VÕRU TOWN WALKING TOUR
Tourist Information Centre - Võru County Government building – Katariina Street /alley - Previous
Pharmacist’s Building - Võrumaa Regional Museum – Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi str – Karja Str – Sculpture
“Vitality” (“Elujõud”) - Roosisaare Bridge (Peninsula Rose Island) – Tamula Beach Promenade Monument for Fr. R. Kreutzwald and the Park - Memorial Museum of Dr. Fr. R. Kreutzwald - Cultural
centre “Kannel” and town gallery - Liiva Str – Vabaduse Str – Downtown Park– Võru Orthodox
Church - Võru Bank Building – Shipwreck memorial “Estonia” - St. Catherine’s Church - Võru Basic
School no.1 -Antique store “Karma”.
The town of Võru, located at the shore of the beautiful Lake Tamula, was established on August 21, 1784,
according to the wish of the Russian Empress Catherine II and by the order of Count G. Browne, the Governor
General of Riga, in the place of the former Võru estate which had been obtained for 57 000 roubles. The
uniqueness of the city is its simple, rectangular crossing system of streets. The archaeological finds at
Roosisaare, Villaküla and Kääpa suggest that the roots of the early settlements in the near vicinity date back
thousands of years. Wooden architecture of Võru old town can you see on streets of Kreutzwaldi, Karja,
Koidula, Jüri and Petseri.
1. VÕRU TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE. We provide information on the city of Võru as well as Võru
County in the Estonian, German, English and Russian languages.
2. VÕRU COUNTY GOVERNMENT BUILDING - The building dates from 1938 and was designed specifically
as an administrative building.
3. The previous BUILDING of the CITY PHARMACIST - The city drug-store,
run by pharmacist Hendrik Mikheim was opened here in 1914.
4. VÕRUMAA REGIONAL MUSEUM - The permanent display provides a survey
of the history of Võru County from the Stone Age up to present day. In the
exhibition room shows of the museum’s collections, handicrafts and art are
arranged.
5. MONUMENT for FR.R. KREUTZWALD (the author of the Estonian national
epic “Kalevipoeg”) - in the park on the shore of Lake Tamula. The designer of the
monument is an outstanding Estonian sculptor Amandus Adamson. The
monument was opened on August 29, 1926.
6. TAMULA PROMENADE – The 800 m long lakeside promenade that was
established on 2009, offers various possibilities for leisure activities. The Tamula
beachfront was named the Best Deed 2009 in the category of landscape
architecture. Lake Tamula - an oval lake extending from east to west and
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covering 231 hectares has the average depth of 4.2 meters. The lake’s deepest spot lies to the north-east of
its centre and is 7.5 meters.
7. Sculpture „ELUJÕUD” (”VITALITY” ) – Peeter Leinbock is the author of the sculpture and it expresses
perseverance of the Võru people.
8. BRIDGE of ROOSISAAR (Peninsula „Rose Island“) - The archaeological
excavations on the north-eastern shore of Lake Tamula indicate that this was
the location of a Stone Age settlement dating back as far as 5 000 years. In
1998 new stately suspension bridge was built here for pedestrians. From the
bridge a beautiful view opens onto Lake Tamula and the city of Võru.
9. MEMORIAL MUSEUM of Dr. Fr. R. KREUTZWALD - Kreutzwaldi 31. The
museum is situated in one of the first buildings in the city (completed in 1793).
Here Fr.R.Kreutzwald lived in 1833-1877, practicing as the city doctor. Currently
the museum’s total renovated memorial complex comprises 6 buildings, a large courtyard and a beautiful
garden.
10. VÕRU CULTURAL CENTRE “KANNEL” - the building dates from 1964. Today the building is one of the
centres of the city’s cultural life and town gallery offers exhibition during year. The “Kannel” garden behind the
building is the venue of annual festivals, open-air performances and concerts.
11. VÕRU ORTHODOX CHURCH - this baroque structure was planned by M.
Schons, chief architect of the Livonian Province. The master carpenter was
Johann Karl Otto, a resident of Võru. The church was completed in 1804 and
named the Great martyr Catherine’s Church in honour of Catherine II.
12. VÕRU BANK BUILDING - completed in 1939. It is one of the largest and
attractive buildings erected during the pre-war-time of the Republic of Estonia.
The facade is decorated with the bas-reliefs by sculptor A. Kaasik.
