Otepää

Otepää is a small town with 2,000 inhabitants set in the hills of south Estonia, roughly 50 kilometers north from Tartu.

Otepää Halal Explorer

Kuutsemae - Kuutsemäe resort near Otepää in winter

Otepää is one of the oldest settlements in Estonia, first mentioned in the Russian chronicles in 1116. Its name was derived from the shape of the Town Hill (Linnamägi), resampling a bear head, meaning Oti pää in Estonian. It's also where in 1224, Bishop Hermann started building the first known brick castle in Estonia, The Stone Fort.

Otepää is the best known winter sports centre in the Baltics and the Winter Capital of Estonia.

For more information see: Web:

• Otepää Tourism Board Centre - Otepää Turismiinfokeskus - Tartu mnt 1 58.059295, 26.497429 ☎ +372 7661200 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-17:00, Saturday to Sunday 10:00-14:00 Numerous brochures and maps on activities available depending on the season. Also sells some souvenirs. Alternative email address:

Travel to Otepää

Travel on a Bus in Otepää

You can travel to Otepää from Tartu (€2.15), Valga, Võru and several other nearby places by bus.

The Otepää Bus Station GPS 58.05921,26.49669 is the same building as the tourist information.

Bus schedules are easily available online – read more under Estonia#Get around.

By car

From Tallinn or Tartu take the national road M2 to the south and then the national B46 about 16 kilometers south of Tartu.

From Latvia take the national M3 to the north via Valga and then the national B72 to Sangaste to join the national B46 to Otepää.

From the east or west join the national road B71 which crosses the city.

Get Around

Walking is the best option in the centre. To get to the lake or ski area, you better take the bus.

What to See

In the centre

Otepää church 2007 10 - Otepää Church

• Otepää Town Hill and Bishop's Castle ruins - Linnamägi piiskopilinnuse varemetega - 58.057399, 26.504185 - Observe the ruins of the bishop's castle. The hill (165.6 m NN) emerged about 13,000 years ago during the Ice Age. Then, 1000 years ago the most important castle in ancient Ugala was built here. A permanent fortified settlement was built in the 7–8th century, and significantly strengthened in the 11th century. The oldest known firearm in the world was found here. During the battles of 1208-1227, most of the fighting took place around the castle. It was overtaken in 1224 by the crusaders, after which Herman I built the first stone castle here, which was also one of the first brick buildings in Estonia. Unfortunately, today only a few walls have remained on top of the hill.

• St. Mary's Lutheran Church - Otepää kirik - 58.059783, 26.503151 - Neo-Gothic and 51 m in height. Constructed in 1671, and repaired in 1850 including a new choir balcony. The pipe organ was built in 1852 in Tartu by Kessler. The church tower was built in 1860. And the façade was done during a total reconstruction in 1890. The lock of the door dates back to 1772. The new bell was a gift from the Wihti parish in Finland in 1992.

• Stone Labyrinth and Energy Centre 58.06078, 26.50249 - This place includes a Golden Ratio Stone Spiral, a Chartres Labyrinth, and a tepee – a conical tent. Labyrinths have been used for gaining energy and walking meditation. The labyrinth has 11 path and is 11 m in diameter, and a copy of the famous Chartres labyrinth in France.

Column_of_energy_Otepää_2007 - Energiasammas

• Energy pillar - Energiasammas - 58.05215, 26.49624 - In 1992, this wooden pillar of positive energy fields was erected. Location and seats were chosen with greatest sensibility. In 1993 and the pillar was decorated by participants of the Worldwide Smiths Day. It is believed that when you stand in the right place and afterwards touch it, it will give you a great shot of energy and good health.

• Otepää Ski and Estonian Flag museums - Otepää suusamuuseum - 58.061039, 26.501506 ☎ +372 7663670, +372 5040424 Museum on the history of the flag of Estonia, of which the city of Otepää was important in its creation.

• Winter sports museum - Talispordimuuseum - 58.05299, 26.50167 Opening Hours: W-Friday 11–17:00, Saturday to Sunday 11–16:00 €1 - A small museum on the history of performances of Estonian athletes in winter sports.

Around the centre

• Lake Pühajärve 58.043403, 26.466748 5 kilometers south west of the town centre - Part of the Otepää recreational region with an area of ​​2,859 km². Trails along the lake provide access to the banks and picnic areas. It is feasible to rent a boat to reach the islands on the lake, which are uninhabited. In winter and the frozen lake allows for ice skating or cross-country skiing, depending on snow conditions.

• Monument of the visit of Dalai-Lama - 58.04436, 26.46669 at the lake

• Harimäe viewing tower - Harimäe vaatetorn - 57.983257, 26.357585 Beautiful views from observation towers on top of Harimägi hill. 28 m height in total, with the highest platform at 24 m.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Otepää

• If you don't like crowds and sports then it's always feasible to go on hiking trips through the surrounding the picturesque landscapes, and you could try an Estonian hot smoke sauna and bathing in an icy lake afterwards.

Summer

During summertime you can see the landscape of rolling hills and lakes, romantic winding village roads and small rivers. You can also take part in different sports or simply have a good time at lake Pühajärve, which is a jewel among Estonian lakes.

