More about Polvamaa County
Discovering Polvamaa: Fun Facts and Reasons to Visit
Polvamaa is a county located in the southeastern part of Estonia. This region is known for its beautiful nature, including forests, lakes, and rivers. One of the fun facts about Polvamaa is that it has the highest concentration of lakes in Estonia, with over 200 lakes in the region. The county is also home to the highest peak in southern Estonia, Suur Munamagi, which is 318 meters high.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Polvamaa. One of the main attractions is the beautiful nature, which provides opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The county is also rich in cultural heritage, with many historic sites and museums to explore. Travelers can visit the Cantervilla Castle, which is a unique example of neo-gothic architecture in Estonia. Another must-visit place is the Mooste Manor Complex, which includes a historic manor house, a distillery, and a brewery.
Getting to Polvamaa: Tips and Tricks for Travelers
The easiest way to get to Polvamaa is by car. The county is located about 200 kilometers southeast of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Travelers can rent a car from Tallinn and drive to Polvamaa in about three hours. Another option is to take a bus from Tallinn to Polva, the main town in Polvamaa. The journey takes about four hours and there are several departures per day.
Exploring Polvamaa: Fun Things to Do and See
Polvamaa offers plenty of fun things to do and see for travelers. One of the best ways to explore the county is by hiking in the forests and along the lakeshores. There are many hiking trails in the region, including the Meenikunno Nature Trail, which takes visitors through a beautiful bog landscape. Another popular activity is fishing, with ample opportunities to catch pike, perch, and other fish in the region's lakes and rivers.
For those interested in history and culture, Polvamaa has several museums and historic sites to explore. The Cantervilla Castle is a must-visit attraction, with its impressive neo-gothic architecture and beautiful park. The Mooste Manor Complex is another interesting place to visit, with its historic manor house, distillery, and brewery. Travelers can also visit the Polva Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region.
The Best Time to Visit Polvamaa: Seasonal Travel Guide
The best time to visit Polvamaa depends on the traveler's interests and preferences. The summer months, from June to August, are the most popular time to visit, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. This is the best time for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The autumn months, from September to November, are also a good time to visit, with beautiful fall foliage and fewer crowds.
The winter months, from December to February, can be very cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, this is a great time for winter sports such as skiing and ice skating. The spring months, from March to May, are a good time to visit for those interested in birdwatching and nature photography.
Where to Stay in Polvamaa: Top Accommodations on Agoda
There are several great accommodations in Polvamaa for travelers to choose from. Agoda.com offers a wide range of options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Some of the top accommodations in the region include:
- Hotell Rapina: This cozy hotel is located in the town of Rapina, just a short drive from Polva. It offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving traditional Estonian cuisine.
- Pesa Hotel: This charming hotel is located in the heart of Polva, within walking distance of the town's main attractions. It features comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
- Cantervilla Castle: This unique hotel is located in the historic Cantervilla Castle, offering guests a chance to stay in a real castle. It features luxurious rooms and a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine.
- Mooste moisa Linakoja kulalistemaja: This guesthouse is located in the Mooste Manor Complex, offering guests a chance to stay in a historic setting. It features comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving traditional Estonian cuisine.
- Mooste Viinavabriku Hotell & Restoran: This boutique hotel is located in the Mooste Manor Complex, offering guests a chance to stay in a stylish and modern setting. It features comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine.
Tasting Polvamaa: Must-Try Foods and Local Cuisine
Polvamaa is known for its delicious local cuisine, which features fresh ingredients and traditional Estonian flavors. One of the must-try dishes is the black bread, which is made from rye flour and has a rich, earthy flavor. Another popular dish is the blood sausage, which is made from pork blood and barley groats.
For those with a sweet tooth, Polvamaa has plenty of delicious desserts to try. One of the most popular is the kringle, a sweet bread with a twisted shape and a cinnamon-sugar filling. Another must-try dessert is the kama, a traditional Estonian dessert made from a mixture of roasted barley, rye, and peas.
Traveling Around Polvamaa: Transportation Guide
The best way to travel around Polvamaa is by car. Travelers can rent a car from Tallinn and drive to Polvamaa in about three hours. Once in Polvamaa, there are several scenic routes to explore, including the Piusa River Valley and the Meenikunno Nature Trail.
Another option is to take a bus or a taxi. There are several bus routes that connect the main towns in Polvamaa, including Polva, Vastse-Kuuste, and Kanepi. Taxis are also available, but they can be quite expensive.
For those interested in cycling, Polvamaa has several cycling routes to explore, including the Varnja-Polva Cycling Route and the Kanepi Cycling Route. Travelers can rent a bike from one of the local rental shops and explore the region at their own pace.