These vibrant, colorful fields last but a fleeting moment. A couple of weeks, one strong gust of wind, and the leaves will have fallen. We have gathered 7 ideas for enjoying autumn in South Estonia's Võru County, making it easier for you to plan your authentic autumn getaway.
The forests are golden, the smoke saunas are heating up, and the locals finally have time to chat with you. The summer rush is over.
It is in autumn that this time and space emerge, perfect for quality time with girlfriends or family, to soak in peace of mind, silence, and the last warmth of the sun for the dark winter ahead.
Here are 7 ideas on how to truly enjoy autumn in Võrumaa. Behind each idea is a local family or host waiting to welcome you – from the Haanja uplands to the Piusa River, and from Rogosi Manor to Pokumaa in Urvaste.
IN BRIEF:
7 ideas on what to do in Võrumaa in autumn
Go to a smoke sauna — Warm steam and soul nourishment.
Take an autumn hike — In the Haanja uplands, on the Hinniala hill fort, or in the Pokumaa forest.
Enjoy autumn flavours — barley bread, sõir (local curd cheese), Mulgi porridge, wines, and gourmet tours.
Make something with your own hands — sand bottle, bread-making, and campfire soup workshops.
Discover art and heritage — ceramics, glass art, manors, and the peasant museum.
Stay overnight in the countryside — sleep in a glass pyramid, on a farm, or in a creative cottage.
Spend the autumn break with family — forest games and crafting.
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MORE ABOUT THE DESTINATIONS:
1. Go to a smoke sauna – Võrumaa's oldest wellness ritual
The smoke sauna customs of Võromaa were added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. Autumn is the best time for it.
The steam of a smoke sauna is soft, and the aroma stays with you for a long time. After the sauna, a lake, pond, or river awaits.
Where to go:
Mooska smoke sauna farm (Mooska farm, Haanja village, Rõuge parish)
The sauna is by the pond and can accommodate up to 8 people at a time. The hosts also introduce the heritage of the smoke sauna.Uue-Saaluse Wine Farm (Kõivsaare farm, Rõuge parish)
The smoke sauna is for up to 8 people, either on your own or under the guidance of a sauna master. Before the sauna, you can take a wine tour.Hinniala cave sauna (Vana-Hinniala farm, Võru parish)
The cave smoke sauna is located on the edge of the Piusa primeval valley, on the high bank of the river, and after the steam, you can jump straight into the river. The smaller sauna fits 4–5 people, the larger one up to 8. Before the sauna, there is an opportunity to hike in the Piusa primeval valley, in Hinniala. Contact: Pille Malkov, +372 529 8643, pille.malkov@gmail.comHämsa Maheresto & Wellness Centre (Meegomäe village, Võru)
Here is a whole weekend in one place: smoke sauna ritual, making barley bread and sourdough bread, food, and accommodation from Friday to Sunday.Pokumaa (Urvaste village, Antsla parish)
Every Saturday in October, the smoke sauna is heated for visitors by 4 PM, and after the steam, the brave ones can dip into the spring pond. No booking required. Just come and share the communal sauna experience.
Good to know: heating a smoke sauna takes 5–8 hours, so make your booking well in advance.
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2. Take an autumn hike on golden forest paths
In October, the forests of Võrumaa are at their most colourful. The best way to experience this is on foot.
The landscape here is hilly and full of lakes, so a new view awaits behind every bend.
Where to go:
Suur Muna (Haanja village)
The café-restaurant is located at the foot of Suur Munamägi in the Haanja Nature Park, 17 km from Võru. Together with hiking guide Liisi Kasuk, you can go on a hike in the Haanja Nature Park, and a warm meal awaits after the hike.Hinniala MTÜ (FB Tegemise Rõõm) (Vana-Hinniala farm, Võru parish)
With Pille, you experience authenticity. You can go on a hike with her to the Piusa primeval valley, to the Hinniala hill fort, which is one of Estonia's oldest and most unique promontory-type hill forts. The weather can be whatever it wants because afterwards you can warm up in the cozy cave smoke sauna. Contact: Pille Malkov, +372 529 8643, pille.malkov@gmail.comPokumaa (Urvaste village, Antsla parish)
Pokumaa has forest trails, an art forest labyrinth, and a viewing tower, perfect for wandering in the woods with children.
Good to know: bring waterproof footwear. The autumn forest is beautiful but damp.
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3. Enjoy autumn flavours and local food
Autumn is harvest time in Võrumaa, and you can taste it on your plate.
Local food here is simple and honest. The bread is barley-flour karask, the cheese is homemade sõir, and the apple cake features apples from this autumn.