13. The MEMORIAL for the “ESTONIA” SHIPWRECK in the city park is to commemorate the residents of
Võru who perished in the shipwreck of the ferry “ESTONIA” on the stormy night of September 28, 1994. The
monument by sculptor Mati Karmin was erected in 1996.
14. St. CATHERINE’S CHURCH - a Lutheran church. For the construction of the
building Empress Catherine II donated 28 000 silver roubles. Consecration was
held on July 24, 1793 and the church was named St. Catherine’s Church. The
altarpiece depicts Christ on the cross and is subject to protection by the state as a
heritage of culture.
15. VÕRU BASIC SCHOOL No 1 - a one-time mansion and the first administrative
building in the town. Since 1805 it has been a schoolhouse. From 1921-1939, it
housed the Võru Teachers’ Seminar, the director of whom was an outstanding
Estonian pedagogue Johannes Käis.
16. “KARMA” ANTIQUES is located in one of the city’s oldest brick-buildings,
erected in the 19th century. In the pre-war period (before 1941) the building
housed “Võru Pank”, the smallest bank in Estonia, and in the post-war period a
subsidiary of the Savings Bank of the Soviet Union. Since 1996 the building has
been one of Estonia’s largest antique stores offering a copious selection of
antiquities.
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NORTH-WESTERN TOUR
VÕRU - HEIMTALI - SULBI - KÄRGULA - RUHINGU - MANOR OF URVASTE -URVASTE - TAMME-LAURI
OAK - KIRIKUKÜLA - KÕLBI - VANA-ANTSLA - ANTSLA - KRAAVI - (LÜMATU) - VAABINA - LÕÕDLA LINNAMÄE - HARJUMÄGI - SÕMERPALU - JÄRVERE - VÕRU
VÕRU: Established in 1784 according to the wish of Empress Catherine II, to become the centre for a new
county. The city’s regular crossing network of streets, as well as its two churches - St Catherine’s Lutheran
Church (1793) and the Võru Orthodox Church (1806) - date from the early years of the town. The very first
building (Seminari 1, previously the Võrumõisa mansion) from 1921-1930 housed the Võru Teachers’ Seminar.
After that the building was in use as a schoolhouse. Next to St Catherine’s Lutheran Church is the solemn
monument for the residents of Võru who perished in the shipwreck of the ferry “Estonia”. In the park at Lake
Tamula is the monument (1926) for Fr.R.Kreutzwald (1803-1882), the compiler of the Estonian national epic
“Kalevipoeg” and the Võru city doctor. The monument by sculptor Amandus Adamson was commemorated in
1926. There is also a memorial museum of Fr.R. Kreutzwald in Võru. The exposition is complete and attractive.
The Võru Regional Museum with its permanent installation on the history of Võru town and county is also well
worth a visit.
HEIMTALI: In the early 20th century, here was the community of German families. The church dates from
1938.
SULBI: Here we can see a road-village - a village type uncommon in Võru County.
URVASTE: the first written record of Urvaste dates from 1544. Time ago there was the manor with the park
here. Today only the burial place of the gentry is preserved. Legends about the von Samson-Himmelstjern Kin
are still alive.
TAMME-LAURI OAK: The largest oak-tree in Estonia: the girth 8m, height 19m,
crown 25m. The oak tree is depicted on the Estonian 10-kroon bank note.
KIRIKUKÜLA (CHURCH-HAMLET): In 1413 this hamlet was mentioned under the
name of Anzen. The origin of the present place-name, Urvaste is associated with
pope Urbanus. The present church - a gothic-style basilica - was consecrated on
September 5, 1889. The entire interior and belongings of the church date from the
same time. The organ is from 1938, built by Estonian well-known organ craftsmen,
the Kriisa brothers. The bells date from 1832. Johann Gutslaff, the second Lutheran
clergyman in the church, is known for having written down the first grammar of the
South Estonian dialect, published in 1648, and for being the first to translate the
Bible into the South Estonian dialect. The Urvaste Church is the centre of the
congregation that comprises the parishes of Urvaste, Antsla, Sõmerpalu and the
town of Antsla. In the parsonage park there is the monument for poetess Marie
Heiberg (1890-1942), erected for the centenary of her birth (sculptor L.Paluteder).
