With winter's arrival, Otepää will continue to carry the title of Estonia's Winter Capital - the city has been honored with this name since 1996. Sport and health are considered important here and the scenic natural environment allows you to enjoy a memorable vacation in nature.
The sports town of Otepää and its surroundings offer outdoorsy activities for every taste. In winter, there are trails for cross-country skiers, mountain lovers, snowmobilers, and hikers. Here you'll also find the largest alpine ski resort in the Baltics, Kuutsemäe Holiday Centre, which offers year-round sporting activities.
A winter outdoors
Photo: Timo Arbeiter
Tehvandi and the Kääriku sport centres provide a year-round training ground for both professional and amateur sportsmen so you will find everything you need for a sporting holiday. There are several national and international winter competitions in the area, with participants from all over the world. Due to the well-kept tracks and conditions, many well-known athletes come to Otepää to train for the winter Olympics.
Opepää is also worth visiting also outside the winter season. In warmer weather, it is good to enjoy the beach or fishing beautiful Pühajärv, hiking on the hills of Otepää parkland take in the views of Tehvandi and Harimäe tower. And if you want to practice your long game, you can spend the afternoon at the Otepää Golf Centre.
Numerous farms and businesses offer a wide range of active and sporting activities. The local accommodation ranges from the manor house to the simplicity of farm life. Expectations are a must-have for fans of the taste experience - the area's renowned White Guide lists restaurants as excellent cuisine cafes and pubs.
You can also enjoy Otepää Central Square which was renovated in the summer of 2020. Here you can ask for good luck by scratching the back paw of the square's bear statue.
