Discover Elva: lake, trails and culture

Elva offers a range of ways to shape a trip: Lake Arbi in the heart of the town, trails for walks and hikes, and cultural sites with a history of their own. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus mainly on time by the lake, getting active on different routes, or visiting cultural attractions.

Lake Arbi: lake, nature trail and promenade

Lake Arbi lies in the heart of Elva, surrounded by lush vegetation, illuminated nature trails and pine forest. The 1.2 km circular nature trail around the lake has a gravel surface and is suitable for walking, running and cycling. Ten information boards and stands cover the shores, the lake’s ecology, and the relationship between the lake and people. The route thus combines exercise with topics relating to the lake and its surroundings.

A promenade extending from the square in front of the cultural centre into Lake Arbi was completed in 2020. The lake is also associated with an annual running event: the Jüriööjooks takes place around Lake Arbi. The trail circuit and the race offer two distinct ways for anyone looking to combine a visit to Elva with outdoor activity.

Hiking trails and exercise in the park

For a longer hike, the 3 km Väike Väerada is another option. It starts at Elva railway station and is suitable for hikers. The hiking trails of the Elva-Vitipalu Landscape Protection Area start near Elva, in front of the Tartumaa Tervisespordikeskus. In addition to the nature trail by the lake, there are therefore other hiking routes to choose from nearby.

Elva Sports Park has natural-surface trails of 500 m, 1,000 m and 2,000 m. They are intended for fitness jogging and Nordic walking. The three routes differ in length, while sharing the same surface and stated uses. This makes it easier to choose a route based on the distance you want, without confusing the trails with other activities.

The low ropes course is located in the park of Elva Sports Hall and is suitable for children and adults. There is also a small cycling practice track nearby. These two facilities offer different ways to get active in the park: the low ropes course and cycling practice.

Elva’s cultural sites and history

Various fairs and concerts are held regularly in Elva’s central square, which also has an open-air gallery. Elva Cultural Centre offers free exhibitions. Its building was completed in 1985 as the “Heli” cinema. A visit lets you explore both the public cultural offerings and the building’s history as a former cinema.

Elva Song Festival Grounds combine cultural history with recurring events. Estonia’s first rock festival was held there in 1972; concerts and folk festivals take place on the grounds in summer. Those interested in the history of residential neighbourhoods can also explore the “Professorite linnaosa” (Professors’ District), located on the southern shore of Lake Verevi along Järve Street. Several professors from the University of Tartu built prestigious summer houses there for recreation and rental.

Getting to Elva and finding your way around

Elva can be reached by car, bus, train, bicycle or motorhome. The train journey from Tartu railway station to Elva’s historic station building takes about half an hour; journey times may vary depending on the service. Check the timetable before you depart. The historic station building is a preserved 19th-century wooden building protected as a heritage site. It is in daily use; the waiting area has a reading corner with comfortable armchairs and a hot-drinks station.

Elav Elva Keskus provides tourist information about Elva and the surrounding region. Bicycle hire is also available there in summer. If you plan to use this service, bear in mind that it is seasonal.

For the broader travel overview: Elva linn.