The forests are turning golden, the smoke saunas are heating up, and the locals finally have time to chat with you. The summer rush has passed.

It is during autumn that you find the time and space perfect for quality moments with friends or family, to soak in peace of mind, silence, and the last warm rays of the sun before the dark winter arrives.

Here are 7 ideas on how to truly enjoy autumn in Võrumaa. Behind each idea is a local family or host who is waiting to welcome you—from the Haanja uplands to the Piusa River, and from the Rogosi Manor to the Pokumaa of Urvaste.

IN BRIEF:

7 Ideas for What to Do in Võrumaa in Autumn

1. Go to a smoke sauna — Warm steam and nourishment for the soul.

2. Take an autumn hike — In the Haanja uplands, on the Hinniala hill fort, or in the Pokumaa forest.

3. Savor autumn flavors — Barley flatbread (karask), local cheese (sõir), traditional porridge (mulgipuder), wines, and gourmet tours.

4. Make something with your own hands — Workshops for sand art bottles, bread-making, and campfire soup.

5. Discover art and heritage — Ceramics, glass art, manors, and a peasant museum.

6. Stay overnight in the countryside — Sleep in a glass pyramid, a farm, or a creative cottage.

7. Spend the autumn school break with your family — Forest games and crafting.

***

DESTINATIONS IN DETAIL:

1. Go to a smoke sauna – Võrumaa's oldest wellness ritual

The smoke sauna tradition of Võromaa was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. Autumn is the best time to experience it.

The steam in 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 sits next to a pond and can host 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)
  A smoke sauna accommodating up to 8 people, available either for self-service or guided by a sauna master. You can also take a wine tour before the sauna.
  
  

• Hinniala cave sauna (Vana-Hinniala farm, Võru parish)
  The cave smoke sauna is located on the high bank of the Piusa primeval valley, and you can jump straight into the river after the steam. The smaller sauna fits 4–5 people, and the larger one fits up to 8. Before the sauna, you have the opportunity to hike in the Piusa primeval valley in Hinniala. Contact: Pille Malkov, +372 529 8643, pille.malkov@gmail.com
  
  

• Hämsa Maheresto & Wellness Center (Meegomäe village, Võru)
  Spend a whole weekend in one place: a smoke sauna ritual, flatbread and bread-making workshops, authentic 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 is required; just come and join the shared sauna experience.

Good to know: heating a smoke sauna takes 5–8 hours, so make sure to book your visit well in advance.

***

2. Take an autumn hike on golden forest paths

In October, the Võrumaa forest is at its most colorful. The best way to experience this is on foot.

The landscape here is hilly and dotted with lakes, meaning a new, beautiful view awaits behind every bend.

Where to go:

• Suur Muna (Haanja village)
  This cafe-restaurant is located at the foot of Suur Munamägi in the Haanja Nature Park, 17 km from Võru. You can go on a hike in the nature park with guide Liisi Kasuk, followed by a warm meal awaiting you afterwards.
  
  

• Hinniala MTÜ (FB Tegemise Rõõm) (Vana-Hinniala farm, Võru parish)
  Experience true authenticity with Pille. She can take you on a hike in the Piusa primeval valley to the Hinniala hill fort, also known as the Day-Turning Hill (Päevapööramise mägi), which is one of Estonia's oldest and most unique cape-fort type hill forts. Whatever the weather, you can warm up afterward in the cozy cave smoke sauna. Contact: Pille Malkov, +372 529 8643, pille.malkov@gmail.com
  
  

• Pokumaa (Urvaste village, Antsla parish)
  Pokumaa features forest trails, an art forest labyrinth, and a viewing tower that are perfect for wandering in the woods with children.

Good to know: bring waterproof footwear. The autumn forest is beautiful, but damp.

***

3. Savor autumn flavors and local food

Autumn is harvest time in Võrumaa, and you can truly taste it on your plate.

The local food here is simple and honest. The bread is a traditional barley flatbread (karask), the cheese is homemade curd cheese (sõir), and the apple cake is made with apples picked this very autumn.

Where to go:

• Gourmet and Wine Tour in Haanjamaa (SP Elamustee)
  This is an approximately 7-hour bus tour where you will taste wines at the Uue-Saaluse Wine Farm, enjoy lunch at the Ulgumaa farm, sample goat milk products at the 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 enjoy autumn-inspired dishes every day. During the school break, the special menu features tacos with sweet potato fries, loved by both children and adults.
  
  

• Hämsa Maheresto & Wellness Center (Meegomäe village, Võru)
  Offers authentic local flavors five days a week: from Wednesday to Sunday.
  