LAKE UHTJÄRV: The lake is in the Urvaste primeval valley, 3 km in length, with the
deepest spot of 27.6m. (A dangerous lake with cold water.) One of the numerous
local legends tells the origin of the lake’s name: The lake had arrived in its present
location in the form of a cloud driven by huge black bellowing ox. A compassionate
eyewitness had asked the lake “Why are you sighing?” The word “sigh” (“ohkad”) in
Estonian resembles the present name of Lake Uhtjärv. On the high coast of the lake
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there used to be an ancient stronghold known under the name of Nahalinn. The stronghold was used during
the 1st and 2nd centuries for quite a short period. Nearby are a sacrificial well and a stone.
VANA-ANTSLA: The place was first mentioned in 1405 as a vassal stronghold.
Today 20 buildings have preserved of one of the largest manorial estates on Võru
County. The oldest of them, the so-called “bottle-house”, was used as an applegranary and exists today. The late owner of the manor was Unger-Sternberg. In
the manorial park with its ancient trees and artificial ponds, grow two oaks planted
by Karl IX, the King of Sweden in honour of his son Carl Philippe who was born
here in 1601 during the war between Sweden and Poland. At present, the manor is
housing an agricultural school.
The town of ANTSLA was founded in the late 19th century as a trade centre after the completion of the Valga Pskov railway. First the settlement had the name of Hauka. In 1920 it gained the rights of a small town; in
1938 it became a town.
KRAAVI: The village emerged in proximity to the Kraavi tavern and the Orthodox
Church built in 1895. Early in the 20th century an Orthodox parochial school operated at
Kraavi. After the closing of the Orthodox congregation in 1984 the church became an
auxiliary chapel for the Urvaste Church where both Lutheran and Orthodox services are
held.
VAABINA: This area received its present name from Fabian von Tiesenhausen, the
owner of the manor in the 16th century. During the Middle Ages in its place was a
feudal stronghold that has not survived.
LAKE LÕÕDLA: another oblong lake with picturesque shores, lying in the Urvaste
primeval valley. There is a small islet in the lake - a wonderful place for fishing and
recreation.
HARJUMÄGI: Ancient Estonians regarded the Võhandu River as a sacred river.
On the coasts of the river there were sacred groves where people used to bring
their sacrifices for Pikne, the Estonian heathen God of Lightning. In the 17 th
century the landlord had the river dammed up and a water mill built. In 1641
when all crops failed and the spring of the following year was very cold,
peasants were convinced the reason for the disaster was the desecration of the
sacred river. Thus on July 8, 1642, a band of 60 peasants destroyed the mill.
This action expanded into a major peasant rebellion that was followed by
corporal punishment from punitive troops. In 1644 Johann Gutslaff published a
book about the people’s belief that the Võhandu River was sacred and also
wrote down the “Prayer to the Lightning” in the Estonian language.
SÕMERPALU: Here lie a few remains of the stone walls of the 15th-century feudal
stronghold. The manorial park and estate date from the 60’s and 70’s of the 19 th
century: the historistic-style mansion, the estate manager’s house, the coachhouse, the stockyard, the granary-dryer and the wine cellar. The latest owner was
F.A.von Möller, Ph.D. For a long period of time the eclectic-style mansion housed
Sõmerpalu Basic School.
JÄRVERE is on the north-western shore of Lake
Vagula. The mansion built in the location of a
fisherman’s household, seceded from the Sõmerpalu manorial estate in 1766
and was later used as a holiday mansion by the Möllers family. In 1830 a park
with 200 different species of trees and bushes was founded.
SOE TAVERN: The tavern was part of the previous Sõmerpalu manorial
estate.
LAKE VAGULA: The Lake covering 518.7 hectares extends 4.6km from east
to west. The lake spans 1.7km, and the deepest point is 11.5m. Its banks are low and surrounded by swampy
meadows.
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SETO TOUR
VÕRU - VASTSELIINA - VANA-VASTSELIINA - MEREMÄE - OBINITSA - LINDORA - LASVA - VÕRU
When driving through the borough of Kose on the Võru-Vastseliina-Luhamaa road, you will catch sight of three
lakes: first Lake Pappjärv to your left, and further on Lake Valgjärv and Lake Verijärv with steep banks, to
your right. If you turn off to the left on the 10 th kilometre, the road will take you to Kütiorg (Hunter’s Valley),
the deepest primeval valley in Estonia and one of the most exciting places in Võru County. In the autumn, the
vast array of colours makes the valley exceptionally beautiful. In the winter, the valley offers much fun for
skiers.
