Why it is horrifying in southern Estonia?
With the darkness of November comes the cucumber time in southern Estonia. The hustle and bustle of the school holidays is over, the rooms of cultural institutions are quiet and deserted. Floors creak, crows caw at windows, shadows move, bells ring and exhibits come to life.
You figured it out! In November, museums in southern Estonia are like scenes from a famous horror film. Freddy Krueger, Pennywise, Babadook, Jason Voorhees, Chucky – there’s plenty of screaming and shrieking for villains of all calibres. Finally, lurking in the shadows… the Pickle Man.
Pickle? The Time? The man? Yes, abroad, at the end of October, they put the pumpkin outside the door, on their heads and in the soup. Here, in the primitive southern Estonia, the customs are older. Instead of a pumpkin, we crunch a cucumber to ward off evil spirits.
To protect you from the ghosts, we have arranged a horror experience that will keep you on your toes, but also save you from the trapped ghosts. Throughout the month, horror events will take place in various museums in Southern Estonia. Check the schedule and sign up!
So that your empty stomach doesn’t betray your hiding place in the museum to the monsters, we recommend that you nourish your body with dishes from the forest to the plate.
If you dare, come alone! If a friend has a pickle, come in twos. And if you want to take the whole team and scare the ghosts away, we’ve got a whole village that will be eternally grateful for your help.
Recommendations for the cucumber time
Alatskivi Castle
In the heart of Alatskivi, you’ll find the magnificent snow-white castle, brimming with mystery and a thrilling haunted atmosphere. And there’s more! The castle basement is home to a fascinating collection of waxworks, while the upstairs rooms are filled with intriguing exhibits like Tubin’s museum and mysterious portraits. The kind that follow your every move! Come and meet the spirits hidden within the walls of Alatskivi Castle!
The incredible Livonian Museum
The amazing Liivi Museum, located in the beautiful Oja Farm on the outskirts of Alatskivi, keeps the legacy of the incredible Liivi brothers alive – especially the legendary Juhan Liivi, whose shadows and visions give the place a unique, magical quality. It is said that Juhan often felt watched – and who knows what he saw! In the Rehemaja, the shadows come to life! As night falls, who knows what glimpses we’ll see out of the corner of our eyes?
Highway Museum
The Estonian Highway Museum is an amazing place that brings the history of transport to life in a truly spectacular way! The legends of the robber hills, where highwaymen robbed horse-drawn carriages, are still thrilling today! At the post office, ghosts playfully throw pictures from the walls, and the deserted rooms are filled with the eerie sound of creaking. Come and test your driving skills to cross the road safely at midnight!
Jääaja Keskus
A truly amazing place where 13.8 billion years of history come to life! Here, you can travel back in time and see the future: meet the terrifying Ice Age animals like the mammoth and the tarantula. Can you influence the climate with your actions, or is ‘climate horror’ inevitable? Come and find out!
Estonian National Museum (ERM)
At the Estonian National Museum, you’ll be transported to a fascinating world where everyday life and historical narratives are interwoven with intriguing secrets. Here at the ethnologically oriented Museum of Cultural Heritage, we delve into the lives and customs that are hidden in plain sight. Get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Estonian history!
Palamuse Museum
The incredible Palamuse Museum is the only place where the fascinating history of the parish schools is preserved. It brings the school days alive! In the boys’ bedroom, a housecat keeps watch over the window at night. The old moss-covered walls are a natural deterrent to mischief-makers! If you think your soul is pure enough to survive a night in a schoolhouse, then you’re in for a treat!
Kalevipoja Koda
Kalevipoja Koda in Jõgevamaa is your gateway to the incredible world of our ancient hero! The hornet’s red eyes flash from the darkness, and the woodpecker scares on film in a truly magnificent way! The voices of the epic remind us that legends live on and that there are hidden secrets just waiting to be discovered! Come and ride the plane or enter the gates of hell! It’s going to be a blast!
