Public transportation allows you to visit several interesting places
Estonian Agricultural Museum
Located in the historic Ülenurme Manor, the Estonian Agricultural Museum showcases rural life, highlighting the rich history and development of Estonian agriculture through the ages. Visitors can admire traditional farm buildings, explore old agricultural machines and tools, and participate in various activities. The museum is accessible by both bus and train, with the destination being Ülenurme stop. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
The Ice Age Centre
Located by Lake Saadjärv, the Ice Age Centre is an exciting experience center accessible by bus. The symbol of the center is the mammoths that lived 10,000 years ago. The exhibition provides an overview of the causes and impacts of the Ice Age on Earth, introduces the development of Estonia’s nature and human settlement, explores the causes and study of climate change, and presents a vision for a livable future environment. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM, with the bus stop at Äksi.
Elistvere Animal Park
At Elistvere Animal Park, you can see animals that live primarily in Estonian forests in as natural an environment as possible. There is also a small mammal center for those interested. The 2 km long Elistvere educational trail is accessible by wheelchair and stroller and introduces various plant species through informative signs. A boardwalk leads to a viewing platform by Lake Elistvere. The park is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the bus stop at Elistvere Manor.
You can reach Elva by both train and bus.
Just a 5-minute walk from the Elva train and bus stations is Lake Arbi, surrounded by a circular 1.2 km gravel nature trail. The trail features ten information boards that provide an interesting and detailed overview of the beautiful Lake Arbi located in the heart of Elva. Additionally, the immediate vicinity of the lake includes the town’s central square with a cultural center, a playground, a small lakeside promenade, a skatepark, a singing field, and several dining options, including Elva Keegel and Resto, where you can also play bowling.
On the other side of the railway from Elva’s station building is the 3 km-long Väike Väerada, one of the region’s most popular hiking trails. What makes the trail special are the wooden sculptures inspired by Estonian fairy tales and designed by local artists. To reach the start of the trail, go past the station building, cross the railway crossing, and then turn right immediately after the last set of tracks (do not continue down the alley). The first wooden sculpture, Ilmapuu, is visible from a distance. The trail ends near the Tartu County Sports Centre. To return to the train and bus station, you can either retrace the same forest path (3 km) or walk through Elva town (3.3 km).
You can reach Elva by either train or bus, with Elva as your destination. Both the Lake Arbi nature trail and the Väike Väerada are open 24/7 and are accessible with a stroller.
Take the bus to the Onion Route for an adventure
The Onion Route is one of Estonia’s most scenic and culturally rich journeys, winding through the Peipus region and offering visitors a diverse experience. A bus trip along the Onion Route allows you to explore numerous interesting places and attractions.
Alatskivi Castle and its beautiful surroundings
When you step off the bus at the Alatskivi stop, you’ll find plenty of activities awaiting you. At the fairy-tale Alatskivi Castle, you can explore the life and history of a manor family and meet various servants who worked at the manor a hundred years ago. The museum on the second floor of the castle provides a comprehensive overview of the life and works of Estonia’s renowned composer Eduard Tubin. The cellar level features a photo exhibition of old Tartu County manors, wax figures of manor servants, and craft workshops where you can participate in pottery classes and purchase handmade crafts. Allow at least an hour and a half to explore the exhibitions spanning three floors. Additionally, you can visit the castle’s carriage house, which includes a new exhibit on manor management. Alatskivi Castle welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM.
Surrounding the castle is a 4.5 km trail around Lake Lossijärv, featuring varied terrain and beautiful views. This trail offers visitors a range of experiences and sights throughout the year. After exploring these activities, if you’re looking for a delicious meal, you can enjoy dining at several places in Alatskivi: Alatskivi Manor Stable, the Alatskivi Castle restaurant, or Kivi Tavern.
Juhan Liiv Museum
At the Rupsi stop on the Onion Route, you will find the Juhan Liiv Museum, which invites visitors to explore the rich history of Estonian poet Juhan Liiv and his homeland. The permanent exhibition, “Oleksin ma luuletaja” (If I Were a Poet), delves deeply into Juhan Liiv’s life and work, unraveling the myths that have developed around him. The museum serves as a gateway to the past, allowing visitors to uncover deep cultural and historical layers and gain a better understanding of their impact on contemporary Estonian society. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM.
Explore the life and traditions of Old Believers
Old Believers are a unique community who have found their home in Estonia’s Peipus region. How did they come to Estonia, and when? Why did they settle specifically along the shores of Lake Peipus? What are the customs of the Old Believers? What do their families look like, and why have they been growing onions in this particular way for centuries?
The Kolkja Old Believers’ Museum in Kolkja village explores the story of the Russian Old Believers of the Peipus region and shares it with its visitors. The exhibition is available in Estonian, English, and Russian. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM.
The Onion Route, known for its cultural richness, offers many other unique destinations to discover. Explore exciting opportunities on the Onion Route’s official website.