VASTSELIINA is situated at the headwaters of the Piusa River, 25 km from Võru. It is a
relatively young borough. The earlier settlement at the Vastseliina Episcopal castle was
destroyed during the Great Northern War (1700-1721). In 1772 church was erected two
kilometres from the present borough of Vastseliina. The building received its current look
early in the 20th century. The church is noted for its organ, a work of well-known Estonian
organ masters the Kriisa brothers, and for its altarpiece by Fr.L.von Maydele. During WW
II, the borough was badly destroyed and was built up anew after the war.
VANA-VASTSELIINA (previously known as Vahtseliina) is situated 6km from the borough
of Vastseliina, on the high bank of the Piusa River. At the place where the Meeksi stream
is flowing into the Piusa River, are the ruins of the Episcopal castle
(1342), the strongest fortress in the one-time province of Livonia. The
castle had circular multi-coloured brick and limestone towers with
numerous sham niches. In the Middle Ages it used to be a destination of
pilgrims.
During the Hanseatic times, the Riga-Pskov trade route crossed
Vastseliina. The inn built by the roadside has been mentioned in the road
map of 1695. Today you can have a meal there. Close by the Piiri Inn is
the starting line for the Piusa primeval valley-hiking trail (map of the
trail is available).
MEREMÄE: Historically Setomaa (Seto area) had been divided into twelve parts. The present-day Meremäe
and Obinitsa settlements used to belong to the part called Mokornulk. The Setos, the inhabitants of Setomaa
have well preserved their original dialect, the tradition of wearing folk costumes, “leelo”-singing (old Seto folk
songs) and handicrafts. The Setos, Orthodox by religion, hold their rites in great reverence.
OBINITSA, another major centre of the Seto-culture, was established
about 1000 years ago. The peculiar school-church built here in 1904 is
going to be developed into an Orthodox centre. The Transfiguration
Church was built in 1952 at the initiative of Father Viliomen, the priest of
the congregation. On the hillside at the Obinitsa man-made lake are
monuments in honour of the Seto folk culture: the statue of Seto
Lauluimä (the most well-known singer), surrounded by plaques
commemorating other Seto singers. In the village cemetery is the grave
of Hilana Taarka, an outstanding Seto folk singer, with a peculiar
monument. The local heritage museum, Seto Muuseumitarõ also houses
the tourist information centre (phone 78-54 190).
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5km from Obinitsa, in the neighbouring Põlva County near the Piusa railway
station are huge man-made caves where previously sand for manufacturing
glass was mined. Only the Museum Cave is open for public, visiting of other
caves is for safety reasons strictly forbidden. In the Piusa caves nature reserve
there is a 1.4km marked hiking trail. Please mind that the railroad bridge is
too low for buses, you have to walk about 300m.
LINDORA: this is another spot to start a hike in the Piusa primeval valley
where you will find twelve Devonian-period sandstone denudations.
0.5km to the east of the Tabina-Lindora road lie the Lindora burial mounds
(2nd half of the 1st millennium). The mounds lie in two groups of twenty-one and sixteen mounds and have
been studied thoroughly. Every year on October 26 the traditional sheep market is held at Lindora.
LASVA: the sandy shores of Lake Lasva invite you to take a refreshing dip. The lake
is abundant with fish the maximum depth is 19.2. Beware it gets deep quickly.
The history of the Pindi church goes back as far as 400 years. The original wooden
church was replaced by the present stone church in 1881. In the Pindi cemetery
there is the grave of captain Vreeman, a hero from the war of Independence, and
the restored monument.
HAANJA TOUR
VÕRU – KOSE – HAANJA – RÕUGE - VÕRU
On the way to Haanja is the territory
of the Haanja Nature Park with the
size of 17 000 hectares. 3km before
Haanja, on your right, behind the
small Lake Perajärve you can see the
hill of Vällamägi (303.9m above sea
level). After Suur Munamägi (Great
Egg Hill 318,1m) this is the 2nd highest
hill by absolute height. Its relative
height (84m) exceeds that of Suur
Munamägi. Chronicles say that in the
middle of the 19th century the hillside
had been cut clear of trees, but after
that trees have been growing here
with almost no disturbance for nearly
one and a half century. The age of the
spruce on the south-eastern slope is
approximately 120 years. Since 1992,
the forests of Vällamägi have been
regarded as the reserve of the genetic
fund.
