What to do and see in Estonia, Estonia: The Best Gardens

Come and visit one of the oldest Botanical Gardens in the world (founded in 1803). The Botanical Gardens were designed under the supervision of world-famous botanists, Prof Ledebour and Prof Bunge.The Botanical Gardens currently belong to the University of Tartu and they are used as a study base for students. The Botanical Gardens introduce new decorative plans and different methods of landscaping.Interesting facts:- there are 6500 species of plants from all climatic belts of the world in the Botanical Gardens, which makes it the most species-rich area in Estonia;- the palm house of the Botanical Gardens is the biggest in the Baltic States and also the richest in species.

In addition to a broad collection of greenhouse plants, this garden features five extensive outdoor collections including the Arboretum, the Rose Garden, perennials, bulbous plants and annuals.

The rose garden exhibits 5000 rose plants and almost 1000 different rose varieties. During the excursion visitors will see various rose varieties, and they will learn about their history and legends and other interesting facts. Roses mostly bloom from the middle of June to the middle of September, depending on the weather.

There is a pedestrian mall in the heart of Viljandi where you will see an amazing array of things - fragments of the medieval town wall; a modern walking track with unique fountains and benches; and examples of drying barn architecture from the olden days. The Arkaadia gardens were inspired by a dance hall and meeting place here that went by the same dreamy name among locals in the early 1930s.

Boasting one of the most beautiful gardens in Viljandi County, Kaasiku farm is a sight for sore eyes for gardening and nature lovers alike. The gardens are home to a wide variety of plants, and a trail leads from the farm to the edge of the Paistu valley. The museum exhibits farming equipment, household goods and the fine lacework and patterns of the ladies of the farm from the olden days. The jewel in the crown of the various examples of lacework techniques on display is the wedding dress of a former mistress of the farm.

Saare Saialille Herb Garden is located in the historic Saare Manor. Visitors have the opportunity to see approximately 150 different aromatic herbs, medicinal plants and rare food plants.

Karepa’s medicinal plant gardens provide visitors with the chance to find out about plants that are used in cooking and medicine as well as a range of interesting vegetables. The gardens also organise year-round hiking trips to find out more about medicinal plants growing in the wild, plus seminars on medicinal plants and natural therapy, at which the gardens’ own teas are offered.You can also order food produced using herbs from the gardens and buy a range of herb products, medicinal plant teas, souvenirs and Verner Luke paintings. If you wish, you can also receive personalised advice on plant therapy, camp in the gardens or make use of its picnic area.