Tartu City Museum
Come and discover the hidden secrets of Tartu’s fascinating history at the amazing Tartu City Museum! In the magnificent 18th-century aristocratic palace, the friendly White Lady of the Liphart family awaits. Her white dress tails flutter in the empty corridors, creating an eerie yet enchanting atmosphere. But watch out! There are rumours that the men associated with her have met some pretty dramatic ends. Come and discover the true spirit of Tartu!
Lost Fear adventure games
Get ready to be swept away to a forgotten world where shadows not only hide terrible secrets, but also call them to life! You’ll have the chance to explore a whole range of fascinating locations, from abandoned military sites to industrial sites and deep forests. What is real? Oh, the possibilities! What could possibly be lurking in the corner of your eye? Come and join our spine-chilling horror show in Tartu and Tallinn! Book an incredible adventure where every step takes you closer to what you don’t want to find!
Blood-curdling events
Ryoji Ikeda's solo exhibition
Where: Estonian National Museum
When: as of 02.11
Dinner and a thrilling tour in the dark
Where: Ice Age Centre
When: 13.11
Viivi Luik: Life in Estonia under the Soviet occupation
Where: Tartu City Museum
When: 13.11 at 17:00
Night of Terror at the Museum
Where: Palamuse museum
When: 14.11
More information to come!
Curatorial tour of "Washing Machine Made of Beetroot: ingenuity in the city"
Where: Tartu City Museum
When: 15.11 at 17:00
A thrilling tour of Ice Age in the dark
Where: Ice Age Centre
When: 17.11
Anu Kannike: The Estonian home in a Soviet society of deficit and repair
Where: Tartu City Museum
When: 20.11 at 17:00
Tour in the footsteps of the film "The Shadow"
Where: Liivi Museum
When: 28.11 at 17:00
Séance to the World of Shadows
Where: Estonian Road museum
When: 28.11
More information to come!
Adventure on the trail of horrors
Where: The Kalevipoeg Museum
When: 29.11 at 17:00
More information to come!
A tour of the haunted castle
Where: Alatskivi Castle
When: 29.11 at 18:30
A haunted dinner at the castle
Where: Alatskivi Castle
When: 30.11 at 18:00
What to do in South Estonia?
Põlvamaa
The Estonian Road Museum intermediates traffic history in an innovative way by inspiring visitors, being a guide (road sign) and former of correct traffic attitudes. A place, where the road is alive!
Read moreRäpina Mäemõisa Manor House, also known as Sillapää Castle representing the Late Classical style was built in the middle of the 19th century. The centre and annexes of the original building had two storeys which were connected with one-storey galleries. The rear of the building is decorated by four Ionic columns with triangular pediment portico. In 1924 the predecessor of the gardening school started its activities in the building. During 1937-1938 the castle was reconstructed as a fully two-storey building.
Today the Manor House accommodates the Räpina Local Lore and Gardening Museum, the Räpina Music School and the Räpina Folk School.
Read moreThe Karilatsi Open Air Museum is the largest open-air museum in South Estonia. It is situated near the historic postal road in Karilatsi village and can be easily located by an old windmill that is one of a kind on that road. The territory of the museum covers over 5 hectares. It includes carefully reconstructed historic buildings that create the atmosphere of the parish centre about 100 years ago and allow visitors to experience life in Karilatsi back then. The heart of the museum is the old village school with an exposition that covers the history of local schooling and educational system. The exposition also includes numerous agricultural old-timers, such as steam engines and threshing machines.
Read moreThe carfts and souvenir counter of Räpina Creative Centre sells the creation of local masters: a wide selection of ceramics, stained glass, greeting cards, albums and notebooks, candles, textile items, jewellery and many other interesting items. We also accept custom orders.
If you would like to craft something yourself, then groups can participate in various workshops that need to be booked in advance.
