South Estonia Travel Guide (Estonia/Baltic states/Europe)

Introduction to South Estonia
List of Places to Visit in South Estonia
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of South Estonia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of South Estonia
Best Things to Do in South Estonia: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for South Estonia
Food and Drink Scene of South Estonia
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in South Estonia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in South Estonia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of South Estonia
Best Time to Visit South Estonia
Do’s and Don’ts of South Estonia
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in South Estonia
- Health in South Estonia
Getting to South Estonia: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in South Estonia
Where to Go Next from South Estonia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to South Estonia

South Estonia is a hidden gem located in the Baltic states of Europe. This region is known for its picturesque landscapes, fascinating history, rich culture, and warm hospitality. South Estonia features dramatic hills, vast forests, ancient castles, pristine lakes, and winding rivers. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, you’ll find plenty to do and see in this beautiful region.

List of Places to Visit in South Estonia

There are many must-visit places in South Estonia, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Tartu University Museum
Estonian National Museum
Piusa Caves
Otepää Castle
Kanepi Watch Tower

Natural Attractions of South Estonia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Soomaa National Park
Lake Peipus
Endla Nature Reserve
Ahja River Valley
Karula National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Estonia

South Estonia is a paradise for hikers and bikers. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

Taevaskoja hiking trail
Liivimaa hiking trail
Võhandu marathon
Karula hiking trail
Suur Munamägi hiking trail

Best Things to Do in South Estonia: Activities and Tours

South Estonia offers a wide variety of activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do:

Visit Tartu, the cultural capital of Estonia
Explore the Pagan Sanctuary of Karja
Attend a folk music festival
Discover the secrets of Seto culture
Take a canoe trip in Soomaa National Park

Week-Long Itinerary for South Estonia

Here’s a week-long itinerary to discover the best of South Estonia:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Arrive in Tartu, explore the Old Town and visit Tartu University Museum
Day 2	Visit Estonian National Museum and walk around Lake Peipus
Day 3	Go hiking in Soomaa National Park and have a picnic
Day 4	Explore the Otepää Castle and cycle around Lake Võrtsjärv
Day 5	Discover the Pagan Sanctuary of Karja and attend a folk music festival
Day 6	Take a canoe trip in Ahja River Valley and stop by Kanepi Watch Tower
Day 7	Relax and enjoy the Karula National Park before departing

Food and Drink Scene of South Estonia

South Estonian cuisine is a blend of traditional Estonian, Russian, and Seto dishes. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

Sült - traditional Estonian meat jelly
Mulgipuder - porridge made of potatoes and groats
Seto leib - traditional Seto bread
Kama - Estonian superfood made from roasted grains

Local Beverages

Vana Tallinn - traditional Estonian liqueur
Saaremaa Valss - locally brewed beer
Vaskna Tourist Farm’s apple cider

Where to Stay in South Estonia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

South Estonia offers a variety of accommodation options for every budget and preference. Here are some recommendations:

Villa Ammende in Pärnu
Lydia Hotel in Tartu
Kubija Hotel & Nature Spa in Võru
Koidula Holiday Home in Setomaa

What to Buy in South Estonia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home from South Estonia:

Handmade woolen clothing and accessories
Pottery and glassware from local craftsmen
Estonian honey and jam
Vaskna Tourist Farm apple cider

Local Culture and Customs of South Estonia

South Estonia has a unique culture that is influenced by neighboring countries like Russia and Latvia. The Seto community is known for their colorful national costumes, unique language, and ancient traditions. It’s customary to take off your shoes when entering a house and to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek.

Best Time to Visit South Estonia

The best time to visit South Estonia is during summer (June-August) when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, if you’re a fan of winter sports, then January-March is ideal for skiing and ice-skating.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Estonia

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions
Try traditional Estonian food and drinks
Visit the local markets and buy handmade crafts

Don’t:

Wear shoes inside the house
Wave at people with your palm facing inward
Talk loudly in public places

Safety and Health

Safety in South Estonia

South Estonia is generally a safe region to travel to. However, it’s important to be cautious while exploring nature reserves and national parks. Weather conditions can change quickly, so it’s advisable to check the weather forecast before embarking on any outdoor activities.

Health in South Estonia

Health care facilities in South Estonia are adequate. The quality of care is high, but visitors may need to pay for some treatments and services upfront.

Getting to South Estonia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near South Estonia

The closest international airports to South Estonia are:

Tallinn Airport (TLL) - 190 km away
Riga International Airport (RIX) - 270 km away

Bus Stations Near South Estonia

South Estonia is well-connected by buses. The main bus stations are located in Tartu, Viljandi, and Võru.

Other Options

If you prefer to drive, then renting a car is a great option. South Estonia is easily accessible by road, and the scenic drives are breathtaking.

How to Get Around in South Estonia

The best way to explore South Estonia is by car, bike, or on foot. Hire a car or a bike to explore the countryside at your own pace. Alternatively, take a guided walking tour to discover hidden gems that are off the beaten track.

Where to Go Next from South Estonia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’ve explored South Estonia and are looking for more adventures, then consider visiting these nearby destinations:

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia
Riga, the capital of Latvia
Saaremaa Island, which is a short ferry ride from Pärnu

Conclusion

South Estonia is a treasure trove of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and gastronomic delights. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, history and culture, or simply a relaxing getaway, South Estonia has it all. So pack your bags, hit the road, and discover this hidden gem of Europe.