  

• Mooska smoke sauna meat (Mooska farm, Haanja village, Rõuge parish)
  Smoking meat in a sauna is a traditional art. You can order this delicacy by contacting the farm directly to arrange payment and delivery.

Good to know: most farms welcome groups by prior arrangement, so please call or write before you visit.

*****

4. Make something with your own hands

The best souvenir is one you have made yourself.

In a workshop, your hands get to work and your mind gets to rest. It is a wonderful way to spend quality time with friends or enjoy a family activity with the children.

Where to go:

• Piusa Visitor Centre (Piusa village, Võru parish)
  Right next to the sand caves, you can craft your own sand art bottle and take a piece of Piusa sand home. In October, the center is open Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM, and also on Fridays during the school break.
  
  

• Hämsa Maheresto & Wellness Center (Meegomäe village, Võru)
  With prior booking, you can learn to make traditional Estonian foods in guided workshops: blood sausage, curd cheese (sõir), rye bread, and barley flatbread (karask) (max 20 people). You can also book a local food presentation and tasting (max 30 people). Find more details on their website.
  
  

• Hinniala MTÜ (FB Tegemise Rõõm) (Vana-Hinniala farm, Võru parish)
  A permafunctional, nature-friendly farm offering rural tourism experiences, plant wisdom, an adventure course, and home-baked treats. Under the guidance of host Pille, you can prepare a plant-based soup over an open fire, served with fire-baked bread. If you wish, you can also help out with autumn chores in the permaculture garden and try your hand at air rifle and crossbow shooting. The workshop accommodates up to 15 people and is available by booking only. Contact: Pille Malkov, +372 529 8643, pille.malkov@gmail.com
  
  

• Mooska Smoke Sauna Farm (Mooska farm, Haanja village, Rõuge parish)
  The farm hosts workshops and training sessions on the heritage of smoke saunas. Available by prior booking.

***

5. Discover art, crafts, and heritage

Even on a rainy day, there is plenty to see and do in Võrumaa.

The story of Võrumaa is written in its ancient sacred places, manors, farmhouses, and the creations of local artists. Autumn offers the perfect, slow-paced time to explore them.

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 unfolds and how ceramics are made. A large selection of artisan 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 right next to Viitina Manor, this gallery is unique for being open to everyone 24/7 and free of charge. This autumn, the gallery features the creations of glass artist Kateriin Rikken.
  
  

• Mõniste Peasant Museum (Kuutsi village, Rõuge parish)
  Take a guided tour or explore the museum at your own pace with an audio guide available in four languages. You can try your hand at traditional farm chores, see the farm animals, and play in the courtyard. Or shop at the historic Mõniste Consumers' Cooperative store. Alongside the permanent and temporary displays, the 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 Rogosi fortress manor in Ruusmäe, or on a joint tour of both Viitina and Rogosi manors. Available by prior booking.
  
  

• Vastseliina Episcopal Castle (Vana-Vastseliina)
  Built in the 14th century, this castle once guarded the road between Old Livonia and Pskov. Next to the ruins lies a medieval sacred place, the Chapel of the Holy Cross. In October, the medieval theme center is closed, but visitors are welcome to walk among the ruins 24/7.

***

6. Stay overnight in the countryside and unwind

The autumn evenings are long, so make them yours.

Just one night in the countryside—where there is no reason to look at your phone—is enough. In the morning, you will wake up to absolute silence, with no need to rush anywhere.

Where to stay:

• Mäe-Kolga Farm (Villike village, Rõuge parish)
  This is a place made for romantic quality time. Here, couples can sleep in unique glass pyramids and gaze at the stars directly from bed. The stay includes access to a separate sauna house and a private hot tub. The farm is open year-round. Choose the package that suits you best.
  
  

• Haani Loometare (Creative Cottage) (Horoski village, Rõuge parish)
  This accommodation and remote workspace is perfect for families, friends, or small teams. The farm is home to native Kihnu sheep, and you can also book bodywork therapy or a private home concert.
  
  

• Vakari Holiday Farm (Vakari, Rõuge parish)
  The farm can accommodate up to 14 people. It features a Finnish sauna by a pond and a cozy living room with a fireplace, with the forest starting right at your doorstep.
  
  

• 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 sleeps 16–18 people, and the guest house sleeps 8. Guests can enjoy both wood-fired and electric saunas, as well as a hot tub.
  
  

• Hämsa Maheresto & Wellness Center (Meegomäe village, Võru)
  Spend a whole weekend in one place: a smoke sauna ritual, flatbread and bread-making workshops, authentic food, and accommodation from Friday to Sunday.
  