Read more“Put your hands in front of your eyes and remember! Close your ears and listen! It is like a golden river in the distance…” Fr.Tuglas
Let’s remember together what the world was like for little Illimar in the Ahja manor at that time. We invite you to the world of Fr.Tuglas’ memories. And let it be known that the protagonist of the book “Little Illimar” is none other than Tuglas himself. Beautiful nature, lakes and stories of the past are waiting for you. You can enjoy the museum’s exhibits and, if you wish, take a guided walk along the paths of “Little Illimar”.
Read more
Võrumaa ja Setomaa
The museums in Setomaa were merged into one institution at the beginning of 2019. There are 4 different expositions: Värska visitor center – Reeg’s house, Värska farm museum, Saatse and Obinitsa museum.
Read moreMõniste Rural Life Museum is the oldest open-air museum in Estonia. The exposition offers an excellent overview of the local rural life from the Stone Age till the first half of the 20th century, providing a rare opportunity to visit a wooden lavvu, a threshing barn used as a dwelling, several other barns, a granary, etc. Furthermore, visitors can explore and shop at the store of Mõniste Tarwitajate Ühisus (Mõniste Consumers’ Association). It was closed before World War II, however, after its previous ambience and interior design were fully recreated, it continues to serve as a village shop.
Read more
Vastseliina Episcopal Castle is a fabulous place, full of myths and legends, located on a large outcrop in the middle of wild nature. In addition, the remains of the castle and a holy shrine have been here since the 14th century, and recently opened its doors Medieval Theme Park and Pilgrim House. Visitors can also see the manor park and stroll along the nature trails, or enter a lovely little chapel that is there for passerby.
Read more
Have you ever been in the midst of thousands of angels? We offer this powerful and unforgettable experience in the recently opened museum / thematic house Inglite Kodu.
Our family has a collection of over 3,000 angels and elves. The farthest we have brought them here is from New Zealand. We have porcelain, glass, metal, wood, and also textile angels.
Here, you can escape the rest of the world and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the middle of angels. You can also buy lovely gifts and souvenirs here.
Read more
The Vana-Võromaa Museum provides an overview of the history of Võru County: it presents numerous rare archaeological artefacts, old items and documents.
The museum also provides an overview of the history of Võru language (language closely related to Finnish and Estonian which is widely spoken in South Estonia) and offers an opportunity to learn about a specific sauna tradition in the Võru region, which has been recognised as a part of the World Heritage List of the UNESCO.
The Art Gallery that offers a new art exhibition in every two months, invites art enthusiasts to visit the museum.
Read more
Valgamaa
The most exciting military theme park in the Baltic region is located in Valga. The motto of our location is “100 years related to military affairs”. It is a safe place for organising camps for children and youth with activities on the spot and outings to WWII battle grounds near the Väike-Emajõgi River.
Read moreIn addition to delicious food and good wine, you can also see art at Tammur Farm in our very own Lauda Gallery. In the Lauda Gallery you can see the work of the family’s daughter, Mia, and see the art collection of the host, Erki, as well as some newer photographic art. The Lauda Gallery is part of the Tammur farm and all visitors to the restaurant can see it for themselves. But if you are interested, you can also come in advance just to see the gallery.
Read moreUgandi Resto, which offers delicious meals, pleasant service, and a stylish design, is a casual dining restaurant in Otepää.
Read moreValga Museum is a lively and modern museum where you will never get bored! The photos on display show the history of Valga County and the city of Valga from ancient times to the present. In addition to photos and information boards, you can also find models, music installations and wax figures in the museum.
Read more
Tartumaa
Through the Museum’s exhibitions and events, one can take a look at Estonians’ everyday lives in different periods. Interactive displays offer hands-on experience; it is possible to observe what an Estonian home looks like, explore Estonian cuisine and make oneself familiar with local dress, language and customs.
Read moreThe aim of Science Centre AHHAA is to introduce science to everyone and encourage studying through the joy of discovery. More than 3 million people of different ages have visited our exhibitions and other science events. In addition to trying out numerous ´hands-on´ exhibits on our various exhibitions, visitors of AHHAA can also take part in workshops, enjoy planetarium and science theatre shows.
