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

Taevaskoja nature trail is 3 km long and goes along both banks of the Ahja River. The trail starts in the Saesaare parking lot of the State Forest Management Centre which is situated near Saesaare small town on the road between Taevaskoda and Kiidjarve. The entire trail runs in the landscape reserve of the Ahja River. There are 10 observation points on the trail with boards providing information in English, Russian and Estonian. At the beginning of the trail there is also a board displaying maps of the trail and recreation area, and direction signs. At the level of difficulty it ranks in the middle.Interesting to know:The folk call high sandstone outcrops Heaven’s Hall (Taevaskoda).

The Estonian Road Museum is the centre of displaying the collection and research of the data on history of Estonian roads with the view of mediating its scientific, educational and entertaining points to the public. This is the place where you can find thorough answers to all questions concerning the history and development of roads. The areas will offer visitors educational and attractive opportunities for recreation and activities. In a 1000 m2 machine hall there is an exhibition of machines that have been driven on Estonian roads throughout times as well as technology that was used to build them

Mooste manor which lies on the shore of Lake Mooste has been established at the time when the Nolcken family ruled in the area; it is one of the manors in Estonia that has preserved its rich building ensemble. The spectacular manor ensemble was built in the historicist style. The interior of the manor includes a large hall with a gallery reaching through two floors. An English landscape park surrounding the manor adds up to its overall impression. All the alleys lead to Lake Mooste offering a picturesque view on it. There is a school operating in the main building and a flax room and a guest house in the former woodwork house.

Eesti Maanteemuuseum on Kagu-Eesti suurimaid kultuuritanklaid. See on koht, kus tee elab. Muuseumis ootavad avastamist püsinäitus "Head teed!", vabaõhu näitusekeskkond Teeaeg, lastemuuseum, masinahall, liikluslinn, vigurvändarada ning palju muud.

Polva Peasant Museum is a unique open air museum in Southern Estonia. The visitors can learn about the school, local community government and life in farm of the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. The typical arrangement of the buildings in the community centre was formed at the end of the 19th century. The territory of the museum is 5 ha and the visitors can take a look at a court, a school and a community house with outbuildings, a smith farm and a Dutch windmill. The exhibition also includes agricultural machinery and vehicles.

The Church of Blessed Virgin Mary in Polva is one of the oldest churches in historical Vorumaa. The rarities of the church are the old altar painting The Last Supper (1650) and the altar panels (1647). There is an altar painting The Resurrection (Friedrich Ludwig von Maydell, 1845). The church was originally a square-shaped hall church with three naves. Today it has preserved from it a high tower with a deep niche and a Western façade. Interesting to know: According to a legend, the key of the church is held by a kneeling girl called Mary who is walled in. Allegedly that is also the origin of the name of the church and Polva (‘knee’ for the Estonian ‘polv’).

The church was built in 1900; it was reconsecrated in 1999 upon its renovation. Near the church there is an interesting memorial stone dating from the Great Northern War.Good to know:The service is on Sundays at 10 am.

The Museum of Tuglas is the childhood home of Friedebert Tuglas, born on 2 March 1886. Tuglas became a well-known writer for his novel Vaike Illimar (Little Illimar) written in 1932. The story of the little Illimar is at the same time the story of a manor in Estonia. Places related to Friedebert Tuglas and the Little Illimar are displayed on a large map, which is also exhibited in the museum. Spatial exposition provides background information for the guests who visit the places related to the novel and learn about the everyday life of the manor house.

This little museum is located in the premises of the Peri village centre and its exhibition consists of donations by local inhabitants. It includes many old tools, a loom, a plough, a unique old piano and many other interesting items. The stuffed horse is children’s favourite item.

Kiidjarve ants’ path (1.5 km long) passes through a forest with the area of 20 hectares and it includes approximately 200 ant hills. The visitors can also enjoy a large fir forest with record high fir trees and also a wide selection fir trees planted during an Estonian-wide campaign. The sample area is also called with a folk name the Ants’ Kingdom of Kiidjarve. The path is depicted on a large board and guided by smaller information boards along the path.