What to do in Otepää?
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Otepää is a well-known holiday and sports resort in Estonia, offering plenty of opportunities for active recreation. The beautiful, hilly dome landscape of the Otepää Upland provides enchanting natural views, while its ancient forests offer a sense of discovery. A busy event calendar throughout the year gives active people the chance to participate or simply enjoy the atmosphere in every season.
GMP Clubhotel is located in a logistically excellent spot by Lake Pühajärv, where hiking and ski trails begin. Lake Pühajärv, right next to the hotel, is one of the most beautiful lakes in Estonia—perfect for swimming in summer and for skating or winter hiking when it freezes over. If the weather outdoors is not suitable, you can relax in the neighboring spa hotel’s swimming pool and sauna center or enjoy a game of bowling.
Information about events taking place in Otepää can be found in the event calendar. More detailed information about leisure activities in Otepää is available on the Otepää Tourism website.
Interesting places around Otepää and their distance from GMP Clubhotel:
Cross-country ski and hiking trails of Otepää Nature Park ((Pühajärve, Murrumetsa, Apteekrimäe, Kekkoneni) – start right next to the hotel)
Year-round nature hikes and hiking equipment rental by Loodusturism - 200 m
Pühajärve SPA - 300 m
Dalai Lama Memorial Plaque on the shore of Lake Pühajärv - 300 m
Tehvandi disc golf park - 3km
Otepää Winterplace - 3km
Motopark snowmobile rental - 4 km
Otepää Golf - 4 km
Kuutsemägi (Skiing Center) - 14 km
Pokumaa - 20 km
Tamme Lauri oak - 26 km
Great and Small Taevaskoda Sandstone Cliffs - 35 km
Nõiariik (Wizard Kingdom) - 35km
Ahhaa Science Centre - 40 km
Lüllemäe Ski Area - 45 km
Valgamaa / Otepää Tourist map
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9 Ideas for Active Holidays in Otepää
Otepää didn’t earn the title of Winter Capital by chance – during the winter season, this cozy town truly comes alive and delights visitors in many different ways. Here are 8 ideas to help you let off steam and recharge your batteries in a snowy setting!
Loodusturism.ee – year-round hiking services and guided tours, Pühajärv ice trails, Pühajärv hiking base, and equipment rental.
What activities are offered?
In winter, hikes and outdoor activities take place using kick sleds, touring skis, Nordic skates, snowshoes, and scooters, as well as wind chime crafting workshops.
In summer, scooters, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable rafts are available. Twilight hikes are also organized.
Public ticketed hikes take place in the Otepää tourism region using this equipment, and private hikes for groups can be arranged upon request.
On-site rental includes kick sleds, touring skis, Nordic skates, snowshoes, and scooters.
Distance from GMP Clubhotel: 100 m.
Nabakümme OÜ – sporty activities both in summer and winter.
What activities are offered?
- Biathlon experience and introduction to the sport – available in both summer and winter.
- Tehvandi hike: introduction to sports trails and facilities, including a visit to the ski jumping tower (summer and winter).
- Archery and field archery hunting: animal silhouette targets and 3D targets.
- Team activities: introductory orienteering training, slippery bike/hockey tournaments, complete solutions for summer and winter team events.
- In winter, cross-country ski training with equipment rental available.
Contact: priitviks@gmail.com | Tel: (+372) 50 49 643
Otepää Winterplace – a hub for active holidays in the center of Otepää, in the Linnamäe valley.
What activities are offered?
- Snow tubing (tracks and equipment rental)
- Sledding and skiing
- Zipfy sled rental
- Ice rinks and skate rental
- Snow town and igloo cinema
The center opens when snow arrives.
Distance from GMP Clubhotel: 3 km.
Väike-Munamägi Ski Center – ski on the oldest alpine ski slope in Estonia.
What activities are offered?
- 12 illuminated slopes, 10 ski lifts
- 3 km of illuminated ski trails
- 2 snow parks
- SBX track
- Bag Jump
- Free Sadolin ski school for children
Distance from GMP Clubhotel: 4 km.
Kuutsemäe Ski Center – skiing fun 7 days a week.
What activities are offered?
- Slalom slopes of varying difficulty
- Snow park
- Full equipment rental available on-site
Distance from GMP Clubhotel: 14 km.
Cross-country ski trail to Kääriku – no need to drive anywhere, put your skis on right away!
Starts at GMP Clubhotel, total length 17 km
A 6 km section (Sihva–Kääriku–Sihva) is illuminated.
Tehvandi cross-country ski trails – suitable for both adults and children.
- Selection of trails ranging from 3–10 km
- Sledding hill – Neljakasemägi
Distance from GMP Clubhotel: 4 km.
Kekkonen Ski and Hiking Trail – ski or walk, a beautiful hike is guaranteed.
Trail length: 14 km
Distance from GMP Clubhotel: 9.5 km.
Tartu Marathon ski trail from Tehvandi to Elva – a favorite among marathon skiers!
You can design a route of varying length and difficulty according to your preference.
Trail length: 63 km.