Read moreIce Age Centre is an exciting theme park meant for the whole family! We offer the joy of discovery for visitors of all ages! We are a unique visiting centre in the Baltic States – you will see life-sized prehistoric animals and experience how the world and Estonian nature has developed through the ages.
Read moreIn the historic heart of Tartu, in the Jaani quarter, you’ll find Antonius Yard with three houses and a pleasant courtyard. The courtyard is a place for all Tartu residents to spend time and meet, and a home courtyard for three houses with workshops and studios.
Read moreVisit Estonia’s first observatory, one of two Estonian cultural objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Old Observatory is in the heart of the city of Tartu – on the eastern slope of Toomemägi.
Read more
This is the oldest theatre in Estonia, founded in Tartu in 1870 and is the only three-genre theatre in the region, staging music theatre (operas, operettas and musicals), dance theatre (classical ballet and modern dance) and drama.
Read more
Ag47 is first and foremost a centre of excellence for traditional photography, bringing together people interested in the field of photography, organising exhibitions and offering visitors the chance to try their hand at similar activities.
Our aim is to promote the history of photography and to preserve the photographic heritage and the technical knowledge and skills associated with it.
Read moreTartu New Theatre is an open platform for new ideas.
Read moreLiiv Museum was a homeplace of Juhan Liiv (1864-1913), one of the greatest Estonian poets. His poetry has been compared with Garcia Lorca, F.Pessoa and T.S.Eliot. Liiv wrote existential-patriotic poetry and intimate nature lyrics which have had a great impact on Estonian people. A major part of Juhan Liiv´s literary art is directly associated with this spot.
Read moreWe opened an exciting place to meet and explore in Varna, at Kesk 21. The doors are open and the Samovar House is waiting for guests. A collection of over 100 different samovars. Community members are also welcome to display their samovars if they have been left standing at home waiting for a new chance at life.
We are open to groups by appointment during the fall/winter months. Groups of up to 45 people can be accommodated for tours and workshops.
We also offer on-site genuine samovar tea – ivansha.
Read more
Jõgevamaa
The Kalevipoeg Museum is a unique place to discover the legend of the Estonian national epic. The museum, which reopened in 2020 completely renovated, approaches the stories of the giant hero in a new way – visitors can experience them first-hand through interactive technical solutions.
Read more
Welcome to the 19th century! In the schoolhouse, you can try out old school desks, write with a slate pencil, pen and ink and pretend to be a pupil of that time. Some schoolboys from more distant villages slept in this authentic and historic schoolhouse.
Read more
The Onion Route is located at a perfect distance from the university town of Tartu – the heart of the Onion Route, Alatskivi, is just 40 km away. It is perfect for a day trip from Tartu, or one could include visiting the Onion Route to the trip back to the Northern Estonia, or choose it as a separate destination for a prolonged adventure.
Read more
Avinurmen Wooden Handicrafts Centre is the right place for everyone who likes surprises and wants to have new and interesting experiences.
Read more
The museum gives an overview of Betti Alver’s life and works, also perpetuates the memory of Alo Mattiisen and acquaints visitors with the historic and cultural heritage of Jõgeva.
Read more
Kuremaa Classicist manor house was built in 1837-1843 by the von Oettingen family. The manor house was designed by the architect E. J. T. Strauss from Tartu. There is also a room for a museum in the castle which gives an overview of the region and of the history of Kuremaa Agricultural School. At present the rooms of the castle are used for organising conferences. The park rich in species descends towards lake Kuremaa which attracts visitors with its well-kept beach and possibilities for taking a rest.
Read morePõlvamaa
Valgemetsa Thought Space, half an hour from Tartu, is a unique place in Põlva County, on the banks of the Ahja River, where nature and silence create an ideal environment for reflection and relaxation. Here you can enjoy a variety of experiences in every season – the warmth of the fireplace and the sauna in autumn evenings, the untouched snow and the Christmas feeling in winter, the smell of pine needles and warm days in summer, and the awakening of nature with birdsong in spring. It’s the perfect place for family celebrations, gatherings and seminars, offering the tranquillity of nature to relieve stress and stimulate creativity.
