//
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Linnamägi piiskopilinnuse varemetega
Observe the ruins of the bishop's castle. The hill (165.6 m NN) emerged about 13,000 years ago during the Ice Age. Then, 1000 years ago the most important castle in ancient Ugala was built here. A permanent fortified settlement was built in the 7–8th century, and significantly strengthened in the 11th century. The oldest known firearm in the world was found here. During the battles of 1208-1227, most of the fighting took place around the castle. It was overtaken in 1224 by the crusaders, after which Herman I built the first stone castle here, which was also one of the first brick buildings in Estonia. Unfortunately, today only a few walls have remained on top of the hill.
Otepää kirik
Neo-Gothic and 51 m in height. Constructed in 1671, and repaired in 1850 including a new choir balcony. The pipe organ was built in 1852 in Tartu by Kessler. The church tower was built in 1860. And the façade was done during a total reconstruction in 1890. The lock of the door dates back to 1772. The new bell was a gift from the Wihti parish in Finland in 1992.
This place includes a Golden Ratio Stone Spiral, a Chartres Labyrinth, and a tepee – a conical tent. Labyrinths have been used for gaining energy and walking meditation. The labyrinth has 11 paths and is 11 m in diameter, and a copy of the famous Chartres labyrinth in France.
Energiasammas
In 1992, this wooden pillar of positive energy fields was erected. Location and seats were chosen with greatest sensibility. In 1993, the pillar was decorated by participants of the Worldwide Smiths Day. It is believed that when you stand in the right place and afterwards touch it, it will give you a great shot of energy and good health.
Otepää suusamuuseum
Museum on the history of the flag of Estonia, of which the city of Otepää was important in its creation.
Talispordimuuseum
A small museum on the history of performances of Estonian athletes in winter sports.
Part of the Otepää recreational region with an area of 2,859 km². Trails along the lake provide access to the banks and picnic areas. It is possible to rent a boat to reach the islands on the lake, which are uninhabited. In winter, the frozen lake allows for ice skating or cross-country skiing, depending on snow conditions.
Harimäe vaatetorn
Beautiful views from observation towers on top of Harimägi hill. 28 m height in total, with the highest platform at 24 m.
Beautiful views from this observation towers on top of the Tehvandi hill.
Otepää looduspark
Hike along the paths of the park.
Open-air concerts are held in completely natural venues on the hilly landscapes of the Otepää highland. The musicians' stage is on an island in the lake, surrounded by thousands of listeners on the sloping shore.
Depending on the conditions, the lake Pühajärv is sometimes frozen but not covered with snow. It is then possible to rent skates on the shore. Bypassing the building that houses the spa hotel north of the lake you will find a weight room that also rents cross-country skis and lake skates.
The place has a mechanical lift allowing to go down slopes on a kind of plastic buoy. The track is sometimes artificially snowed.
This activity can be done on snow or ice. Cross-country ski trails and trails can be reached on a frozen lake. It is possible to rent the equipment in Suusarent.
Rental of snowboards, cross-country skis, snow scooters and other winter sports equipment. Friendly and efficient owner who can provide information on snow and ice conditions.
Pub and restaurant (pizza, etc.).
The hotel has a sauna.
Bed and breakfast.
3 cottages for rent located away from the city. A small ski resort is located less than 100 m away with two slopes. There is also a lake nearby. The cross-country ski trails can be reached about 500 m by the Tartu marathon trail, and cross-country skis can be put on at the exit of the chalet to reach this trail. The chalets are equipped with a kitchen, a sauna and have capacity for up to 6 to 7 people, some have WiFi access.
By car
From Tallinn or Tartu take the national road M2 to the south and then the national B46 about 16 km south of Tartu.
Walking is the best option in the centre. To get to the lake or ski area, you better take the bus.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Tartu · Regional · TAY
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Otepää and Estonia.
Nature & adventureHiking is a great way to explore the forests, bogs, islands and the rural side of Estonia.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyIn the early hours of 28 September 1994, Europe's deadliest peacetime shipwreck took place when the passenger ferry MS Estonia sunk in the northern Baltic Sea on a journey from Tallinn to Stockholm.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesVia Baltica is a road leading through the Baltic States and Poland in Northern Europe.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyThis article describes old towns and other remnants in the Nordic countries from the unification of Sweden, Norway and Denmark in the 11th century, to the Industrial Revolution of the mid-19th century.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.