The Sangaste area offers a large variety of activities; cultural, historical and recreational choices abound, one will be hard pressed to find a region with so much diversity.

Sangaste Castle   /www.sangasteloss.ee/

The Sangaste castle was built by Count Friedrich Bergile. While pursuing the daughter of an English Count, Bergile was greatly offended by his possible future father in law who declared that his daughter will never marry a Russian philistine.The heartbroken Count Bergile returned home to Sangaste and built the castle as a monument to his unrequited love. Stunning architecture, an intriguing history and a stroll on the castle grounds combine to form a cultural as well as recreational outing.

The Sangaste Wool mill /www.villaveski.ee/

The local mill and the equipment that it houses has seen a lot in its time. As it ages, the richer the history becomes that gets woven into every fibre of wool produced here. The smells and textures of the skeins , the sounds of the mill that almost echo the voices of millers from long ago, the rush of the passing river all attest to the hard work and pride that goes into the final product. We believe in our wools and yarns so passionately that it is quite possible that one who wears clothing spun from these fibres becomes a better person ! 

Väike Emajõgi

Winding by the church villages of Sangaste and Restu, Väike Emajõgi translates into English as Small Mother´s River and is the area´s most important waterway. The river narrows and widens along its course and reaches a maximum width of 7m at Sangaste. The spring melt raises the river´s water levels above its banks and floods the ravine that it runs through. Canoeing offers the best possibility for exploring Väike Emajõgi, taking the paddler to otherwise inaccesible areas. There also plenty of places where one can just rest by the river bank. Cast a line, you might just end up with a fish or two ! 

Harimäe Viewing platform

Situated 6 km from Sangaste is the Harimäe viewing platform,  a great hiking distance on a nice day. Hiking along the region’s trails offers beautiful sightseeing and brings the hiker in touch with the area’s flora and fauna. If hiking is not your thing, then a quick car or bike ride takes you to the tower from Sangaste in no time.

Kekkose trail and the Tartu Marathon

Not far from the Harimäe viewing platform is the Kekkose hiking trail. Known primarily for cross-country ski ing, the trail gained fame in 1964 when Finland’s presindent, U.K. Kekkonen completed the 15km distance.The trail is also popular with hikers and cyclists as it passes through such beautiful spots as Alpiaas, Hirveorg and Kääriku ( Alpine Meadow,  Dear Valley and Riverbend). The 63 km Tartu marathon trail begins in Otepää, passes through Pühajärve, Sangaste, Palupera, Hellenurme and ends  in Elva. Marathons have been hosted here for almost 40 years and the trail can be covered on skis, bicycle or by foot. 

The Otepää Adventure Park /www.seikluspark.ee/

Situated in the Otepää Nature Reserve, not far from the Tehvandi Sports Complex, one can test their courage and athletic skills at the Otepää Adventure Park. A well rounded course that requires balance, co-ordination and some stamina, the park offers something for everyone. Each adventurer is supplied with all necessary safety equipment, receives a brief tutorial from one of the park´s attendants and then can be off into the tree tops where there 55 different obstacle courses waiting to be conquered.

Kakulaane Paintball /www.kakulaane.ee/

Originating in the USA as a military training exercise, paintball is a competitive sport  played between two teams .Team members are eliminated from the game when hit by an opponent`s  „ bullet „ a gelatin / food color capsule launched from a paintball marker. Paintball develops strategic thinking, marksmanship and team spirit.

Kuutsemäe Resort /www.kuutsemae.ee/

Located 11km from Sangaste, Kuutsemäe is the Otepää highlands highest point. Growing in popularity over the years, the area is now best known for the Kuutsemäe Resort and Recreation Centre.The centre has been operating for 12 years and offers many opportunities for an active holiday during both winter and summer months. 

Pokuland /www.pokumaa.ee/

Inspired by the nature of Võrumaa is the story of the Poku. The Poku Book, created by the well known Estonian writer and illustrator, Edgar Valter,harks back to a time when the connection between nature and people was much stronger than it is today.Pokuland brings this endearing story to life. Get acquainted with Puuko, the main character of the story, as he teaches children to see and recognize the beauty and security that nature offers. 

Woods Crone Family Park /www.metsamoor.ee/

There was a time when people had to use instinct, collective memory and recognition skills to be able to explain and find meaning in life´s everyday problems and experiences. This is how legends were born.At Woods Crone Family Park one can learn to see and appreciate the nuances and secrets, differences and similarities that nature and natural  history can hide. 

The Sorcerer´s Kingdom in the primeval valley of Lake Ühtjärv /www.noiariik.ee/

Over time, the sorcerer has become friendly and caring as he welcomes guests to his kingdom, telling them true sorcerer´s stories and teaching them the history of the primeval valley. Guests are encouraged to roam the kingdom´s lands and forests where many interesting things can be discovered.