What to do and see in Rouge, Voru County: The Best Things to do

Lake Suurjarv - Big Lake, or as the locals call it 'Witch's Lake' - forms part of the chain of lakes in Rouge valley. Suurjarv formed at the end of the last ice age from the action of melting ice. It is 13.5 hectares in area with an average depth of 11.9 metres. It is not a closed system, with creeks flowing into it from Lakes Liinjarv, Valgjarv and Kaussjarv. It is the deepest lake in Estonia (38 metres) and has many natural springs along its shores and in its depths. The colour of its water varies from orange to light green. 22 species of plants are found in the lake, to a depth of up to 8 metres. The fish most commonly found in the lake are the perch and roach. The lake is open to swimmers.

The last ice age moulded the landscape of South Vorumaa so that there are many lakes and valleys. Rouge primeval valley, which is 10 km long and 52 metres deep, has seven lakes: Kahrila Lake, Tougjarv, Ratasjarv, Kaussjarv, Rouge Suurjarv, Liinjarv and Valgjarv. The lakes are connected by the River Rouge or Ajo, which starts from the valley Tindiorg.Tindiorg, Kulmorg, Mohkorg, Oobikuorg, Tinopeetri, Hinni, Sikasoo and Jarveotsa are the tributary valleys of Rouge primeval valley. Oobikuorg (Nightingale Valley), that borders the ancient fort is the most well-known. The valley is 300 m long and 12–15 m deep.Useful information: In spring, when the European bird cherries bloom, the valley is filled with singing nightingales, that's also where the names comes from.

The 1.5 km Rouge energy trail features the objects of renewable energy and their natural and technological application. The energy trail starts at the parking lot of Rouge Stronghold Hill and goes to Tindioru farm, where renewable energy is produced with the help of the hydropower station and two water rams; the trail proceeds to the artificial lake, where you can see a watermill at the overflow. Next the trail will take you to Rouge Basic School, which is heated by using geothermal and solar energy. In the school building you can visit the energy class. Rouge energy trail ends at the hydropower station of the Ala-Rouge Guesthouse.

The Luhasoo nature study trail is 4.5 km long and partly covered with wooden path. On the bog island midway through your journey there is a small cabin in the forest where you can spend the night. Hiking in the flat landscape in Luhasoo is a good alternative to the hilly landscape typical of Voru County; the quietness and stillness of the bog allow you to take a break from the noise of big cities and your daily chores. Luhasoo hiking trail is marked.

A good opportunity to buy organic farm food for your family in the Alt-Lauri farm store near Rouge. The farmers grow organic vegetables, herbs and berries. Buy products in the tourist farm’s store and or harvest them yourself! The store also sells products from other farms, including the products of organic farms.

The first stone church was constructed in Rouge in the 16th century. In 1730, the original church, which was destroyed in the Great Northern War, was replaced with one which had an imposing square tower. The church was blessed in the name of St. Mary. The altar-piece "Christ on the cross" by R. von Muhlen is from 1854. In 1860 the walls were made higher and a mirrored arch was installed. In 1930 the church got a 31-register organ built by the Kriisa brothers. The first Estonian pastor in Rouge was Rudolf Gottfried Kallas.Useful information! You can attend mass at the church every Sunday at 11:00 and in summer, the church is used as a wayfarers' church. Entrance to the tower is for a fee (grown ups 1.50, children 1 and family ticket 3 euros).