Otepaa

Otepää is one of the oldest settlements in Estonia, first mentioned in the Russian chronicles in 1116. Its name was derived from the shape of the Town Hill (Linnamägi), resampling a bear head, meaning Oti pää in Estonian . It's also where in 1224, Bishop Hermann started building the first known brick castle in Estonia, The Stone Fort. Otepää is the best known winter sports centre in the Baltics and the Winter Capital of Estonia. For more information see: Tourist Information Centre ( Otepää Turismiinfokeskus ), Tartu mnt 1 [email protected] . M-F 10:00-17:00, Sa-Su 10:00-14:00 . Numerous brochures and maps on activities available depending on the season. Also sells some souvenirs. Alternative email address: [email protected]

By Car

From Tallinn or Tartu take the national road M2 to the south and then the national B46 about 16 km south of Tartu. From Latvia take the national M3 to the north via Valga, then the national B72 to Sangaste to join the national B46 to Otepää. From the east or west join the national road B71 which crosses the city.

By Bus

You can travel to Otepää from Tartu Valga Võru and several other nearby places by bus. The Otepää Bus Station is the same building as the tourist information. Bus schedules are easily available online read more under Estonia#Get around .

Walking is the best option in the centre. To get to the lake or ski area, you better take the bus.

• In the centre

• Otepää Town Hill and Bishop's Castle ruins

• Linnamägi piiskopilinnuse varemetega — ).

• Observe the ruins of the bishop's castle. The hill (165.6 m NN) emerged about 13,000 years ago during the Ice Age. Then, 1000 years ago the most important castle in ancient Ugala was built here. A permanent fortified settlement was built in the 7 — 8th century, and significantly strengthened in the 11th century. The oldest known firearm in the world was found here. During the battles of 1208-1227, most of the fighting took place around the castle. It was overtaken in 1224 by the crusaders, after which Herman I built the first stone castle here, which was also one of the first brick buildings in Estonia. Unfortunately, today only a few walls have remained on top of the hill.

• St. Mary's Lutheran Church

• Otepää kirik — ).

• Neo-Gothic and 51 m in height. Constructed in 1671, and repaired in 1850 including a new choir balcony. The pipe organ was built in 1852 in Tartu by Kessler. The church tower was built in 1860. And the façade was done during a total reconstruction in 1890. The lock of the door dates back to 1772. The new bell was a gift from the Wihti parish in Finland in 1992. — updated Sep 2017 )

• Stone Labyrinth and Energy Centre — .

• This place includes a Golden Ratio Stone Spiral, a Chartres Labyrinth, and a tepee — a conical tent. Labyrinths have been used for gaining energy and walking meditation. The labyrinth has 11 paths and is 11 m in diameter, and a copy of the famous Chartres labyrinth in France. updated Sep 2017 )

• Energy pillar

• If you don't like crowds and sports then it's always possible to go on hiking trips through the surrounding the picturesque landscapes, and you could try an Estonian hot smoke

• Summer

• During summertime you can see the landscape of

• Tehvandi Ski Jumping Tower

• In winter only open upon request.

• Beautiful views from this observation towers on top of the Tehvandi hill.

• Otepää Nature Park

• Otepää looduspark

• Rae Kebab
• Lipuväljak 13
• Oti Pubi
• Lipuväljak 26
• M–Su 10–00:00
• Pub and restaurant (pizza, etc.).

Coffee at the stadium . 11 17:00 .

• Hotel Murakas
• Check-in:
• The hotel has a sauna.
• Villa Ottilia
• Oru 4
• Bed and breakfast.

• Sangaste and the nearby
• Sangaste Castle
• Tartu
• Museum-rich and hanseatic city on the banks of the Emajõgi River. Also, Estonia's second-largest and oldest city, intellectual hub famous for its universities, and a lively student city.
• Valga
• A town on the border with