Read morePikajärve Manor, also known as Cantervilla Castle, is probably one of the cosiest manors in Estonia. The manor’s main building (completed in 1908), with its colourful stone outbuildings, is set in a beautiful dome-shaped landscape on a high lakeside. Landscape paintings and portraits adorn the walls of the main hallways, while antique furniture and chandelier lighting add to the solemnity and romance of the rooms. The manor house is now privately owned and serves as a venue for parties and accommodation.
Read moreHotel Pesa is a Green Key hotel. It offers accommodation in a quiet South-Estonian town called Põlva.
The hotel is located close to the city centre of Põlva, straight across the road of the local hospital. Road signs with driving instructions will lead you right to us. Our reception desk will welcome you, no matter what time you will arrive. If you come by car, you can leave it in the parking lot across the road from the hotel, which is under close neighbourhood watch.
Read moreWe are surrounded by spectacular scenery and acres of space, we offer quality catering and fun adventure activities, our staff is friendly and always ready to help. The Taevaskoja holiday centre holds its head up high.
Read moreVõrumaa ja Setomaa
Accommodation in Värska sanatorium hotel gives you the opportunity for a relaxing and restorative holiday in private, with family or friends. Nestled in the heart of nature, far from industry and the noise of the city, Värska Sanatorium stands like a bright cruise ship at the head of Värska Bay.
Read more
In the middle of South Estonian pine forests and lakes you can find a cosy and comfortable hotel Kubija Hotel & Nature Spa. In our hotel you can enjoy a pampering body treatments, visit the spa and sauna center or find harmony with the nature and with ourselves.
Kubija Hotel & Nature Spa welcomes You!
Read more
Valgamaa
The mild wind from the lake whispers softly in the ancient trees in the park. A pair of swans glides over the mirror-smooth water in the morning silence. The falling dusk is coloured by the purple glow of the sunset sky. Welcome to Pühajärve!
Read more
There are 41 standard rooms (single, twin, double, triple) in the certified 3*** hotel of Tehvandi. The hotel can accommodate 100 people in total, incl. additional bed spaces. The rooms have WiFi and drying cabinets. Free parking, playroom for children, washing room, lobby bar.
Read more
Hotel Metsis is a stylish and comfortable hotel with pleasant service and an excellent location in the town of Valga.
The hotel building is made unique by its historical background – it was built in 1912 as a school. In 2005, it was renovated and turned into a hotel, and it is furnished with romantic antique furniture that has been complemented with impressive details. The hotel’s interior design has been created by designer Merle Eek.
18 comfortable rooms are waiting for you in the hotel. 40 guests can be accommodated in total.
Read moreTartumaa
SOHO is your next stop!
At SOHO you can stay, dine deliciously, quench your thirst efficiently, gain wisdom in the conference room, plan in the strategy room, sip ice cream with sparkling wine in the morning, explore Jaan Kirsipuu’s bicycles and of course spend quality time in the rooms.
SOHO is open 24/7 for holidaymakers, business travellers, friends from near and far and everyone else who appreciates the best location in the heart of Tartu, friendly and quality service and environmentally friendly and responsible living.
Read moreCombining Old Town atmosphere and modern architecture, Hotel Lydia is located behind Tartu Town Hall Square on the slope of Toomemäe Hill. Hotel Lydia is a 4-star superior hotel with a total of 70 rooms, a spa lounge offering a variety of sauna and relaxation facilities, a fitness club, the Hõlm restaurant, a lounge for business meetings and an event centre with state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video equipment.
With its historic location and personalised service, the hotel is an excellent base for business, conference and leisure trips.
Read moreThe 86 rooms at the V Spa and Conference Hotel range from superior and deluxe rooms offering the best in relaxation to luxurious suites. The hotel rooms are equipped to four-star standards and are spacious enough to accommodate three to six guests with extra beds.
