Setomaa has been inhabited for about 8,400 years, which makes it one of the oldest human settlements in Estonia. It is located on the border of Eastern and Western civilisations, bordering Russia, Latvia and Estonia. Setomaa is famous for its well-preserved traditions and culture. For centuries the local handicraft skills have been passed down within families. Seto polyphonic singing (Seto leelo) is inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Setos have distinctive national costumes, rich in detail and unique to each family. Perhaps most impressive is the distinctive array of Seto jewellery. These visually striking pieces not only reflect the social standing of the wearer but are also worn as a safeguard from misfortune. To this day, the Seto lifestyle remains closely tied to nature. It is common practice for the Seto not only to enjoy the natural beauty of the forest but to also use its gifts. Berries and mushrooms are picked freely in their seasons.

It is best to start the tour from Võru and finish in Tartu.

Puises „centrā” uz vienstāvu koka mājiņas jumta izveidota skatu platforma. No tās paveras laba ainava uz ciemu, ostu un piekrastes kadiķu laukiem.

The farm boasts one of the most attractive gardens in Viljandi County and is a feast for the eye for both seasoned gardeners and nature lovers. A footpath takes visitors from the garden to the edge of Paistu primeval valley.
A farm museum displays agricultural and household tools and equipment along with decorative laces and patterns. Examples of fine laces in various techniques include a stunning bridal dress of a former lady of the house.

A true Latvian landlady, Skaidrīte Nagliņa, will welcome you to this farm and show you how to bake traditional bread.  Old recipes and a bread oven heated by firewood will lead to beloved and tasty carrot buns, fresh sourdough bread and “pizza” ὰ la the Suiti.  For groups up to 10 people.  Please contact the farm in advance of your visit.

The farm offers premium, locally grown products from herbs found in Dole Nature Park and those that are self-grown.

A family-owned company that respects and keeps traditions.

The Rāmkalni recreation park is located on the side of the Murjāņi-Valka highway (A3), in the Gauja valley. It offers skiing in winter and cycling, boating, and tobogganing in summer. The restaurant and bistro serves both Latvian and Western European cuisine. Various countryside goods can be purchased in the shop.

The Ķemeri National Park was established in 1997 and mostly involves wetlands – the shallow shores of the Bay of Rīga, an overgrown seaside lake, vast swamps, damp forests and fens, and flood-land meadows. The park is enormously important for protecting plants (25% of those recorded in Latvia’s Red Book are found in the park) and animals, particularly nesting and migrating birds. The Great Ķemeri Bog is one of the largest swamps in Latvia, and there are other swamps, as well – the Zaļais swamp and the Raganu swamp. The massive swamps are important, too, in the flow of sulphuric waters and medicinal mud. The once-famous Ķemeri Spa was based on the availability of these resources. Most of the cultural and historical objects in the Ķemeri National Park relate to the seashore as a place for leisure and recuperation. Educational nature trails, bicycle trails, hiking trails, bird-watching towers and other facilities are available. The visitors centre is at the recently renovated “Forest House” in Ķemeri.

This location is important in terms of Latvia’s history, because during the 12th and 13th century, this was the administrative and spiritual centre of the Lettigalian tribe, with the ruler of Jersika being Visvaldis.  The castle stood on the shore of the Daugava at a height of 18 m, and this was a mighty castle hill.  The flat part of the hill measured 100 x 75 m, and it was surrounded by a barrier and a defensive wall made of logs.  People entered the castle via guarded gates beyond which there were residential and household buildings, as well as a small church.  Archaeologists have found the remnants of log buildings, as well as many antiquities from the 10th to the 13th century that speak to extensive trade relations with other parts of Europe, including ancient Russia.  In 1209, the forces of Bishop Albert fooled the people in the castle and sacked it and the ancient town that was around it.  Visvaldis’ family was taken hostage, and so the Lettigalian ruler was forced to become a vassal of the bishop.  The castle hill is privately owned, so please contact the owner before planning a visit.