HAANJA. The people of Haanja have
diligence, wit, love for handicrafts and
singing, and a sense of humour, which
are the characteristics that have eased
their life in this hilly land most
unfavourable for cultivation. As if to
balance the poor soil, Haanja takes
pride over its picturesque scenery that
attracts hikers to discover its beauty.
The observation tower on top of Suur
Munamägi offers a splendid view over
the landscape of southern Estonia and
even that of Latvia and Russia. The
present tower - the 6th rendition - is
from 1939. Since extensive restoration
in 1969, the height of the tower has
been 29.1m. On the foot of the hill is
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the monument for the soldiers of the 1st cavalry regiment who perished
in the War of Independence. The monument was originally
commemorated in 1932 and re-opened on 7 August 1988. In winter,
there are ski trails and the skiing stadium close by the Haanja Basic
School.
One way of getting to RÕUGE is
through the village of Kokõmäe.
The farm near Lake Vihtla is the
birthplace of the Kriisa brothers,
our well-known organ masters. In
the orchard of the farmstead is a
monument for eight organ maste
rs. One of the organs built by the
Kriisa brothers is in the Rõuge
Church.
Numerous deep valleys cut into the primeval valley of Rõuge. In the
area lakes Tõugjärv and Kahrila, depth of the primeval valley is 70m.
The deepest branch valley is Hinni Canyon. The attractive Ööbikuorg
(Valley of the Nightingales), abundant with springs, leads into the main
valley. Time ago its high shore was the site of an ancient stronghold. All
the seven lakes of the Rõuge lake system are linked to each other by
the Rõuge stream that finally flows into the Võhandu River.
RÕUGE TOUR
VÕRU - RÕUGE - VIITINA - RUUSMÄE - PLAANI - HAANJA - KOSE - VÕRU
RÕUGE: The first record about the
small town that emerged around the
estate of the same name dates back
as far as 1544. Rõuge Linnamägi, the
site of an ancient stronghold that has
not survived, offers a beautiful view
over
the
surrounding
scenery.
Nearby you can find a parking lot, a
village swing, a site for building a
campfire, the Ööbikuorg (Valley of
the Nightingales) and a peculiar
water-pump (private property) which
with the energy from the waterhammer supplies water for the farm
30 m up on the slope of the valley.
In the Rõuge primeval valley you can
find the chain of seven lakes: Lakes
Valgjärv, Liinjärv, Suurjärv (the
deepest in Estonia - 38m), Kaussjärv
(with a beach), Ratasjärv, Tõugjärv
and Kahrila. The Rõuge Church is
noted for its organ with 31 registers,
built by the brothers Kriisa, wellknown Estonian organ masters.
Opposite the church is a monument
for the soldiers perished in the War
of Independence.
VIITINA is a small village south of
Rõuge, with rolling landscape and
small lakes - the previous “heart” of
an estate. By the road to Ruusmäe,
you
will
notice
the
mighty
Mustahamba oak tree (girth 5.9m).
RUUSMÄE is situated between four
lakes, in the Haanja Upland. The
name of the estate, the Rogosi castle
manor originates from the name of
Stanislaus Rogosinsky, a nobleman
of Polish origin who once governed
this area. Supposedly it was during
his rule that the imposing “heart” of
the estate was designed and built.
The next owners, the family von
Glasenapp, built the manor with a
closed inner court, peculiar by its
architectural style. Today the building
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contains the Ruusmäe Basic School, a small museum and lodging.
On your way from PLAANI towards Haanja, the small Plaani Orthodox Church on your right will catch your
eye. To the left is Lake Külajärve - why not pull over and take a break.
HAANJA is undoubtedly the most popular destination for hikers in Võru County.
Here are the highest peaks of Estonia and the Baltics - Suur Munamägi (Great
Egg Hill, 318m) and Vällamägi (303 m). At Vällamägi you will find an interesting
trail for hiking. The observation tower of Suur Munamägi offers you a magnificent
view over the surroundings. With its diverse scenery and innumerable lakes,
Haanja is attracting people year round, inviting them to spend their vacation in
summer and to try out the local ski trails in winter.
KOSE: from here it is only five km to the centre of Võru. In the Johnny Pub by
Lake Pappjärve you can rest from your trip and enjoy a good meal.
