a restaurant and museum shop, where you can explore Estonian handicrafts and cultural products.

Exciting Places

Suur Munamägi is the highest mountain in Estonia, reaching a height of 318 meters. It is located in the southern part of Võru County and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Suur Munamägi is a popular tourist destination with a lookout tower, providing magnificent views of the Karula National Park and its surroundings. It’s a perfect place to enjoy nature and conquer Estonia’s highest peak.

In Southern Estonia, one of the most striking natural landmarks is Taevaskoda, located in Põlva County along the Ahja River. Taevaskoda is famous for its stunning sandstone cliffs and beautiful nature, offering excellent hiking trails and views. It’s one of Estonia’s most important and frequently visited natural sites, definitely worth exploring.

Tartu is an essential place that every Southern Estonia visitor should explore. The city offers much for history, culture, and nature enthusiasts. One of the major attractions is the Tartu University Botanical Garden, where visitors can discover a variety of plants, including rare and exotic species. In the heart of Tartu, the AHHAA Science Center is an interactive place where you can participate in scientific experiments, gather new knowledge in various fields, and enjoy activities suitable for all ages. Tartu is a true hub of science and nature that should not be missed!

For local flavors and experiences in Southern Estonia, you can read more in the left-hand side menu under "Local tastes and experiences."