Elva & Around

Introducing Elva & Around

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. Just outside town is Elva Vitipalu, a small, beautiful nature reserve with hiking trails, pristine rivers and lakes.

For more lake action, you can head 15km further west of Elva to Võrtsjärv (www.hot.ee/vjarv), Estonia's second-biggest lake. The best beaches lie on the northern and western shores.

The friendly tourist information office (735 6057; www.elva.ee; Pikk 2; 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, to 3pm Sat) near the train and bus stations is a good place to pick up maps and hiking guides, and get info on boating and horse riding in the area. The same building also contains the small Tartumaa Muuseum (745 6141; www.tartumaamuuseum.ee, in Estonian; Pikk 2; 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, to 3pm Sat), featuring exhibits on local history, folklore and artists.

From there, you can stroll west along Kesk street, the town's main street, which has banks, restaurants and a supermarket. Abutting Kesk street to the north is the pine-shrouded Arbi järv, the pleasant lake with a 1.5km walking path circling it. In the winter Arbi järv transforms into a skating rink.

About 1km northwest of Arbi järv off Tartu maantee is Verevi järv. With its sandy beach, refreshing water and views of the forest on the far shores, this lake makes a good setting for a swim on summer days.

Elva Vitipalulies about 2km southeast of town. If you're on foot, you can take the walking path from the information office. Inside the reserve, hiking and biking trails pass near idyllic lakes, through pine forests and along the wandering Elva River. You can overnight in the reserve inside wooden cabins or camp sites. Pick up trail maps from the Elva information office.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009