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Summer experiences in Elva

Photo: Uuspärismusfestival ANDA JA KANDA / Margus Ainsalu

In Elva summer, you flow in one rhythm with nature

During the summer, Elva becomes an enchanting and vibrant holiday destination, where nature, culture and active leisure are intertwined into a single whole. The city and its surroundings are full of greenery, sparkling lakes and diverse opportunities to enjoy the Estonian summer at its best. 

Elva municipality awaits you with open arms to enjoy your vacation and discover new experiences – whether it’s relaxing in the lap of nature, exciting adventures, or memorable cultural moments.

Magical nature beckons you into its embrace

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Mustjärve hiking trail, David Egri-Kiss.

The nature of Elva is a true example of the charm of South Estonia – rolling landscapes, mysterious forests and iridescent lakes create a calming and yet exciting environment. There are numerous hiking and health trails around Elva, suitable for both quiet nature walks and more active activities. 

Extensive pine forests spread around Elva, where the air smells of resin and where walking offers true forest therapy.

Come and draw strength from the Nature Energy Trail or discover the hidden treasure of the Mustjärve hiking trail near Lake Võrtsjärv. 

The cultural pulse beats strongly throughout Elva rural municipality

The summer in Elva municipality is full of life and stories – culture is springing up warmly in village squares, community centers, and open-air stages, bringing people together and making hearts beat faster.

Community festivals are the heart of summer, bringing people together from across the municipality – these are moments where we share joy, create memories and feel like a united and strong community. Culture offers experiences for participants of all ages: from lively concerts and fairs to workshops and joint family activities. This is the time when Elva municipality truly comes alive – together, happily and with an open heart.

If you want to enjoy good coffee and delicious delicacies, then the only home café day in Elva municipality, the Buffet Day from Rõngus Rannuni, provides the perfect opportunity. 

The New Tradition Festival: GIVE AND CARRY will enchant you with folk music, exciting workshops, delicious food and a bonfire.

In the heart of summer, you can enjoy Cultural Wednesdays  in the center of Elva , and free exhibitions are also open at the Elva Cultural Center.

Elva's summer is full of the joy of movement

In the summer, Elva municipality is like one big outdoor sports center – here, closeness to nature and a love of exercise meet. 

There are endless opportunities for sports — diverse hiking and fitness trails , safe pedestrian paths, bike and roller skate rentals , a modern sports building , and several football and ball fields that await sports enthusiasts of all ages.

All exercise and sports enthusiasts can challenge themselves throughout the entire month of August — during the sports month, you can try and take part in many different workouts, try out new sports, and simply feel great joy from doing sports. 

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Elva central square, Jaak Jänes

Summer city culinary experiences

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Käsu Hans Café, Annye Rooväli-Ingi

The Elva Taste Experience Trail takes you through cozy cafes, homey eateries, and exciting flavor discoveries. Here, local ingredients, creative recipes, and warm service meet – whether you’re a breakfast eater, a lunchtime wanderer, or a night-time adventurer.

After a nice swim in Lake Arbi or Lake Verevi , it ‘s easy to lose yourself in a cozy café while walking around the center of Elva , where fresh summer flavors, a pleasant atmosphere, and local hospitality await you.

You can also find unexpected and memorable food experiences in Puhja , where local flavor takes on a special meaning. Käsu Hans cafe-restaurant is a unique gem that offers vivid emotions to both locals and visitors from further afield. 

Slow progress in the hustle and bustle of a small town

In Elva, life flows at a peaceful pace, hand in hand with nature.

There’s no need to rush here – here you can just be in the moment, take a deep breath and let the beauty of the summer town flow in.
Enjoy a walk in the lakeside city center or let yourself be carried away by the silence of the forest. 

The summer town of Elva welcomes all vacationers and invites you to discover local gems.

Experience Elva’s enchanting summer moments also on Visit Elva Instagram!

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Lake Arbi, Kayvo Kroon

Tartu Information Centre
Raekoja plats 1a
50089 Tartu

Tourist information 
+372 744 2111
info@visittartu.com

Estonia’s Culinary Region 2025