Ülenurme: MUHK, manor history and the Poldrijärve hiking trail

Ülenurme offers two distinct starting points for planning a stay: the history of the manor house and the Estonian Agricultural Museum, and the marked hiking trail around Poldrijärve. For those interested in cultural history, specific places and dates provide tangible points of reference; for hikers, the starting point, route and approximate distance are specified. This helps you decide whether to focus your visit more on the museum and manor house or on an outdoor route.

Manor house and museum history

Ülenurme Manor, also known as Üllenorm, was first mentioned in 1646. Another important date in the area's history is 1981: that year, the Estonian Agricultural Museum opened its permanent exhibition in the manor's restored stable. The two dates mark different milestones: 1646 represents the first mention of the manor house, while 1981 marks the opening of the permanent exhibition in a restored building. This makes it possible to trace Ülenurme's history through both an early written reference and the later history of the museum. The dates answer two different questions: when was the manor house first mentioned, and when did the museum exhibition open there?

MUHK in the historic park

In 2026, the Estonian Agricultural Museum was renamed MUHK. The institution combines a modern science centre with a historic museum. MUHK is located in the historic park of Ülenurme Manor. Its location and museum profile therefore provide both a geographical and a thematic point of reference. MUHK has live animals. If you would like to make this part of your visit a priority, check the programme details before travelling. The combination of a science centre and a historic museum adds a modern perspective to the site's connection with the history of the manor house.

Two exhibition openings

The permanent exhibition “Laudasümfoonia” opened in the barn building of the Rural Curiosity Centre in spring 2025. The details differ by building and date: the restored stable of the manor house in 1981, and the barn of the Rural Curiosity Centre in spring 2025. For your cultural itinerary, you can distinguish between the exhibition openings by their respective locations and dates.

Hiking trail at Poldrijärve

Another option for your trip is the marked Poldrijärve matkarada. The hiking trail starts at the Männi bus stop in Ülenurme, goes around Poldrijärve and is almost five kilometres long. The starting point, route and length give you concrete reference points for including the trail as a separate hiking option in your travel plans. These details should be read separately: almost five kilometres refers to the trail's length, while the Männi bus stop identifies the starting point and Poldrijärve indicates the route. Unlike the exhibitions, the focus here is on the route and its length.

Traditional event

The traditional event “Ülenurme Sügislaat ja Tõuloom” may also be of interest when planning your dates. It celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2026. If you would like to combine your trip with this event, check the dates for your chosen travel period in advance.

Discover more destinations: Kallaste, Kastre, Kõduküla, Rõngu, Mehikoorma, Laeva, Alatskivi, Ilmatsalu

For the broader travel overview: Tartu.