Things to do in Otepää
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Pühajärv
The islets and indented shore of 3.5km-long Pühajärv, on the southwest edge of Otepää, provide some of the area's loveliest views. A 12km nature trail and a bike path encircle the lake, making it a lovely spot for a walk. The lake was blessed by the Dalai Lama when he came to Tartu in 1992, and a monument on the eastern shore commemorates his visit.
According to legend, Pühajärv was formed from the tears of the mothers who lost their sons in a battle of the Kalevipoeg epic. Its islands are said to be their burial mounds. Major midsummer St John's Day (Jaanipäev) festivities take place here every year. If energy levels are low after the walk to the lake, recharge at …
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Church
Otepää's pretty little 17th-century church is on a hill top about 100m northeast of the bus station. It was in this church in 1884 that the Estonian Students' Society consecrated its new blue, black and white flag which later became the flag of independent Estonia. Facing the church's west door is a small mound with a monument to those who died in the 1918-20 independence war.
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Linnamägi
The tree-covered hill south of the church is Linnamägi (Castle Hill), a major stronghold from the 10th to 12th centuries. There are traces of old fortifications on top, and good views of the surrounding country. Archaeological finds indicate that the area around the hill was inhabited as early as the 1st century AD.
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Toonus Pluss
Toonus Pluss, near Arula and about 10km south of Otepää, specialises in canoeing trips, which can include combined hiking and mountain-biking tours.
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Veetee
Veetee offers a range of canoeing and rafting trips along the Ahja River, the Võhandu River and in Lake Kooraste.
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Rowboats
If you want to just get in a boat and go, you can rent rowboats and water-bikes on the north shore of Puhajärv.
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Ski Museum
Inside the former vicar's residence is the Ski Museum, which can be viewed by appointment.
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Flag Museum
The former vicar's residence now houses the Flag Museum. It can be viewed by appointment.
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