Põltsamaa Castle
The stone fortress was constructed on the banks of the Põltsamaa River already in 1272. Later on (1570–1578) the fortress was the residence of Livonia's King Magnus. Repeatedly pillaged, the castle was rebuilt by Woldemar Johann von Lauw. In the 18th century the fortress became a grand rococo-style palace. The castle and the church burnt down in 1941. Only the church was restored in 1952. The castle remained in ruins, waiting for its time. The complex is open again from the summer of 2023. The castle tower, convent building, and gate building are open to visitors, where you can find [...]
Laiuse fortress ruins
Construction of the Laiuse fortress was launched by the Livonian Order in the late 14th century to defend its eastern borders. The first defensive structure in Estonia to be fitted with firearms, it gained its definitive appearance in the late Middle Ages. Cannon towers were added to the fortress in the mid-15th century. The fortress crumbled in 1559 but was restored, with wooden barracks built at the end of the Swedish era, which accommodated Karl XII and his entourage from 1700–1701. After the Great Northern War the fortress lay in ruins.
Weaving Chipwood Baskets in the Avinurme Wooden Handicrafts Center
Weaving a chipwood basket is the most popular attraction in the wooden handicraft centre and if there's a place in Estonia where this craft is known, it's Avinurme. Everyone can learn the basics of weaving a basket in the workshop with the help of an instructor: you pick out chipwood, weave a berry basket from the chips and finally apply a finish. All the participants will be given the necessary tools for weaving a basket and at the end of the workshop you have your own basket. We have seen the most genuine joy over something made with your own [...]
Luua Manor museum rooms
The beautiful Luua Manor is home to the museum rooms of Luua Forestry School, which showcase the history of both the school and the manor. A number of the rooms in the manor have been restored to their original state and opened up to visitors. Here you can admire the timeless beauty of the manor, find out about the history of its park and the surrounding area and take a look at awards and old school documents. There is also a large collection of stuffed birds and animals from the surrounding forests. Did you know...? *Every summer the manor takes [...]
Paduvere Farm Museum
The museum introduces the life led by farmers in the 18th century and the everyday lives and work of our forefathers. There are five oak sculptures created by St Petersburg artist Grigori Azarenkov by the museum. The museum is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, which make it a popular venue for folk parties and theatre performances.
Permanent exhibition “Lake Peipus Living Room”
Lake Peipus Living Room is a permanent exhibition that gives visitors information about the natural conditions in Lake Peipus and the lives of people living by the lake. You can see models of the 34 species of fish that inhabit Lake Peipus. There is also a three-dimensional model of the lake that is 4 m long and 1.4 m wide and also shows the location of the towns and villages, accommodation establishments, museums, watchtowers and other places of interest near the lake. The Mustvee beach by Lake Peipus is marked with a yellow National Geographic window; it is one of [...]
Kassinurme Hillfort and Sacred Grove
The Kassinurme ancient area was established 1.5 thousand years ago. The sacred grove was discovered when the settlement was established, and it is one of the oldest sacred places in Estonia. A fragment of the ancient fort has been restored. At present the sacred grove is the favourite place for history enthusiasts who organise ancient war games there, revive old folk customs, and celebrate folk calendar holidays. The health trail lets visitors see the varied nature of the region and enjoy beautiful surface forms.
Avinurme museum train
A narrow-gauge Sonda-Mustvee railway passed through Avinurme during 1926–1972. It was a true 50-year-long prosperity era for the villages located near the route. Today, a section of 178.5 metres of the former railway, the rail brigde, and the rail vehicle have been restored. All those who are interested are welcomed to take a nostalgic train ride from May to October, meaning the railway is opened when the weather is warm enough and the door of the locomotive can be opened and the railway is closed when the door of the locomotive freezes shut.
Exhibition “Samovars and Old Believers”
The exhibition's collection contains more than 50 samovars from various eras, countries, with different shapes and heating methods. The oldest samovar dates back to 1810. Samovars are accompanied by a multitude of tea glass holders (more than a hundred pieces). Photos of Russian Old Believers illustrate the walls. The exhibition also contains traditional items of the Old Believers, such as tea time and everything it entails, clothing, furniture, church equipment, icons, iconostasis, lampada, lestovkas, podrusniks, etc. You can also buy souvenirs, handicrafts and novelty products by the brand Varvara Gourmet.
Kuremaa Castle and Park
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.