  

• Suur Muna (Haanja village, Rõuge parish)
  In addition to food and cinema, you can stay overnight in cozy apple-orchard cabins that accommodate up to 6 people. Perfect for remote work or just peaceful relaxation.

***

7. Spend the autumn school break with your family in Võrumaa

This year's autumn school break is from October 26 to November 1, 2026. It is the perfect time to turn off the screens and head into the forest together.

Children remember what they actually did. Muddy knees and smiling faces are highly encouraged here.

Where to go:

• Pokumaa (Urvaste village, Antsla parish)
  Pokumaa is the whimsical world of the "Pokus" created by beloved Estonian artist Edgar Valter, featuring the Poku Hall, forest trails, animals, and an art forest labyrinth. Every Saturday in October, the smoke sauna is heated by 4 PM, and after the steam, the brave can take a dip in the spring pond. Open Saturday and Sunday, 12 PM–4 PM.
  
  

• Suur Muna (Haanja village, Rõuge parish)
  During the school break, the menu features tacos with sweet potato fries. On Fridays, you can enjoy a private movie night in a cozy cinema room with sofas, and stay overnight in cabins that fit up to 6 people.
  
  

• Piusa Visitor Centre (Piusa village, Võru parish)
  Here you can see the sand caves where bats spend their winter hibernation. In the workshop, you can create beautiful bottles filled with colorful sand. During the school break, the center is also open on Fridays. 
  
  

• Mõniste Peasant Museum (Kuutsi village, Rõuge parish)
  During the school break week, the museum is open Monday–Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM, offering a hands-on look at historic farm life. Visitors can try traditional farm chores, visit the manor exhibition for a contrast with peasant life, play in the courtyard, and meet the domestic birds. Plenty of activities for the whole family.
  
  

• Suur Munamägi Observation Tower (Haanja village)
  During the school break week, from Monday to Friday (October 26–30) between 12 PM and 3 PM, it's ice cream time at the Suur Munamägi tower! Every family ticket purchase includes one free ice cream for each child. At the tower cafe, you can get warm drinks and mini pancakes or waffles to enjoy while watching the sunset from the top of the tower. During the break week, the tower is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  
  

• Rõuge Ööbikuorg (Nightingale Valley) (Rõuge)
  From Tuesday to Sunday (October 27 – November 1), the Rõuge Ööbikuorg Visitor Centre is open from 11 AM to 5 PM. The center features an interactive exhibition where you can discover, learn, and try things out yourself. When you get hungry, the cafe offers cake, ice cream, and burgers, making it easy to stay and enjoy the day.  

**********************************************************************

You don't have to do everything at once. One sauna, one hike,
one evening at the edge of the forest – that is all it takes to make this autumn unforgettable.

**********************************************************************

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is there to do in Võrumaa in autumn?

In autumn, you can warm up in a smoke sauna, hike in the Haanja uplands, taste authentic local food, take part in workshops, visit the Piusa caves and the Mõniste Peasant Museum, and sleep on a farm or in a glass pyramid. Many places are open on weekends or by prior booking.

• Where can I experience a smoke sauna in Võrumaa?

You can book a smoke sauna at the Mooska Smoke Sauna Farm in Haanja, the Uue-Saaluse Wine Farm, the Hinniala cave sauna by the Piusa River, and the Hämsa Wellness Center. In Pokumaa, the smoke sauna is heated every Saturday in October. The smoke sauna tradition of Võromaa has been on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage since 2014.

• What to do with children during the autumn school break in South Estonia?

This year's autumn school break is from October 26 to November 1, 2026. Great places to visit with children in Võrumaa include Pokumaa, the Piusa Visitor Centre with its sand cave tours and sand-bottle workshops, Suur Muna in Haanja, and the Mõniste Peasant Museum.

• Are tourism destinations in Võrumaa 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 is open from 11 AM to 5 PM, and the Mõniste Peasant Museum is open Monday–Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Saunas, food experiences, and workshops generally require prior booking.

• Where to stay in Võrumaa in autumn?

In Rõuge parish, you can stay in the glass pyramids of Mäe-Kolga farm, at Tindioru farm on the edge of Ööbikuorg, at Vakari holiday farm, and at Haani Loometare. In Haanja, Suur Muna offers accommodation, and in Võru parish, Hämsa Maheresto & Wellness Center is an excellent choice.

• How far is Võrumaa from Tallinn and Tartu?

From Tallinn to Võru, it is about 250 km, or a 3-hour drive. From Tartu to Võru, it is about 70 km, which takes approximately one hour.