2 years in Estonia and so many memories, that we find it difficult to classify them in any kind of order. However, winter is drawing nearer and that’s why we want to recall once again how cool Estonia can be during cold and snowy days.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledging in Estonia

Actually, living in a cold country offers a whole range of interesting experiences, one of them is dogsledding! No need to hit the road till Greenland or Canada to try this out. We went to the south of the country to a small family farm, whose owners organize dogsledding walks or tours. Unfortunately, we were not excessively lucky with the weather – it was neither cold enough for a descent ride, nor there was enough of snow, so the dogs could not run the way they normally do. Still, for thrilling sensations it was quite all right. :)

For the true huskies, such rides for tourist amusement is practically nothing, as they are used to covering much longer distances – even up to 100 km per day! Not our case, though.

Dog sledging in Estonia
Dog sledging in Estonia
Dog sledging in Estonia

We made our first ride on the frozen Leoski Lake – beautiful and completely wild area. Fun, but too short. No worries, all the dogs are treated like a part of the family and enjoy their job no less than tourists enjoy their ride.

Dog sledging in Estonia
Winter scenery of Estonia
Dog sledging in Estonia

Suur Munamägi – the highest point of the Baltics

In Võrumaa, not far from the dog farm is located another point of interest. However, its interest consists more in symbolic meaning rather than anything else. The highest point of the Baltic States, Suur Munamägi, which reaches… 318 meters. Yes, we can’t even classify this as hiking, because you actually don’t notice when you reach this so-to-say peak. No offence though, as this particularity of Baltic States makes them perfect for cycling! Once again, let’s hope that you are lucky with weather conditions (because we weren’t). By the way, the entrance to this tower with an overview platform is not free, prepare 5€ to pay.

Suur Munamägi, Estonia
Suur Munamägi, Estonia
Suur Munamägi, Estonia

In the same county – Võrumaa we visited a border-town split in two – Valga on the Estonian side and Valka – on Latvian. Such cities are astonishing, aren’t they? (Sorry for the old iPhone quality!)

[:en]Valga or Valka: Estonian-Latvian border[:fr]Valga ou Valka[:]

Elistvere Animal Park

On the way back to the north, we stopped at a quite curious place – Elistvere Animal Park. It’s a small territory where one can see the animals that inhabit Estonian forests. Still, it’s not a classic zoo. In Elistvere live the animals that were hurt and brought here to recover before being released back into the wild. Or simply animals-orphans who can’t take care of themselves in the nature.

As you see, it’s fun for kids and not only.

[:en]Suur Munamägi, Estonia[:fr]Elistvere Animal Park[:]
Winter in Estonia, Elk
Elistvere Animal Park

Where we stayed?

Suhka Tourist Farm  Another lovely family guesthouse, decorated in the cosiest and the most authentic way. Lovely and extremely friendly hosts, tasty breakfast, honest rates.