What to do and see in Poltsamaa, Estonia: The Best Places and Tips

Poltsamaa's stone fortress was constructed on the banks of the river in 1272. Between 1570 and 1578 it was the residence of Livonia's King Magnus. Repeatedly pillages, the castle was rebuilt by Woldemar Johann von Lauw in the 18th century as a grand rococo-style palace. The castle, and the church built into its cannon tower, burnt down in 1941. The church was restored by 1952, and the castle ruins came under preservation during the 1970s.Did you know...?- The forecourt of the castle hosts open air events- The round courtyard holds a tourist information point and the Poltsamaa Museum; a wine cellar with a food museum; the Estonian Press Museum; the pART Gallery; clay, handicraft and other workshops; and the castle's restaurant.

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.

This Lutheran church, originally constructed on a bastion and the town's walls, was restored from its war-time ruins 50 years ago. Its altar, pulpit, lights and tower bells (XIX) are from the now defunct University of Tartu church.

Poltsamaa Museum is located within the walls of an ancient Poltsamaa Castle (1272). Museum gives you an overview of the glorious past of the stronghold and introduces the history of Poltsamaa town and the district in general. Guided tours in 5 different languages are available (pre-booking required). You will also find Poltsamaa Tourist Information Point with a small souvenir shop from the museum.

Voisiku manor was first mentioned in 1558. It was one of the biggest manors in Livonia in the 18th and 19th centuries, stretching from Poltsamaa to Lake Vortsjarv. There were 52 buildings on the manor originally, some of which we can still see today, and a further 67 in outlying parts of the manor and its mirror factory. Lord of the manor Timotheus Eberhard von Bock, who drew up Russia's first constitution for Emperor Alexander I and was sent to the Schlusselburg fortress for 9 years for doing so, is the central character in Estonian author Jaan Kross' novel "The Emperor's Madman".Did you know...?*Today the main building houses Voisiku Nursing Home and can only be viewed from the exterior

Lake Kamari recreation area has become an extremely popular destination among holiday-makers for its beautiful views and Forests. There are two jetties, areas for beach volleyball and football, a shower and toilets, benches and a playground for small children with swings and a slide. The swimming area is marked by buoys and there is also a children's pool.

Gallery pART is located in the Poltsamaa Castle complex. It is an unheated extreme gallery built in a loft, and as we all know: ART is not afraid of the cold. There is a new exhibition of professional art in Gallery pART every month. Useful information: The gallery consists of two parts and has 200 square metres of space in total. Gallery pART was established by members of the Art Society.

Sopruse Park is the newest park in Poltsamaa, with the first tree being planted here in May 1973. Today it has more than 6000 trees, most of them brought from Luua Forestry School. Many of its trees have been planted by well-known Estonian and foreign figures from the social sphere and the fields of sports and culture. There are also a number of sculptures in the park, including the monumental 'Road to Olumpos', on which are enscribed the names of all of Estonia's Olympic medal winners throughout history.