Soft woollen carpets cover the floors for a homely feel, and allergy-free rooms with parquet flooring are also available. The Tartu Hotel and Spa is located in a new multifunctional business district with world-famous brand shops and cosy cafés, offering activities for longer holidays.
Read moreHoney Hut (Mesi Tare) is a unique holiday home on the shores of Lake Peipsi, in the heart of the Sibulatee village of Old Believers, offering an authentic experience in an authentic Peipsi homestead. The cosy accommodation created by the Mesi family, which does not follow the modern Euro-renovation but preserves the local tradition and sense of home, invites guests to experience the real Peipsi lifestyle.
In addition to accommodation, we offer a boathouse, tea culture workshops and eco-friendly solutions. In 2016 and 2020 we were awarded the EHE label, which confirms our commitment to a nature-based and authentic experience.
Read moreAlatskivi Castle has four rooms on the second floor, which can accommodate a total of eight guests. Each room has a toilet and bathroom. The most luxurious room, the tower room, has a bed in the corner tower. Two rooms, the chambermaid’s and the governor’s, can be combined into a family room if required.
Prices include breakfast in the castle restaurant.
Jõgevamaa
Coop Hotel is located on the main street of Jõgeva city center. The hotel building is with a very dignified history. It all started almost 100 years ago in 1919, when the Economic Union of Jõgeva was formed – the goal was to open a shop in the town. Learn more about our history.
Coop Hotel opened the doors in September 2021 and a new long and wide chapter of history can continue.
Read more
If you are looking for a pleasant and beautiful place to relax, our sauna house is perfect for you. A large house with three bedrooms (2 rooms are walk-through) and versatile amenities awaits you, which comfortably accommodates up to 10 people. Bed linen and towels are provided according to the number of people booked. The house has its own kitchen and terrace with shelter and grill. Indoor Finnish sauna and outdoor hot tub. In hot weather, you can turn on the air conditioner or go swimming in Lake Kaiavere.
Read moreOpened in 2015, Hotel Ankur is located in the centre of Mustvee. The hotel rooms are an extension of a house built in the 1950s. The hotel has 11 rooms and can accommodate a maximum of 29 people.
Accommodation is offered in rooms with satellite TV and private bathroom. Free parking is available on site.
The rooms are decorated in classic pastel colours. Rooms are available with carpeted or parquet floors.
Read moreMokko country hotel can accommodate up to 40 people, and more in summer. The rooms are located in six different buildings, which are situated close to each other in a beautifully landscaped courtyard. We welcome groups as well as individual visitors and families. There are barbecue facilities and a wood-fired sauna by the pond, and an electric sauna in the new outbuilding, both available for hire at an hourly rate.
Read more“From Forest to Table”
Veggie burger or gluten-free? Which sounds scarier?
Anticipation is a good thing, but not on an empty stomach. After all, it would be a shame to miss the elves in a quiet museum with your own stomach rumbling. So, in the meantime, we recommend a special ‘forest to plate’ menu.
The wild flavours use at least one ingredient from the Estonian forest and are largely made from local ingredients.
You can enjoy local delicacies until 17 November.
Unlimited excitement with the Museum Card
The choice of museums in Southern Estonia is wide and varied. Why visit just one when more is more?
The Museum Card is a digital common ticket for Estonian museums, giving you unlimited access to more than 100 museums and experience centres for one year.
Ready to work?
Kupland - Especially designed for those who wish to work remotely in picturesque places
Sometimes you’d like to visit cultural institutions, but you know there’s work to be done. Whether you’re terribly busy or short of work, Kupland can help you find a workspace that’s free of routine. For example, a hidden corner in a shared office, a cosy café between secret walls or an inspiring farmhouse in the countryside.
Kupland’s network brings together telework service providers in south-eastern Estonia (Võru County, Põlva County and Valga County). Here you can find a place for you or your team where no one is breathing down your neck. And when the work is done, you can go back to your museums!
