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 [...]
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.
Sacrificial spring ‘Laiuse siniallikas’
There is a mystic spring on the Laiuse drumlin. The spring was used as a sacrificial spring during the second millennium and considered a holy place by ancient Estonians. The folk believed that the spring is a source of strength, gives rain and drought, causes dearth or ensures a good harvest. They believed the water in the spring heals eyes and many other ailments. That is why the people respected their spring and made sacrifices to it.There is a nice boardwalk to the spring and a bench where you can admire the spring and think beautiful thoughts. Why not wash [...]
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.
Avinurme Woodworking Centre
Avinurme Woodworking Centre is a tourism centre which is home to local craftsmen. It offers the widest selection of woodwork products in Estonia, including dozens of sauna and household items. You can even put your own skills to the test! The centre organises a variety of workshops, from basket-weaving and felting to bread-making, candle-making, painting and more. The cosy coffee shop offers home-made cakes and pastries, fresh bread and other treats. Arranged in advance, it can provide catering for groups of up to 80 people.
Põltsamaa Castle
Põltsamaa's stone fortress was constructed on the banks of the river in 1272. Between 1570 and 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 as a grand rococo-style palace. The castle, and the church built into its cannon tower, burnt down in 1941. The church was restored by 1952, and the castle ruins came under preservation in the 1970s. Did you know...? - The forecourt of the castle hosts open-air events. The round courtyard holds a tourist information point and the Põltsamaa Museum, [...]
Avinurme Puiduait Arts & Crafts Store
Avinurme Puiduait Arts & Crafts Store has the largest selection of wooden handicrafts in Estonia. Baskets, water buckets for sauna, hot pads, spatulas, butter knives, and thousands of other accessories for the kitchen and household. In addition to water buckets, there are ladles as well as foot- and headrests. In addition to local wood crafts, we sell Estonian natural cosmetics, as well as beautiful textiles and carpets. Estonian design and handicrafts can be found on our two floors. In addition to shopping, you can also order various workshops from us and have a bite to eat in our cafe.
Puiduait seminar room in Avinurme
The rooms at Puiduait in Avinurme are perfect for training events, seminars and workshops. There are three seminar rooms: hall (36 seats), wood room (20 seats) and the bread room (20 seats). The Puiduait has an ethnical atmosphere and you can add some fun workshops into your training programme: weaving a basket, baking bread, felting and many more. Tables can be arranged differently in the hall: 1. U-shape – max. 30 seats 2. Roundtable – max. 36 seats 3. Classroom – max. 36 seats
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.
Kursi summer manor
The Kursi summer manor was built by count Manteuffel in 1888 as a place to retreat from the buzz and daily activities of the manor centre. The same is offered by the manor today – a noble building in the midst of beautiful nature, secluded enough, but yet close to everything you might need in order to spend a refreshing holiday, focus on productive work, or meet for a long-awaited encounter. The layout and openness of the rooms and the interesting accommodation allow a holiday, seminar, a dignified party, or a brainstorming session with a larger or smaller group just [...]
