Kõpu: St Peter’s Church, M9 Hiking Trail and Paisjärv

There are three different themes to choose from for a stay in Kõpu: the architectural history of Kõpu St Peter’s Church, two route lengths on the M9 Hiking Trail, and Kõpu Paisjärv, with an opportunity to swim and a pedestrian suspension bridge. These points give you practical ideas for planning your day, but they also differ in their conditions: exhibitions in the church are accessible by prior arrangement, seasonal conditions for swimming may vary, and the condition of the bridge may change.

Church and historic buildings

Today’s stone Kõpu St Peter’s Church was built between 1821 and 1825. Inside are a magnificent Classical-style altar wall, a brick floor and chandeliers. This makes it possible to appreciate the church both through its construction period and through the design of its interior. Exhibitions in the balcony and attic halls add another reason to visit; you can view them by prior arrangement.

The former Kõpu pharmacy is another trace of the past. The listed building dates from the second half of the 19th century. Its former use as a pharmacy offers a different focus from the church: whereas the church is defined by its construction period and Classical furnishings, the pharmacy highlights the former use of a historic building. The two buildings therefore offer different points of interest if you are interested in Kõpu’s history.

Information at the Kõpu Visitor Centre

The Kõpu Visitor Centre provides tourism information, an online reservation system, exhibitions and presentations. Its offerings also include local handicrafts for sale, as well as seminars and conferences. The range of services gives you several options: you can get tourism information, include an exhibition or presentation, or plan an appointment related to an event.

Individual services may change. If you want to use a particular service, check it in advance. This also applies if you are specifically planning to use the online reservation system or the facilities for seminars and conferences.

M9 Hiking Trail: two route lengths

The M9 Hiking Trail is 10.6 km long; a shorter option measures 5.3 km. The shorter route is exactly half the length of the longer one, making it a clear alternative if you are taking distance into account in your plans. The trail starts at the car park next to the pharmacy and passes through the manor house park.

The route description therefore gives both a specific starting point and a section through the manor house park. Route details may change if the infrastructure is modified, so check the current route before setting off.

Kõpu Paisjärv and Varese sild

Swimming is possible in Kõpu Paisjärv, although seasonal conditions may vary. If you include this option in your travel plans, take the seasonal conditions into account. Unlike the M9, whose options are distinguished by two distances, swimming is therefore affected by the season.

A pedestrian suspension bridge, known locally as Varese sild, crosses Kõpu Paisjärv and connects a house by the lake with the village. Its physical condition may change. So if you plan to use the bridge, check its condition before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Paistu, Mõisaküla, Valma, Vihi, Viljandi, Pinska, Suislepa, Vaibla

Go to the main travel overview: Viljandi.