By the city border, on your right are the classicist-style barracks - the location of
the Kuperjanov detached infantry battalion. To your left is the Orthodox section
of the Võru cemetery with a small chapel.
MÕNISTE TOUR
VÕRU - NURSI - SÄNNA - VARSTU - MÕNISTE - KUUTSI - KARISÖÖDI - KRABI - PAGANAMAA RÕUGE - VÕRU
The road between Võru and Valga is lined by pine forests.
VANA-NURSI: Here is the mansion that for decades since 1920ies was in the hands of the army.
NURSI: Here is the former communal granary (2nd half of the 19th century)
that today houses children’s handicrafts workshop, called Midriait. Here
children can play, see exhibitions and try most different kind of activities.
1,5km towards Rõuge from the Nursi crossroads is Hinni Canyon, the most
important branch valley of the Rõuge primeval valley. The height of the
steep Devonian sandstone walls is six metres. The length of the canyon is
200m. In the bottom of the valley flows the brook of Enni.
SÄNNA: The rapid Pärlijõgi (the Pearl River) rises at Luhasoo and falls into the Mustjõgi. Long ago it was the
habitat of pearl-like stones, hence the name of the river. According to chronicles, in 1343 the land around the
Pärlijõgi became the domain of the Vastseliina Episcopal castle. Soon a foothold for the castle - the Catholic
Church was established in Sänna. Catching pearls in the river was said to have been the main activity of the
monks there. Later a mill, Sänna Mäeveski, was built on the ruins of the church. You can also take a look at a
building (made in 1835-1836) in Kangsti, long ago used as a post station.
VARSTU lies on the edge of the deep
valley of the Mustjõe River. The
present-day Varstu municipality has
evolved from the previous Vana-Roosa
estate in the Rõuge parish. The name
of the estate came from von Rosen’s
family who had been ruling here for
centuries. The name of Varstu is
known from 1565. In 1855, the
Orthodox Church, dedicated to John
the Baptist was built. There is a
Lutheran church at Vana-Roosa. After
WW II Varstu became the centre of the
area. Social life is centred in the village
hall.
MÕNISTE: the centre of Mõniste lies
41km from Võru. This place was first
mentioned in 1386 under the name of
Mendis. There are three big rivers in
the area: the Vaidva, the Peetri and
the Mustjõgi. The banks of the rivers
have been inhabited long since. Twice
a year, due to floods people are cut
out from the rest of the world. A
peculiar subculture has developed in
the area - Latvian influence can be
traced in the local dialect, in people’s
clothing and dietary habits. Local
people have always been enterprising
and contriving. Handicrafts have been
a widespread activity here. One of
Võru County’s oldest parks with
numerous different species lies in
Mõniste.
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KUUTSI. This is where the open-air Village Museum of Mõniste is located.
The museum was founded in 1948 and comprises a threshing-barn house,
granary, sauna and summer kitchen from the 19th century and a dwellinghouse, storage-hut, cellar and wagon-shed from the 20th century. All
buildings have the furnishings of the corresponding period. The history of
farm work is introduced by means of practical activities.
The museum is open: 1.May - 30.Sept. every day from 10 to 17, at other
times closed on Monday and Tuesday. Phone +372 789 0622.
KARISÖÖDI: 7km from the museum, in the bend of the Peetri River in the
Karisöödi nature park, is a festival site where in summer people gather to
celebrate the Midsummer night and in winter, Karisöödi turns into a Christmas-land for busy elves and their
visitors.
In the valley of the Peetri River you can see the Devon sandstone and limestone denudations. 12 km from the
museum, at the Naha farmstead is the southern-most top of Estonia (57°31' NL and 26˚37' el).
KRABI - PAGANAMAA: The first record about the area of Krabi is from 1386. In 1791 village school was
established here. Close to the Latvian border is the landscape reserve of Paganamaa (Pagan’s Land). The area
of the reserve is 840 hectares. The 2.5-km circular nature study trail starting at Piiriorg includes an
observation tower. A map of the trail is available.
RÕUGE is the area known for its lakes, Ööbikuorg (Valley of the Nightingales), site of
an ancient stronghold and peculiar water hammer pump.
The site of the ancient Rõuge stronghold (9th -11th century) is one of the best studied in
Estonia. The first record of the estate dates from the age of the Teutonic Order from
1544. The borough has developed around the manorial estate,
the latest owner of which was Baron von Samson Himmelstjern.
