Introducing Southeastern Estonia
Set with rolling hills, picturesque lakes and vast woodlands, the southeast boasts some of Estonia's most attractive countryside. It also contains one of Estonia's most important cities: the heart of this region, the vibrant university centre of Tartu, the cobbled streets of which mark a rich history that spans centuries. This is where the national awakening began over 100 years ago, making it in some ways the spiritual birthplace of modern Estonia. Its lush parks, stimulating galleries and eclectic cafés and restaurants make for some fine exploring.
Beyond the city - no matter which direction you head - you'll find resplendent natural settings. In the south lie the towns of Otepää and Võru, the gateway to outdoor adventuring: hiking and lakeside swimming in summer and cross-country skiing in winter. Quaint towns set on wandering rivers or in picturesque valleys add to the allure. For a serious dose of woodland, head to Haanja National Park or Karula National Park.
To the east stretches Lake Peipsi, one of Europe's largest lakes. Along its shores are beautiful sandy beaches and a surprisingly undeveloped coastline. Aside from swimming, boating, fishing and soaking up the scenery, you can travel up its western rim stopping at roadside food stands and in tiny villages dotting the lakeside. Further north, the lake is also traditionally the land of Old Believers, Russians who came in the 18th and 19th centuries fleeing persecution in the east.
One of Estonia's most intriguing regions is also among its least visited. In the far southeast, clustered in villages near Lake Pihkva, live the Setus, ancestors of Balto-Finnic tribes who settled here in the first millennium. Today this proud group continues to preserve their culture and language, with colourful festivals staged throughout the year. Sadly, the Russian border now divides this previously united community.
Activities in Southeastern Estonia
Tartu
Tartu lays claim to being Estonia's spiritual capital.
Otepää
The small hilltop town of Otepää, 44km south of Tartu, is the centre of a picturesque area of forests and lakes, scenic hillsides and crisp rivers.
Southeastern Estonia destination guides
Haanja Nature Park
A small town 27km from Tartu in a hilly, forested landscape on the Tartu-Valga road, Elva is set between two pretty lakes, Verevi and Arbi.
Hotels in Southeastern Estonia
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Southeastern Estonia
Guesthouses and B&Bs in Southeastern Estonia
Apartments in Southeastern Estonia
Lake Peipsi (South)
In the 18th and 19th centuries Russian Old Believers, a sect of the Orthodox Church persecuted for refusing to accept liturgical reforms carried out in 1666, took refuge on the western shores of Lake Peipsi (Chudkoye Ozero in Russian),...
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Entertainment in Southeastern Estonia
Setomaa
The pretty town of Värska is known for its rich mineral water, sold throughout Estonia, and its healing mud.
Shopping in Southeastern Estonia