Tõrva is a historical holiday resort that received the status of an official holiday resort from the Government of the Republic already in 1937. Inside the town of Tõrva, there are four lakes with beautiful beaches, and the best place to relax is by and inside those lakes. Tõrva is the largest city in the historical Mulgimaa.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT TÕRVA
According to a folk story there once was a man called Tõnis who made tar („tõrv” in Estonian) from fir and pine stumps in the local woods and this is how the place got its name.
At Tõrva Central Square, the priority is given to pedestrian comfort and leisure facilities. Spread over almost 13,000 square meters, Tõrva Central Square has most of the space on the footpaths and activity grounds.
Landscaping was carried out on 5,000 square metres and almost 2,000 trees and shrubs were planted.
The central square of Tõrva runs from the historic tavern building to the Tõrva Architects Mari Rass, Ott Alver, Alvin Järving, and Illimar Klammer.
Tõrva Central Square runs from the historic tavern to the town hall.
MULGI EXPERIENCE CENTER
A unique Mulgi Experience Center, opened in 2023, is located about a 15-minute drive away.
The center is a landmark of the Mulgi region and a carrier of its identity. It serves as an architectural attraction, a museum, an event venue, and an information and sales center for products and services from the Mulgi area. The exhibitions and events open a door into the nature of the Mulgi people and their cultural heritage. Here, you can get a sense of the well-known ingenuity, stubbornness, and cleverness of the Mulgi people.
See more information about the center at: mulgielamuskeskus.ee
TÕRVA CINEMA KOIT
Tõrva Cinema Koit first opened on September 1, 1953, and films were shown there continuously until 2004. Since 2019, the cinema has been digitalized, and the latest films are screened weekly.
The cinema is open every weekend. Visitors can buy fresh popcorn and snacks on site, and enjoy movies in excellent super-comfortable seats for the best cinema experience.
You can view the cinema schedule at: kinokoit.ee
TÕRVA HEALTH TRAILS
The Tõrva health trail is located in the scenic park forest surrounding Lake Vanamõisa, running along historic park paths and forest trails around the lake. It connects the Tõrva Gümnaasium building and the Tõrva Veemõnula, as well as the Vanamõisa lakeside area and the school stadium complex. In 2017, the Tõrva health trails were named the best recreational sports facility.
During winter, visitors can enjoy well-maintained and illuminated cross-country ski tracks, which start next to Tõrva Veemõnula.
A map of the 11 km hiking loop of the Tõrva health trail is available on Google Maps
KAASIKU FARM ZOO
Kaasiku Farm Zoo is located in the small town of Hummuli in Tõrva parish — and yes, it has its very own zoo! Among the more exotic animals you can meet are Dodo the fennec fox, Sairos the green iguana, a white-tufted marmoset, chameleons, and Hans the bearded dragon.
According to the hostess, the zoo is home to 26 species and about 110 animals in total. Outdoors you’ll also find ferrets, a genet, ponies, rabbits, Cameroon goats and sheep, and horses.
For more details, visit their Facebook page and don’t forget to notify the host family in advance before planning your visit!
TÕRVA DISCGOLF PARK
Tõrva discgolfi park has 18 baskets.
The course runs mainly on forest trails, but there are also baskets on clearings.
The course starts next to the Tõrva Upper Secondary School. You can leave your car for free to the parking lot of Tõrva Upper Secondary School.
BARCLAY DE TOLLY MAUSOLEUM
Field Marshal de Tolly, whose final resting place is in Estonia, is one of the most famous people related to Estonia and probably the greatest Russian military leader. The Russian commander who came from a Baltic aristocratic family with Scottish roots played an important part in the Napoleonic wars between 1812 and 1814.
Barclay de Tolly’s name has been related to Jõgeveste since 1791 when he married Helene Auguste Eleanore von Smitten and became the owner of the Jõgeveste manor.
Wednesday–Sunday: 10:00-17:00
Monday–Tuesday: Closed
HELME CAVES
Located in the manor park of the same name, the Helme caves, are an unrivalled sight in Estonia. Situated to the north of castle ruins, the caves have a white Burtniek layer of sandstone walls standing 3 m high. Unfortunately for cave lovers though, some of the better known caves have already collapsed.
Once comprised of seven interlinked chambers, the biggest of which was known as the Church of Moses. Peppered with springs, the caves have a long history; and over the years they have been dug out and used as shelters when needed.
Did you know? In ancient times the Helme caves were also known locally as the gateway to Hell. Kivialune (under the rocks) was a shelter for Old Estonians during the wars.
RUINS OF HELME ORDER CASTLE
The ruins of Helme Order Castle are situated on a steep slope by the Pärnu-Valga road. The castle is thought to have been built in the first half of the 14th century. Parts of its walls with their distinctive window openings remain standing today. Legend has it that a young virgin was entombed within its walls in order to further strengthen it – whether there is any truth to the story is up to visitors to decide! Over the centuries the castle has been governed by Germans, Russians, Lithuanians and finally Swedes – who destroyed it in 1658.
Did you know that in the valley below the castle is the Doctor’s Spring, whose waters are said to cure seven different ailments.
EXCITING HIKES WITH OUR NATURE GUIDES
Loodusturism.ee organizes exciting hiking trips, which are appropriate for the older
and the younger. Snowshoe hikes through the swamps of Rubina and ice skating treks on the bogs of the Rubina swamp.
Contact: Imre Arro, +372 527 2701, info@loodusturism.ee
HELME PARISM MUSEUM
Helme Parish Museum is located in the village of Kirikuküla in the former rectory of Helme church.
At Helme Parish Museum, you will not only see preserved items, but also conserved memories where each item can tell a story about its maker, user or owner. The multitudinous museum assets emphasise local values, sources of sustenance and way of life. Here, various eras converge, creating a long life line between yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Contact: koduloomuuseum@torva.ee, +372 566 25102
TÕRVA’S HIKING TRAIL
Tõrva’s 11.1 km hiking trail winds through diverse natural scenery and connects several local landmarks, including forests, reservoirs, springs, and lakes. Accessible from the Tõrva Secondary School park, it also passes an arboretum and Dancing Hill. Year-round, the trail hosts popular running, cycling, and triathlon events.
Landscape-wise the town forms part of the south-eastern section of the Sakala Uplands, which feature all of southern Estonia’s landscape types. The area is undulating, with kames and terminal moraines. The elevation within the borders of the town ranges from 43-73 metres.
THE NATIONAL PIANO MUSEUM
The National Piano Museum is located in a special building – the historic Holdre Manor.
The main building, designed in Art Nouveau style with elements of heimatschkunst (cozy domestic style), was constructed around 1910 when the manor was owned by Voldemar von Ditmar. Previously, the manor center had not been built in a representative style. The architect of the building was Otto Wildau, who also designed the nearby Taagepera and Karksi manors. The goal of the Estonian National Piano Museum is to collect the most complete collection of Estonian pianos.
HUMMULI MUSEUM PARK
Hummuli Park is one of the youngest and finest examples of English-style parks in Estonia. The manor and park are notable for their history and cultural heritage. The park is rich in species, including non-native trees. The most common among them are Siberian and Japanese larches, as well as common thuja. The main tree species in the park are oak and linden.
On the southern side, the park borders an oak alley that almost reaches the Väike-Emajõgi River. In the middle of the park is a spacious square with a gazebo. At the southern edge of the square stands a commemorative stone in memory of the Battle of Hummuli during the Great Northern War.
The main building of the manor houses the Hummuli Primary School. The manor park begins at the Hummuli Primary School.