Route 8 – Where to go to see South Estonia's "superlatives"
See the world’s TALLEST Scots pine, Estonia’s DEEPEST lake, and the HIGHEST peak in the Baltics. Follow this eight-shaped loop through South Estonia.
This is not an ordinary nature walk!
South Estonia is like a miniature world with its own hills and lakes, forests and flavors, towns and legends. The landscapes rise higher and dip deeper than anywhere else in Estonia. There's a café that bakes the biggest cinnamon buns in Estonia, and locals still take time to share their stories with visitors.
Route 8 takes you on a road trip through South Estonia's natural beauty and charming villages, encouraging you to drive slowly to take in the inspiring views.
Shaped like the number eight and inspired by the concept of infinity, this journey weaves together South Estonia’s most extraordinary places and countless moments that will stay with you long after you’ve returned.
What to expect on the route
- Main attractions: This journey takes you through South Estonia’s most interesting places – the highest peak, the deepest lake, one of Europe’s most tilted buildings, the largest cinnamon roll, and the oldest oak tree. Between these recordholders, you’ll discover countless hidden spots that make the journey fun and full of surprises.
- Distance: Approx. 720 km
- Duration: Around 4 days – but take it slow and travel at your own pace.
- Season: Year-round (except for some summer-specific activities like cycling tours and boat trips on the Emajõgi River)
- How to get here: The easiest way is by car, either your own or a rental.
- Green travel tips: The route is lined with small producers and farm shops where you can support the local community and taste the best products in the region. Rent an electric vehicle for more eco-friendly transportation.
Photo author: Priidu Saart
Bikes, bogs, and cinnamon buns
Day 1
Route 8 begins and ends in the lively center of Tartu, but most of the journey will be peaceful and close to nature.
Step aboard Suur Sume, one of the most historic sailing barges on the Emajõgi River. Since World War II, no larger wooden sailing vessel has been built anywhere in the Baltics. Settle onto soft sheepskins and drift quietly along the river until the city sounds fade and only the gentle lapping of the water remains.
Afterwards, pick up the pace and grab a bike to explore Tartu with a guide. It’s a city that doesn’t try to be big – it’s simply the best in its own way. There’s plenty to see, though some of the “most-of-the-most” sights we’ll save for the final day.
Heading south, there is a mandatory stop at Café Tillu – one of the coziest cafés in Estonia and home to the country’s biggest cinnamon buns. Get a takeaway coffee and a bun. Save them for a snack to enjoy in the bog.
Next on the list is the Ootsipalu Giant Pine, the world’s tallest Scots pine. It is taller even than the Statue of Liberty in New York, yet it is surrounded only by a silent forest and the scent of pine needles.
Your last stop of the day is Meenikunno Bog, Estonia’s southernmost — and most mystical — bog. Legend says travelers once heard forest spirits whisper here. It’s a place where even the wind moves slowly, and each step takes you further from the workweek’s hurry. Meenikunno lets you remember what silence really sounds like – unless, of course, you hear whispers.
Goats, trees, and towers
Day 2
Today combines delicious flavors with perspectives from up high.
At Andri-Peedo Goat Farm, you’ll find some of Estonia’s most award-winning goat cheese – and a chance to meet the friendly animals needed to produce it. In the right season, you will see playful baby goats bounce around the barn. Plus, it is a must to taste that award-winning cheese. What more could you want from life?
Then it’s time to climb higher. Pesapuu Tower is Estonia’s most sculptural observation tower. It is shaped like a bird’s nest soaring into the sky. From the top, you can see, in a single breathtaking view, both the highest peak in the Baltics and Estonia’s deepest lake. The tower stands in the Rõuge Primeval Valley, home to the deep, dark lake, Rõuge Suurjärv.
For contrast, continue from the deepest lake to the highest point in the Baltics – Suur Munamägi – where the view of gently rolling hills from the observation tower showcases the true character of South Estonia.
Near Võru lives one of Estonia’s oldest legends – and its oldest tree. The Tamme-Lauri Oak has stood here for more than 700 years, making it older than Estonia itself. It is a sacred tree, a forest spirit’s home, and a symbol of endurance. Rooted in the same spot for centuries, it’s a living time machine, standing still as the world changes around it.
Photo author: Sven Zacek
Forest trails, wildlife, and folktales
Day 3
Start your third day with fresh air and movement.
On the rolling hills of Otepää, glide along on a kick scooter in summer or a kicksled in winter. The route passes a lake that has inspired more artists, musicians, and poets than any other in Estonia.
In the afternoon, slow down and listen to nature while meeting wild animals at Elistvere Animal Park or taking a break in the forest on the Männikjärve Nature Trail. Elistvere is a local family favorite. At this wildlife park, you can meet Estonian animals up close in surroundings designed to mimic their natural habitat. If the morning’s fresh air wasn’t enough and you’re craving more soft moss under your feet, head to the Männikjärve Nature Trail in one of Estonia’s most species-rich bogs.
While in Jõgeva County, remember that this is the land of Kalevipoeg, Estonia’s epic folk hero. Nowhere else is his legend so alive; the hills, boulders, and springs all echo stories and myths from the nation’s oldest tale.
Photo author: Long-Nong Huang
Woodworking, village roads, and wisdom
Day 4
The final day of Route 8 takes a more cultural turn.
Begin in Avinurme, where the scent of freshly planed timber fills the air. Try your hand at basket-weaving, wood chip crafts, or painting traditional wooden clogs — all perfect handmade souvenirs to take home.
Next, head to the shores of Lake Peipus – either along the village roads of Peipsiveere or the flavor-packed Onion Route (Sibulatee). Travel at your own pace or join a guided tour to explore onion-domed chapels, taste pickled fish, and learn about Old Believer traditions.
The journey – and the whole route – ends in Estonia’s smartest city: Tartu. First, head to the University of Tartu Botanical Garden, the oldest botanical garden in the Baltics and home to the country’s oldest palm tree.
From there, stroll back to the Town Hall Square. Did you know there’s a building here that leans more than the Tower of Pisa? The Tartu Leaning House, affectionately nicknamed “Tartu’s Pisa,” is definitely photo-worthy. Nearby, you’ll also find one of Tartu’s most-photographed stones – the base of the Kissing Students Fountain – possibly Estonia’s most Instagrammed rock!
Photo author: Rivo Veber
South Estonia in its truest form
Route 8 begins and ends in Tartu but everything in between is what makes it worth the trip. Forests, lakes, bogs, flavors, and people – these are what make this part of the country genuinely special.
Get inspired
Last updated
22.11.2025