Setomaa Travel Guide

Setomaa is a place for individuals looking for an off beaten path destination with plenty of history and culture to explore. Discover the top places to visit, the best things to do, where to eat and stay, and how to get there in our comprehensive Setomaa travel guide.


Introduction to Setomaa

Setomaa is a small and remote region located in South Estonia, within the Baltic States of Northern Europe. The region is home to the ancient Seto people and is rich in history, culture and traditions that date back over 500 years.

While Setomaa is not a common tourist destination, it is a perfect place for individuals looking for an off-beaten-path destination with plenty of opportunities to explore nature and immerse themselves in local culture.

List of Places to Visit in Setomaa

Here is a list of the top places to visit in Setomaa, divided into two categories:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Seto Farm Museum: A reconstructed 19th-century farmstead that displays the traditional way of life of Seto people.

  • Obinitsa Seto Museum: A museum dedicated to Seto folk culture exhibits Seto traditional costumes, handicraft, music, and dance.

  • Meremäe Church: An ancient church with a beautiful interior, stained-glass windows and a bell tower that is a must-visit site in Setomaa.

  • Värska Museum of Local Lore: A museum that showcases the ancient history of Seto region with ancient exhibits and artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Setomaa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Piusa Caves Visitor Centre: A unique natural site, underground limestone caves with stalactites and the underground Piusa River that offers a chance to explore the unusual cave systems.

  • Igor Volke Nature Trail: A 2.5km trail with unique Seto communities marked by a beautiful landscape draped with beautiful flora.

  • Lake Lämmijärv: An awe-inspiring lake that is excellent for boating, swimming and fishing while soaking in the natural beauty that Setomaa offers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Setomaa

Setomaa provides excellent opportunities to explore the nature through the hiking and biking trails. Here is a list of popular routes for hikes and bike rides:

  • Taarka Trail: A trail that runs along the shores of Lake Peipsi, and also provides stunning views of the surrounding hillsides.

  • Setomaa biking route: A route that takes visitors to the heart of Setomaa, through picturesque villages, churches, and beautiful countryside views.

Best Things to Do in Setomaa: Activities and Tours

Setomaa has a variety of fun and engaging activities to offer for visitors. Here’s our list of the best things to do:

  • Seto Leelo singing workshop: Learn the ancient Seto singing tradition in a fun, informative workshop.

  • Setos’ Küütri Food Trail: Setomaa’s food journey is a unique and offbeat experience, showcasing traditional meals.

  • Boat tour of Lake Peipsi: Take a guided boat tour on Lake Peipsi and enjoy beautiful scenic views of Setomaa along with local Seto fishing experiences.

Week-Long Itinerary for Setomaa

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a 7-day trip to Setomaa:

Days Activities
1 Seto Farm Museum & Taark Trail Hike
2 Obinitsa Seto Museum & Folk Song Workshop
3 Igor Volke Nature Trail & Piusa Caves Visitor Centre
4 Lake Lämmijärv & Setos’ Küütri Food Trail
5 Meremäe Church & Bike Ride in Setomaa
6 Värska Museum of Local Lore & Boat Tour of Lake Peipsi
7 Depart from Setomaa and head to Tallinn or Tartu

Food and Drink Scene of Setomaa

Setomaa has a unique culinary tradition and a rich food culture. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sült: A traditional meat preparation made with pork that is chopped and boiled in a broth with carrots and spices.

  • Seto Rye Bread: A dense, dark bread that is a staple food item in Setomaa, baked with fermented rye flour using traditional baking methods.

  • Soop: A traditional Seto soup made from pork broth and beet leaves.

Local Beverages

  • Mead: A sweet alcoholic beverage made from honey and is popular among Setos on festive occasions.

  • Kama: A popular traditional drink made by mixing fermented rye and barley with water and sugar.

Where to Stay in Setomaa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Setomaa offers a range of accommodation options that offer both comfort and traditional charm. Here are our top picks:

  • Setomaa Tourist Farm: A traditional and picturesque set of guesthouses that offer comfortable accommodations with a local touch.