• Tehvandi Ski Jumping Tower 58.0488522,26.5155133 Opening Hours: In winter only open upon request. €2 Beautiful views from this observation towers on top of the Tehvandi hill.

• Otepää Nature Park - Otepää looduspark - 58.057618,26.439395 Hike along the paths of the park.

• Saku Suverull – A summer competition for the world's best skiers.

• Leigo Lake Music Festival - near Otepää 58.134985, 26.553449 Opening Hours: August Open-air concerts are held in completely natural venues on the hilly landscapes of the Otepää highland. The musicians' stage is on an island in the lake, surrounded by thousands of listeners on the sloping shore.

Winter

In wintertime, Otepää is a winter sports paradise for skiers, snowmobile riders and for anyone who enjoys the snow: there are slalom slopes equipped with elevators and lots of cross-country tracks.

• Alpine skiing – Munakas Sport Resort ([https://]); slopes in Kuutsemäe Holiday Center (Kuutsemäe Puhkekeskus ])
• Cross-country skiing – Otepää is the capital of cross-country skiing in Estonia. All the trails leave from the stadium of the city. A circuit of 2.5 kilometers of track around the stadium is sometimes maintained with snow stored when melted elsewhere. The map of the tracks around the city is available at the tourist office. The biggest track is the Otepää-Tartu marathon, which runs 63 kilometers between the two cities and is open to the public except during the marathon. Another related event is the FIS World Cup Otepää Competition].
• An ice-fishing competition, called /KalafestEesti "Golden Fish"], draws the crowds.

• Ice Skating on the lake 58.04664, 26.46249 Depending on the conditions and the lake Pühajärv is sometimes frozen but not covered with snow. It is then feasible to rent skates on the shore. Bypassing the building that houses the spa hotel north of the lake you will find a weight room that also rents cross-country skis and lake skates.

• Snow tube - Linnamäe tee 1 58.05837, 26.49954 ☎ +372 5205611 | Opening Hours: M–F 10–19:00, Saturday 10–20:00, Sunday 10–18:00 €6 The place has a mechanical lift allowing to go down slopes on a kind of plastic buoy. The track is sometimes artificially snowed.

• Snow scooter This activity can be done on snow or ice. Cross-country ski trails and trails can be visited on a frozen lake. It is feasible to rent the equipment in Suusarent.

• Suusarent 58.05937, 26.49890 Opening Hours: M–F 10–18:00, Sa–Su 10–21:00. If staff is not in the shop during business hours, please contact the tourist office directly opposite. Rental of snowboards, cross-country skis, snow scooters and other winter sports equipment. Friendly and efficient owner who can provide information on snow and ice conditions.

Halal Restaurants in Otepää

• Rae Kebab - Lipuväljak 13 58.057667, 26.496163 ☎ +372 58405353 | Opening Hours: Su–Thursday 11:00–20:00, F–Sa 11:00–06:00 €
• Oti Pubi - Lipuväljak 26 58.057314, 26.497985 ☎ +372 7668977 (for orders), +372 55546200 (for reservations) | Opening Hours: M–Su 10–00:00 €€ - Pub and restaurant (pizza, etc.).

• Coffee at the stadium 58.05313, 26.50163 Opening Hours: 11–17:00

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Otepää

Otepää - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Otepää, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Otepää. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Otepää and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Otepää. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Otepää. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inOtepää: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Otepää.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Otepää: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Otepää, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Otepää.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Otepää, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Otepää, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Otepää and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Otepää, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Otepää, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Otepää without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Otepää is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Otepää.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Otepää is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Otepää, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Otepää Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Hotel Murakas - 23a Valga mnt 58.05312, 26.50020 in the centre of town, facing the stadium ☎ +372 7311410, +372 58531779 (mobile) Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €50/80/110 double/triple/quadruple The hotel has a sauna.

• Villa Ottilia - Oru 4 58.056132, 26.485834 ☎ +372 7962000 - Double: €55 - Bed and breakfast.

• Chalets Nuustaku Puhkemajad - Valga maakond, Otepää 58.03707, 26.50837 ☎ +372 5098584 - 3 cottages for rent located away from the city. A small ski resort is located less than 100 m away with two slopes. There is also a lake nearby. The cross-country ski trails can be visited about 500 m by the Tartu marathon trail, and cross-country skis can be put on at the exit of the chalet to reach this trail. The chalets are equipped with a kitchen, a sauna and have capacity for up to 6 to 7 people, some have WiFi access.

Travel Next

• Sangaste and the nearby South_Estonia#See|Sangaste Castle, just a few kilometers south.
• Tartu – Museum-rich and hanseatic city on the banks of the Emajõgi River. Also, Estonia's second-largest and oldest city, intellectual hub famous for its universities, and a lively student city.
• Valga – A town on the border with Latvia, where it literally grows into the Latvian town of Valka.
• Viljandi – A beautiful, ancient and hilly city, known for its annual Viljandi Folk Music Festival, beautiful old town and overwhelming and picturesque park around the old castle.
• Võru – A picturesque town not far from the highest hill in the Baltic states, South Estonia|Suur Munamägi. The birthplace of the writer Kreutzwald and the dialect of the Estonian language.

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