The Rõuge Lutheran Church, originally a Catholic Church dating
from 1730, is noted for its organ, a work of outstanding Estonian
organ masters, the brothers Kriisa. Opposite the church is a
monument for the soldiers in the War of Independence.
The first school in Rõuge was built as early as in 1688. The
present school dates from 1883. Some school teachers from
Rõuge were known all over Estonia: Peeter Org (1849-1908) for publishing the school
edition of “Kalevipoeg”, the Estonian national epic, and Karl Leinus (1889-1968) for
having been the general conductor of the Estonian Song Festivals.
The major attraction in Rõuge is certainly its nature - the picturesque lakes and the
primeval valley with its deep valleys. In Rõuge, you will also find the deepest lake of
Estonia - Rõuge Suurjärv (38m).
KAIKA TOUR
VÕRU - JÄRVERE - SÕMERPALU - VAABINA - KRAAVI - ANTSLA -HAABSAARE - KAIKA - ÄHIJÄRVE KARULA NATIONAL PARK - TSOORU -SÄNNA - NURSI - KÄÄTSO - VÕRU.
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From VÕRU, drive in the direction of Tartu up to the crossroads indicating the direction of Viljandi, and turn
left.
JÄRVERE is situated by the north-western shore of Lake Vagula (518.7 hectares), the largest lake in Võru
County. The manor is surrounded by a park founded that was already in 1830. The park is notable for the
variety of species.
In SÕMERPALU there is a manorial estate and a park. The manor is interesting from an architectural
perspective. On the wall of the historistic mansion is the coat of arms of its late owners, the family Möller. A
few kilometres from the borough at Harjumäe by the Võhandu River is the memorial stone commemorating the
so-called Pühajõe War - the peasants’ rebellion in the 17th century.
At KRAAVI the Orthodox Church is worth seeing. At present the small church serves as an auxiliary chapel for
the Urvaste Church. Services are both for the Lutherans and the Orthodox.
ANTSLA is a small and peaceful town. Most of the houses are privately owned. The town has developed from
the borough of Hauka and gained the rights of a town in 1938. In Antsla Gymnasium there is a museum
outlining the history of the region.
In HAABSAARE we turn left and proceed to Kaika. Here the scenery is characterised by numerous hills with
lovely lakes in the valleys between them. The Kaika Hills are a part of the Karula uplands.
In one of the villages of KAIKA you will find the FAMILY PARK OF THE FOREST-FAIRY, a tourist attraction
consisting of seven farms with its centre in the Veetka farm at Mähkli. The Forest Fairy invites families, tourist
groups - anyone interested in nature to participate in eventful, exciting guided tours in the forest park.
LAKE ÄHIJÄRV lies between the Karula Hills and the Hargla valley. The area of
the lake is 176.2 hectares and maximum depth is 5.5m. On the shore of Ähijärv
is the admission office for visitors of the Karula National Park.
The territory of KARULA NATIONAL PARK extends into Võru and Valga
counties. The park offers its visitors 4 hiking trails to explore: Perajärve woodtrail, Tornimäe hiking trail, Lüllemäe village trail and the Ähijärve trail.
TSOORU: the Tsooru park is evidence of the existence of the one-time Tsooru
manor. The manor no longer exists. In the park you can find the peculiar
administrative building of the previous collective farm.
SÄNNA is called a pearl after the Pärlijõgi (Pearl) River. Pearls are no longer
found but a walk along the coast of the river that gets its start in Lake Palkna
certainly does have a soothing effect.
In Sänna the one-time building of the stage (1835) and the ancient mill are
preserved.
VASTSE-NURSI, NURSI: In summer, the ancient common granary (2nd half
of the 19th century) of Vastse-Nursi becomes a children’s handicrafts centre,
called Midriait. Near Lake Kahrila, 1.5km from Nursi, in the direction of Rõuge
lays the Hinni Canyon of Devonian sandstone, with the clear-water Enni
brook flowing in the bottom of the valley.
MISSO TOUR
VÕRU - HAANJA - PLAANI - RUUSMÄE - MISSO - LUHAMAA - VASTSELIINA - VANA-VASTSELIINA VÕRU
This tour will give you a good idea of the versatility of landscape in Võru County. The winding road between
Haanja and Misso is full of endless ascends and descends while the scenery at Misso is totally different - the
road to Luhamaa is almost flat. On the way from Luhamaa to Võru, long smooth ascends alternate with
descends.
