DESTINATION: VANA-VÕROMAA HISTORIC REGION

Vana-Võromaa - ancient cultural area with smoke sauna traditions

Amazingly diverse and untouched primeval nature, hiking trails, numerous farms, fairs, saunas, Võru language – these are the keywords characterising destination Vana-Võromaa.

The southernmost area of Estonia will surprise you with its natural statistics. One of the hilliest regions of the country – Haanja Uplands, the highest peak in Estonia – Suur Munamägi (318 m above sea level) and the deepest lake in Estonia – Rõuge Suurjärv (38 m) can all be found here. The Võhandu, Estonia’s longest river, and the Piusa, the river with the greatest overall descent, both meander through here. Scenic sandstone outcrops fringe the banks of the River Piusa, of which the Härma Mäemine wall is the highest in Estonia.

The local community are especially proud of their smoke sauna tradition which is included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO). A smoke sauna is a great way to experience ancient traditions. There is a rich and unique custom associated with taking a sauna, which in addition to the customs of going to the sauna also includes a knowledge about sauna treatment and meat smoking and the skills of heating the sauna, making the body and facial care products that can be used in the sauna as well as building the sauna. In the middle of the hills and lakes of Võromaa, there is plenty to discover all year-round.

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Tallinn 270 km,
Riga 243 km

The Võromaa smoke sauna tradition, practiced in southern Estonia, is on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At Mooska Farm, guests can experience this Estonian heritage.

Mooska farm is a typical lifestyle farm in Southern Estonia. The powerful location at the foot of Vällamäe is set amidst the beautiful south Estonian countryside and harmoniously connects the farm life with the wildlife and the heritage of ancestors.