  • Värska Sanatorium: The vintage property of Värska, which houses comfortable amenities and offers a relaxing stay.

  • Obinitsa Guesthouse: A cozy guesthouse with a bar and restaurant facilities that serve traditional Seto cuisine.

What to Buy in Setomaa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Setomaa has many locally crafted products that are perfect for souvenirs. These products include:

  • Seto Leelo music albums: Take a piece of ancient Seto folk music culture home with you.

  • Seto craftwork: Handcrafted wooden spoons, ceramic dishes, and other locally made items display the region’s traditional crafts.

Local Culture and Customs of Setomaa

The Seto people have their unique cultural practices and traditions that date back over 500 years. Their folklore, costume traditions, and musical heritage are essential to their identity. Some unique Seto customs that visitors can experience include:

  • Seto leelo or Seto folk song: The traditional folk singing that is done entirely in the Seto language, with form and content decided by the singer.

  • Seto embroidery: A unique embroidery style exclusively practiced by Seto women, the embroidery is frequently applied to traditional Seto clothing.

  • Seto Kingdom Day: An annual event held on the first weekend of August every year, celebrating the Seto people’s history, heritage, and traditional way of life.

Best Time to Visit Setomaa

The best time to visit Setomaa is from May to September, as this is the spring/summer season and a more enjoyable time to explore Setomaa’s natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Setomaa

Here are some do’s and don’ts for visitors to Setomaa for a more enjoyable trip:

Do:

  • Respect local Seto customs and traditions.

  • Try Seto cuisine and check out the local food markets.

  • Visit local museums and attractions to immerse yourself in Seto history.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local culture or environment.

  • Ignore tour guides’ instructions when going on an outdoor adventure.

  • Hike or bike in protected areas without permission.

Safety and Health

Setomaa is a safe place to travel. It’s always wise to take standard safety precautions while exploring the region. Here’s some information on safety and health in Setomaa:

Safety in Setomaa

  • Petty crime may occur, especially in tourist areas. So, take precautions such as not leaving wallets, phones, and other valuable items unattended.

  • Take care in Setomaa’s peaceful forests as there are wildlife such as bears, wolves, and lynxes. Visitors should not approach or feed these animals and need to take appropriate precautions.

Health in Setomaa

  • Setomaa has a good health care system, and many hospitals and clinics operate in the region.

  • Visitors should drink bottled or boiled water to avoid any health issues from the region’s groundwater.

Getting to Setomaa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Setomaa is a remote region, but it’s relatively easy to travel to. Here are the main transportation options to get there:

Airports Near Setomaa

The closest airport to Setomaa is Tartu Airport, which is approximately 100 km away. The Tallinn International Airport is 230 km away.

Bus Stations Near Setomaa

Setomaa is connected to major cities such as Tartu and Tallinn by public transportation. The Värska Bus Station is the main transit hub in Setomaa.

Other Options

The most common and recommended transportation method is by car since visitors will require local transportation to explore the scenic Seto villages.

How to Get Around in Setomaa

Getting around Setomaa can be done by car, bicycle or walking. There are no public rail or bus routes in the area, along with the remote nature of the region.

Where to Go Next from Setomaa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If visitors are looking to explore more of Estonia beyond Setomaa, Tartu is a nearby destination that can be easily accessed by car or public transportation. Tartu is Estonia’s second-largest city, and visitors can see ancient structures and architecture or enjoy the famous quaint pubs in the town’s center.

Conclusion

Setomaa is a place for individuals looking for an off-beaten-path destination with plenty of history and culture to explore. Whether visitors are interested in museums, hiking, or simply enjoying the local food scene, there are plenty of activities and attractions available to make their trip one to remember. Visitors can wander Setomaa’s uniquely charming scenic locales and indulge in the rich heritage of Estonia’s past in the picturesque region of Setomaa.



    Vinski