HAANJA: 3km before Haanja lies the Vällamäe hill (303.9m) nature study trail. Suur Munamägi (Great Egg
Hill, 318m) with its observation tower attracts tourists by offering a magnificent view over the landscape. On
the foot of the hill there is a monument for the soldiers in the War of Independence. To the south of the hill is
lake Tuuljärv, the highest-elevated (257m) lake in Estonia.
At PLAANI, on your left you will catch sight of a small Orthodox Church built of rocks.
At RUUSMÄE, the local heritage museum inside the mansion of the
previous Rogosi estate invites you to get familiarized with the history
of the local community. In the outskirts of Ruusmäe you can see
mighty oak trees, the most spectacular of them being the
Mustahamba oak.
MISSO lies in the south-eastern corner of Võru County. Picturesque
lakes add to the beauty of the scenery of this area. 1.5km to the
south of the borough is Lake Hino with its seven islets - the largest
lake in Haanja Upland.
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LUHAMAA: In 1922 part of Petseri
County, called Luhamaa was joined to
Misso municipality. Here is the
Orthodox Holy Ghost Church (1932)
with a graveyard. At Luhamaa, on the
Estonian - Russian frontier is also a
border and customs checkpoint.
VASTSELIINA: In the centre of the
borough is a monument for the
soldiers in the War of Independence.
The monument was re-opened in
1988. You can take a look at the
church from 1772, explore the ruins of
the Vahtseliina Episcopal castle and
have a meal in the nearby Piiri Inn, or
hike along the primeval valley of the
Piusa River.
VÄIMELA TOUR
VÕRU - KIRUMPÄÄ - VÄIMELA - VÕRU
There are several possibilities how to go from Võru to Väimela. You can get there by car or by bus or to use
the special bicycle road and go on roller-skates, bike or take a hiking tour.
KIRUMPÄÄ: When driving towards Väimela along the Tartu road, ruins
of the Kirumpää Episcopal castle can be spotted on the left along the
Võhandu River, and the Leerimägi Hill (the troop’s camping site ) on the
right. In the Stockholm Military Archives in Sweden there is a map
revealing that the Kirumpää castle was a corral-type tower-castle, with
the tower in its north-eastern corner. The surviving, largest part of the
wall marks the location of the previous chapel. The length of one wall of
the main castle was about 45m; the front of the castle was in the bend
of the river. The first written record is from 1322 when Prince
Gediminas of Lithuania demolished the castle. In 1369 the castle was
restored. In the 15th century a cannon-tower was added. The castle was
eventually destroyed in 1656 in the war between Russia and Sweden and remained lying in ruins. In
September 1701, the Swedish army camped at Kirumpää. Later stones from the ruins of the castle were used
for the construction of the town of Võru. This is the reason why so little has preserved of the walls and other of
the castle. The elm trees by the hill were planted from 1939-1940.
Further on towards Väimela, the road sign points to the left, the birth-place of August Teppo (1875-1959), an
outstanding craftsman of accordions.
Before the Väimela crossroads, on the left is Lake Loosu.
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VÄIMELA: Here several buildings of
the previous manorial estate are
preserved. The two-storied baroque
mansion from 1870-1875 with its
extensions was destroyed during WW
I, but was restored in its original
design in 1922. Preserved are the
threshing barn (from 1881), the
distillery (from 1912), the farm hands’
cow shed (from 1889) and the farm
hands’ dwelling.
The manor is surrounded by a park
that was founded in 18th century. In
the centre of the park you can find
terraces made of stones that variegate
the surrounding scenery. There are
mainly lime trees, maple trees and
oaks growing in the park.
Two lakes add to the beauty of the
local nature: to the left of the road is
Lake Mäejärv (Ülajärv, Suurjärv) with
its numerous springs and to the right
in the park is Lake Alajärv (Väikejärv).
The average depth of Lake Alajärv is
1.6m and the mud in the bottom
measures 18m. The road along Lake
Mäejärve back to Võru is a scenic drive
of picturesque landscape.
Väimela has long been known as a centre for training farmers. In 1920 fieldwork school and a year later a
facility for cattle tenders were established here.
In 1999 the Võru County Vocational Training Centre was established in the building of the one-time Väimela
State Farm Vocational School.
There are a full-size stadium, a swimming pool and a health centre in Väimela.
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