Discover Peipsiääre: castle history and Old Believer culture

A castle modelled on Balmoral, a path around a manor lake and samovar traditions on Lake Peipus reveal different sides of Peipsiääre. Culture enthusiasts will find points of connection here through history, music and literature; nature experiences range from interactive exhibitions to a hiking route.

Alatskivi Castle and its surroundings

Alatskivi Castle was completed in 1885 and designed after Balmoral Castle. On the first floor, the visitor centre presents the building as the home of a family. It also covers the history of the entire manor and the restoration of the castle. A former stable for the manor's carriage horses now serves as an exhibition stable.

The landscape also has its own history: Alatskivi Landscape Protection Area was established in 1964 to protect Alatskivi Park, its ancient valley and the surrounding landscapes shaped by cultural history. The nature centre is housed in a manor barn dating from the late 19th century, within the protected area. Its interactive exhibitions focus on the nature around Alatskivi; visitors are allowed and encouraged to touch the exhibits. By prior arrangement, the centre offers nature-themed workshops for school classes and groups.

The 4.5-kilometre Alatskivi hiking trail runs around Alatskivi Lossijärv. It complements the exhibitions with a route through the nearby landscape. Visitors interested in hands-on activities can shape clay and try the potter's wheel in the castle's ceramics workshop. This activity can be booked; check availability before your trip.

Museums of music, literature and history

The Eduard Tubin Museum presents the composer's life and work. His manuscripts and books are on display, and audio recordings can be listened to. The permanent exhibitions at the Juhan Liiv Museum trace the writer's life and creative world. A small exhibition also offers an introduction to the cultural heritage of Kodavere. The museum also includes the outdoor exhibition “Juhan Liivi meelemaastikud”.

In Kolkja, the Old Believers' Museum explores the history of Russian Old Believers on Lake Peipus. The Museum of Living History in Varnja offers another perspective: it presents the Old Believers' way of life from the late 19th century to the first half of the 20th century. Both museums provide a distinct context for the historical subject: one focuses on the history of the Old Believers on Lake Peipus, while the other looks at a particular way of life over an extended period.

Crafts and Old Believer traditions

The Peipsimaa Pärimuskeskus is housed in an Old Believer home dating from the late 19th century. The centre includes a textile workshop, Lubokiõu, a chicory museum and seasonal gallery exhibitions. Established in 2016, the chicory museum in the cellar presents chicory cultivation in Peipsimaa and includes a preserved old chicory-drying oven.

At workshops at the Pärimuskeskus, visitors can, for example, decorate a tote bag using block printing or make a pendant using the gilding technique. Check the dates before your trip. In Varnja, the Samovar House has a private collection of more than 200 different samovars, assembled over several decades; the size of the collection may change. Samovar tea, Ivan tea and traditional tea-time sugar confections are served there. Tastings may be seasonal. At the Museum of Living History in Varnja, samovar tea and pies baked in a Russian oven are available by prior arrangement.

Local cuisine is another specific reason to visit: Kolkja Fish and Onion Restaurant serves smoked fish, fish soup, onion soup, fish patties and traditional Old Believer cakes. The menu may change. By arrangement, the restaurant can organise group events featuring stories from the host about local life and Old Believer customs, as well as readings from old books.

Trips on Lake Peipus

In summer, Mesi Tare offers experience trips on Lake Peipus aboard the Mesiroos for up to ten people, by prior booking. Day trips to Piirissaar and fishing trips for group events can also be booked. These offers are seasonal and require advance booking, so check dates and availability before your trip. This makes it possible to tailor your plans to your interests: the castle and museums offer cultural history, the workshops let you create something yourself, and the boat trips provide experiences on the lake.

For a stay with several activities, it is worth scheduling booked workshops and seasonal trips first. The exhibitions and museums offer different perspectives, from nature and manor history to music, literature and Old Believer traditions. You can then choose based on which subjects and activities are the focus of your trip to Peipsiääre.

Discover more destinations: Varnja, Kolkja, Rannu, Väljaküla, Puhja, Tartu, Luunja Parish, Meeksi Parish.

Return to the main travel overview: Tartu.