Things To Do
in Võru

Võru is a charming town located in southeastern Estonia, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nestled near the Võru Lake and surrounded by lush forests, it serves as a gateway to the picturesque Võrumaa region. The town boasts a blend of historic wooden architecture and modern amenities, making it a delightful destination for travelers.

With its vibrant local community and a variety of outdoor activities, Võru is an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking authentic Estonian experiences.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Discovering Võru
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Võru County Museum to learn about local history and culture. Take a stroll around the picturesque Town Hall Square.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a local café and then head to the nearby Tamula Lake for a leisurely walk or bike ride along the scenic trails.

evening
:

Dine at a restaurant offering traditional Estonian cuisine and explore the local nightlife at one of the cozy pubs.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Adventure
morning
:

Begin your day with breakfast at a local bakery before heading to the Voru Outdoor Activity Centre for a guided nature hike.

afternoon
:

After the hike, visit the local artisan shops and markets to pick up unique souvenirs and crafts.

evening
:

Conclude your visit with a relaxing dinner at a lakeside restaurant, enjoying views of the sunset over Tamula Lake.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a mid-range restaurant$15-25
Coffee$2-4
🍺Local beer$3-6
🏨Hotel night$50-100
🚌Bus ticket$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
  • Rich cultural heritage and local traditions.
  • Friendly and welcoming local community.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Transportation may be less frequent in rural areas.
  • Weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and autumn.
  • "Tere" - Hello
  • "Aitäh" - Thank you
  • "Palun" - Please
  • "Kuidas sul läheb?" - How are you?
  • "Head aega" - Goodbye

Places to Visit in Võru

Visit one of these nice places.

Tamula Lake

A serene lake perfect for capturing stunning sunset shots and reflections.

Võru Town Hall

An architectural gem that showcases the town's history and offers a picturesque backdrop.

Rõuge Height

The highest point in southern Estonia, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Culinary Guide

Food in Võru

Võru offers a delightful culinary experience with a focus on local ingredients and traditional recipes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes that reflect the region's rich agricultural heritage.

Võru Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Verivorst

Blood sausage made from barley and blood, often served with lingonberry sauce.

Must-Try!

Kiluvõileib

A traditional rye bread sandwich topped with sprats, a popular appetizer in Estonia.

Sült

A jellied meat dish, typically made from pork, served cold.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Võru Market

A local market where you can find fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

Street Food Stalls

Occasional food stalls that pop up during festivals, serving local snacks and quick bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Võru experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) are warm with average temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F), ideal for outdoor activities. Winters (December to February) can be harsh, with temperatures dropping to -5°C (23°F) and often snow cover. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with mild temperatures, making them perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the region.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time is valued, so try to be prompt for meetings or social gatherings.

Personal Space

Estonians value personal space; keep a respectful distance during conversations.

Quietness in Public

Maintaining a low volume in public places is appreciated; loud conversations can be seen as disruptive.

Safety Guide

Safety

Võru is generally a safe town for travelers, with low crime rates. However, like any destination, it's advisable to take standard precautions such as securing valuables and being mindful in crowded areas. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, and it's good to know the location of the nearest hospital or medical facility.

Tipping in Võru

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated; rounding up the bill or leaving a 10% tip is common.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, and cash can be withdrawn from ATMs available throughout the town.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Expect mild temperatures and blooming flowers, ideal for outdoor activities and nature walks.

Summer

Warm weather makes it perfect for swimming in lakes and enjoying outdoor festivals.

Autumn

Experience beautiful fall foliage and cooler temperatures, great for hiking and photography.

Winter

Cold weather with snow, perfect for winter sports like skiing and ice skating.

Nightlife Guide

Võru at Night

Võru's nightlife is laid-back, with a mix of cozy pubs and cafes that offer live music and local events. Most venues close early, around midnight, making it a relaxing atmosphere for socializing. The local crowd is friendly, and you can often find themed nights or cultural events happening, reflecting the town's vibrant community spirit.

Hiking in Võru

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Rõuge Nature Reserve

Offers various trails through forests and along lakes, showcasing the area's rich biodiversity.

Haanja Hiking Trail

A well-marked trail that leads through scenic landscapes, perfect for a day hike.

Airports

How to reach Võru by plane.

Tartu Airport

Approximately 65 km from Võru, Tartu Airport offers limited flights primarily to and from Tallinn.

Getting Around

Walkability

Võru is a compact town, making it highly walkable. Most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within a short walking distance from each other. The town features pedestrian-friendly pathways and parks, encouraging visitors to explore on foot while enjoying the scenic views.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Estonian Nationals

The majority of Võru's population consists of ethnic Estonians, who take pride in their cultural heritage.

Russian-speaking Minorities

A significant Russian-speaking community exists in Võru, contributing to the town's cultural diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cross-Country Skiing

Popular during winter months, with many trails and competitions held in the region.

Basketball

A favorite pastime among locals, with community teams and events hosted regularly.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Võru is generally light, making it easy to navigate by car or on foot. Public transportation options include local buses that connect to nearby towns and cities. Biking is also a popular mode of transport, facilitated by designated bike paths.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Võru.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Most restaurants in Võru offer vegetarian options, but it’s advisable to check menus in advance.

Gluten-Free Options

While gluten-free options might be limited, some eateries can accommodate dietary needs if informed beforehand.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Võru is accessible, with a local hospital providing emergency and general medical services. Pharmacies are available throughout the town for over-the-counter medications. For more specialized care, larger hospitals in nearby cities like Tartu are accessible by public transportation.

Discover Estonia

Read more in our Estonia 2025 Travel Guide.

Estonia Travel Guide