Where to go:
PuhmaPuhvet (Saarniidu farm, Kiidi village, Rõuge parish)
In October, the theme is "apples in different ways". In addition, warm barley bread and sõir, Mulgi porridge with cracklings and onions (or a plant-based version), and rye flour whip or apple cake for dessert are served. Simple, delicious, and homemade food is offered here. Strictly by pre-order. You can find the current digital menu at https://fuub.me/puhmapuhvetGourmet and Wine Tour in Haanjamaa (SP Elamustee)
This is an approximately 7-hour bus tour where you taste wines at Uue-Saaluse Wine Farm, eat lunch at Ulgumaa farm, try goat's milk products at Andri-Peedo goat farm, and visit the wine cellar of Rogosi manor. The tour price is €100 per person and includes transport, visits, tastings, and lunch.Suur Muna (Haanja village)
At the foot of Suur Munamägi, you can eat dishes inspired by autumn colours every day. During the school holidays, there is a special offer on the menu: tacos with sweet potato fries, which are loved by children and adults alike.Hämsa Maheresto & Wellness Centre (Meegomäe village, Võru)
Offers authentic flavours five days a week: from Wednesday to Sunday.Mooska smoke-cured meat (Mooska farm, Haanja village, Rõuge parish)
Smoking meat in a sauna is one of the vanishing skills. Meat can be ordered by contacting the farm and agreeing on the payment and delivery method.
Good to know: most farms welcome groups by pre-order, so call or write before you come.
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4. Make something with your own hands
The best souvenir is the one you made yourself.
In the workshop, hands get to work and the mind gets to rest from thoughts. It is perfect for spending quality time with friends as well as family.
Where to go:
Piusa Visitor Centre (Piusa village, Võru parish)
Next to the sand caves, you can make a sand bottle and take Piusa sand home with you. In October, the centre is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 PM to 4 PM, and also on Fridays during school holidays.Hämsa Maheresto & Wellness Centre (Meegomäe village, Võru)
During the smoke sauna weekend, you can also make your own barley bread and sourdough bread in a guided workshop.Hinniala MTÜ (FB Tegemise Rõõm) (Vana-Hinniala farm, Võru parish)
A permafunctional and nature-friendly farm offering experiences from rural tourism and plant wisdom to an adventure park and homemade pastries. Under the guidance of host Pille, you can prepare a plant-based soup on a campfire along with bread baked on the fire. If you wish, you can also help with the autumn work on the permacultural beds and try your hand at air rifle and crossbow shooting. The workshop accommodates up to 15 people and is available only by pre-order. Contact: Pille Malkov, +372 529 8643, pille.malkov@gmail.comMooska smoke sauna farm (Mooska farm, Haanja village, Rõuge parish)
The farm organizes workshops and training sessions on the heritage of the smoke sauna. By pre-order.
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5. Discover art, crafts, and heritage
Even on a rainy day, there is plenty to see in Võrumaa.
The story of Võrumaa is written in ancient places of power, manors, farmhouses, and the works of artists. Autumn gives you the time to explore this peacefully.
Where to go:
Piusa Pottery (Piusa village, Võru parish)
The ceramics studio is located in the old railway station near the Piusa caves. Here you can see how a potter's day goes and how ceramics are made. A wide selection of the masters' works is available for purchase on site. The studio is open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM.AnitiW Gallery (Tallimehe, Viitina village, Rõuge parish)
Located in the immediate vicinity of Viitina Manor, it is known for being open to everyone 24/7 and free of charge. In autumn, the gallery displays the work of glass artist Kateriin Rikken.Mõniste Peasant Museum (Kuutsi village, Rõuge parish)
Come for a guided tour or discover the museum at your own pace with an audio guide available in four languages. You can try your hand at farm chores, watch the animals, and have fun on the playground. Or go shopping at the historical Mõniste Consumers' Cooperative shop. Alongside permanent and temporary exhibitions, a new exhibition "Manor in the Living Room" is open. The museum is open Monday–Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM.Manor tours with SP Elamustee
A guide will take you to the Rogosi castle-manor in Ruusmäe or on a joint tour of both Viitina and Rogosi manors. By pre-order.Vastseliina Bishop's Castle (Vana-Vastseliina)
Built in the 14th century, the castle guarded the road between Old Livonia and Pskov. Next to the ruins lies a medieval place of pilgrimage, the Chapel of the Holy Cross. In October, the medieval theme centre is closed, but you can walk among the ruins 24/7.
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6. Stay overnight in the countryside and enjoy
Autumn evenings are long, so let them belong to you.
One night in the countryside, where your phone has nothing to do, is enough. In the morning, you wake up to the silence, and there is no rush.
Where to stay:
Mäe-Kolga farm (Villike village, Rõuge parish)
This is a place for romantic quality time. Here, two people can stay in different glass pyramid houses and look at the stars from the bed. The accommodation comes with a separate sauna house and a private hot tub. The farm is open year-round. Choose the package that suits you.Haani Loometare (Haani Creative Cottage) (Horoski village, Rõuge parish)
Accommodation and a remote workspace suitable for a family, friends, or a small team. Kihnu native sheep live on the farm, and you can book bodywork or a private concert if you wish.Vakari holiday farm (Vakari, Rõuge parish)
The farm can accommodate up to 14 people. It features a Finnish sauna by the pond and a living room with a fireplace, with the forest starting right outside the door.Tindioru farm (Tindi village, Rõuge parish)
The farm is located on the edge of Ööbikuorg (Nightingale Valley), about 15 minutes from Võru. The holiday house fits 16–18 people, and the guest house fits 8 people. Guests can use the wood-burning and electric saunas and the hot tub.Hämsa Maheresto & Wellness Centre (Meegomäe village, Võru)
Here is a whole weekend in one place: smoke sauna ritual, making barley bread and sourdough bread, food, and accommodation from Friday to Sunday.Suur Muna (Haanja village, Rõuge parish)
In addition to food and cinema, you can stay overnight in apple-season cabins that accommodate up to 6 people. Opportunities for remote work or just being.
