Are you yearning for peace and quiet? We invite you to spend a cheerful weekend (2 nights) in our newly renovated rooms at Saarjärve Holiday Home!
Our holiday home is nestled in the heart of fairy-tale forests of Southern Estonia. Even if there is no snow on the ground during Christmas, the surrounding green coniferous forests and the fairy lights on our property create a magical and cozy atmosphere – just like a little Christmas fairy tale!
✨ Your Relaxing Weekend Package Includes:
- Accommodation for 2 nights in a double room in the main building’s newly renovated rooms (check out the rooms here: Renovated Rooms in the Main House).
- Delicious breakfast included every morning!
- When booking accommodation for 2 nights, 2 hours of pleasant sauna is included for your private use.
🍽️ Dining Options
In addition to breakfast, it is possible to order dinner or use our well-equipped shared kitchen to prepare your own meals. If you prefer complete privacy with your own kitchen, fireplace room, and sauna, please check the accommodation options in our small holiday house with a sauna by the lake.
Local Dining Recommendations:
NB! Around Christmas and New Year’s, we strongly recommend checking the opening hours of the restaurants before your visit!
- Tillu Home Cafe in Põlva (10 min. drive)
- LaStoria Italian Restaurant in Põlva (10 min. drive)
- Verska Resto at Värska Harbour (25 min. drive)
- Ilmaveere Restaurant in Obinitsa (30 min. drive)
- Suure Muna Cafe in Haanja (40 min. drive)
❄️ Leisure Activities and Experiences Nearby:
You won’t get bored here! Saarjärve Holiday Home is an excellent base for exploring Southern Estonia.
For Ski Enthusiasts
- Downhill Skiing: Otepää Kuutsemägi and Kütioru Ski Center (approx. 40 min. drive).
- Cross-country Skiing: Maintained tracks await you at Mammaste Health and Sports Center in Põlva (approx. 15 min. drive) and Haanja Recreation and Sports Complex (approx. 40 min. drive).
Setomaa
Discover Setomaa – Driving the Seto Village Belt
The best way to discover Setomaa is by driving along the “Seto Village Belt” (Seto Külavüü). This is a specially marked road that passes through all the main villages and sightseeing points.
- Seto Village Belt official info: https://www.visitsetomaa.ee/en/seto-village-belt
- Downloadable map: Seto Village Belt Map (PDF)
Our Recommended Setomaa Day Trip:
- Morning Start in Põlva:
We recommend starting your day in Põlva. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Tillu Kohvik, known for serving Estonia’s largest cinnamon buns!
- Discovering Värska:
Head to Värska, where you can walk along the river promenade and visit a nice cafe next to the bridge. Värska also features the Seto Farm Museum, where you can see traditional Seto clothing and an old-style farm, and enjoy authentic Seto cuisine. Also worth visiting is the Reegi Museum – the beautiful wooden architecture of a former officer’s home.
- Vana Jüri Soap Factory:
Driving towards Saatse, you will find Vana Jüri Soap Factory on the roadside. The place itself is located in a magical small village and is well worth a visit even if you are not interested in buying any soaps.
- Piusa Sand Caves:
The Village Belt leads you further to the Piusa Caves – sand caves where sand used to be mined for glassmaking. It is now a museum where you can see a small part of the caves, plus a Soviet glassware museum.
- Obinitsa Cuisine and Culture:
Obinitsa is another key Setomaa village with a small museum and a church. Here you will find two excellent dining options:
- The local authentic restaurant Taarka Tarõ (highly praised by our guests!).
- The newly opened Ilmaveere Restaurant, which is modern and owned by a famous Estonian singer.
- Local Products and Vastseliina:
If you wish to buy local dairy products and cheese, Nopri Farm Shop is also on the road (located between Misso and Vastseliina). It’s a self-service shop where you can buy fresh local products. In Vastseliina, you can also explore the old ruins of **Vastseliina Bishop’s Castle**, which is an exciting stop.
We are sure you’ll get great hints on where to go next when visiting these places! If you feel you won’t be able to discover all the spots in one day, you are always welcome to stay at Saarjärve for another night.
Saarjärve Surroundings
Saarjärve is located in a Nature Conservation Area by a bog lake, surrounded by spruce and pine forests, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
- The RMK Peraküla – Aegviidu – Ähijärve Hiking Trail passes through our holiday home’s yard; shorter walks can be planned on the 7 km or 2 km trails.
- At Saarjärve, it is possible to use a boat or a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from spring to autumn (included in the accommodation price).
- You can also fish in the lake. Please bring your own fishing gear.
For those arriving from the city, don’t underestimate the simple pleasure of sitting on the holiday home’s terraces, enjoying the quiet and the sounds of nature.
Also, check out other activities you can do near Saarjärve or order on-site from our partners.
Don’t put off your vacation! Book your memorable weekend, enjoy the peace, quiet, and picturesque environment!