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7. Spend the autumn break with family in Võrumaa
This year's autumn break is from 26 October to 1 November 2026. It is just the right time to turn off the screens and head into the forest together.
Children remember longer what they did themselves. Muddy knees and smiling faces are completely allowed here.
Where to go:
Pokumaa (Urvaste village, Antsla parish)
Pokumaa is the world of Edgar Valter's pokus, featuring the Poku House, forest trails, animals, and the art forest labyrinth. Every Saturday in October, the smoke sauna is heated by 4 PM, and after the steam, the brave ones can dip into the spring pond. Open Sat and Sun from 12 PM to 4 PM.Suur Muna (Haanja village, Rõuge parish)
During the school holidays, the menu features tacos with sweet potato fries. On Fridays, you can enjoy a private movie night in a cinema room with sofas and stay in cabins that accommodate up to 6 people.Piusa Visitor Centre (Piusa village, Võru parish)
Here you can see the sand cave where bats hibernate. In the workshop, you can create striking bottles filled with colourful sand. During the school holidays, the centre is also open on Friday.Mõniste Peasant Museum (Kuutsi village, Rõuge parish)
During the holiday week, the museum is open Monday–Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM, where you can see how life was on an old farm by trying your hand at chores. A visit to the manor exhibition offers a contrast to farm life. For active fun, there is the playground, and for animal lovers, domestic birds. Activities for the whole family.Suur Munamägi observation tower (Haanja village)
During the school holiday week, Monday to Friday (26–30 October) from 12 PM to 3 PM, there is an ice cream break at the Suur Munamägi tower. Every family ticket buyer receives one ice cream for each child. From the tower café, you can get a warm drink and mini pancakes or waffles to enjoy the sunset at the top of the tower. During the holiday week, the Suur Munamägi tower is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.Rõuge Ööbikuorg (in Rõuge)
From Tuesday to Sunday (27 October – 1 November), the Rõuge Ööbikuorg visitor centre is open from 11 AM to 5 PM. An interactive exhibition awaits in the visitor centre where you can discover, explore, and try things yourself. If you get hungry, the café offers cake, ice cream, and burgers, making it easy to stay longer.
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You don't have to do everything at once. One sauna, one hike,
one evening at the forest's edge – that is enough to make autumn memorable.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What to do in Võrumaa in autumn?
In autumn, you can warm up in a smoke sauna in Võrumaa, take a hike in the Haanja uplands, taste local food, participate in workshops, visit the Piusa caves and the Mõniste Peasant Museum, and stay overnight on a farm or in a glass pyramid. Many places are open on weekends or by pre-order.
Where can I go to a smoke sauna in Võrumaa?
You can book a smoke sauna at Mooska smoke sauna farm in Haanja, Uue-Saaluse Wine Farm, Hinniala cave sauna by the Piusa River, and Hämsa Wellness Centre. In Pokumaa, the smoke sauna is heated every Saturday in October. The smoke sauna customs of Võromaa have been on the UNESCO representative list of intangible cultural heritage since 2014.
What to do with children during the autumn holidays in South Estonia?
This year's autumn break is from 26 October to 1 November 2026. Perfect places to visit with children in Võrumaa are Pokumaa, Piusa Visitor Centre with a visit to the sand cave and a sand bottle workshop, Suur Muna in Haanja, and the Mõniste Peasant Museum.
Are Võrumaa tourist sites open in October?
Yes, but opening hours are shorter than in summer. In October, the Piusa Visitor Centre is open Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM, Piusa Pottery from 11 AM to 5 PM, and Mõniste Peasant Museum Monday–Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Saunas, dining experiences, and workshops are mostly by pre-order.
Where to stay in Võrumaa in autumn?
In Rõuge parish, you can stay in the glass pyramids of Mäe-Kolga farm, Tindioru farm on the edge of Ööbikuorg, Vakari holiday farm, and Haani Loometare. In Haanja, Suur Muna offers accommodation, and in Võru parish, Hämsa Maheresto and Wellness Centre.
How far is Võrumaa from Tallinn and Tartu?
From Tallinn to Võru is about 250 km by car, which is approximately a 3-hour drive. From Tartu to Võru is about 70 km, which takes about an hour.
Choose your perfect getaway and reach out to your hosts today.
Rõuge Municipality Tourism Foundation
