Discover J천geva County
ST PETERSBURG 330 km
HELSINKI 220 km STOCKHOLM
NARVA 160 km
TALLINN 180 km ESTONIA
510 km
JÕGEVA COUNTY
Due to its location both in central and eastern Estonia and as a gate to South Estonia, Jõgeva County is diverse and unique. The area of the county extends from the central point of inland Estonia across Vooremaa up to the eastern border of the European Union on Lake Peipus.
TARTU 50 km
PÄRNU 150 km
The castle ruins in Põltsamaa and Laiuse remind of the royalties who once resided in Jõgeva County. The plenty of surface forms and boulders, which can be found in Jõgeva County, are connected with the legends about the Son of Kalev – the hero of the Estonian national epic.
RIGA 210 km
One of the visiting cards of the county is Vooremaa, which is one of the most unique drumlin areas in the world with its large drumlins oriented from the northwest to the southeast and oval lakes between them.
VILNIUS 430 km
MUSTVEE Torma Kasepää
Jõgeva vald JÕGEVA TOWN
Pajusi
PÕLTSAMAA TOWN Põltsamaa vald
Saare
Palamuse Puurmani
Area: 2604 km² Population of Jõgeva County: 31 145 inhabitants Administrative division: 3 towns: Jõgeva, Mustvee, Põltsamaa 10 municipalities: Jõgeva, Kasepää, Pajusi, Pala, Palamuse, Puurmani, Põltsamaa, Saare, Tabivere, Torma Languages: Estonian; in Peipus region, Russian is also widely spoken Sources: Statistics Estonia 17.11.2014
Tabivere
Pala
Põltsamaa region attracts with its charming manor houses, castle ruins, local wine, abundance of roses and enjoyable open-air events. Palamuse is a nice well-preserved historical parish centre. Father Christmas’ home is waiting for visitors in Jõgeva. Vudila Playland welcomes families with fun attractions. In Elistvere Animal Park, wild animals and birds can be seen in their natural habitat. Mires and bogs offer tranquility and delight to the eye. Old Believers’ culture, its particular customs and traditions, many kilometers long street villages along the shore of the lake, fresh cucumbers, onions, garlic and smoked fish on the stalls by the street for travelers – this is the Lake Peipus region. In Mustvee there are churches of five different confessions of faith. Discover the natural and cultural diversity of Jõgeva County, enjoy its historical heritage, the exciting places connected with legends, its quaint regions and pleasant recreation options. Welcome to Jõgeva County!
See more: www.visitjogeva.com
Põltsamaa town and river Põltsamaa – town of bridges and parks, roses and wines – lies on the banks of River Põltsamaa, the 3rd longest river in Estonia. The river is rich in fishes, in 2013, fish way was established on the dam. There are 18 bridges in the town that cross the river or connect river islets with the riverbank. Photo by: Mati Kurg
Põltsamaa castle Põltsamaa stone fortress was constructed on the banks of river in 1272. In 16th century, it was the residence of Livonia’s King Magnus. Repeatedly pillaged, the castle was rebuilt by W. J. von Lauw in the 18th century as a grand rococo-style palace. The castle complex and the church burnt down in 1941. The church was restored on 1952, castle ruins were taken under preservation during the 1970s. Nowadays, you will find museums, handicraft places, wine cellar, castle restaurant, art gallery, clay chamber and tourist information from the castle yard. Photo by: Väino Valdmann
Local handicrafts Local and quality handicrafts are offered by K채siteokoda and P천ltsamaa Handicrafts Association, they both operate at P천ltsamaa castle yard. Photo by: Katre Arula
P천ltsamaa Rose garden By its collection, P천ltsamaa Rose garden is the biggest in the Baltic States and is one of the 10 biggest rosaries on Europe. You will find ca 5000 rose bushes from almost 1000 different rose sorts from the rosary. Photo by: Ellar S체giste
Lustivere manor Lustivere manor was first mentioned in 1552 as a knight’s manor. The magnificent neo-gothic style castle was built in 1861-1891. Nowadays, a nursing home operates in the building. The owners of the castle, family von Wahl, also owned other manors Põltsamaa district: Adavere, Pajusi and Tapiku. In the area, Võisiku manor is historically important – Jaan Kross’s book „Keisri hull“ talks about its owner T. E. Von Bock as the author of the constitution project for Russia. Photo by: Väino Valdmann
Kirna study trail Kirna study trail, located in Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, is 7 km long and passes trough water meadows and forests by River Pedja. Watch tower of Altmetsa gives a magnificent view to the river. The trail also includes a suspension bridge to help you to cross the river. On river banks, you many notice traces of beavers and wild boars. Photo by: Veiko Belials
Puurmani manor The magnificent neorenaissance-style manor with a white main building was built during the time of G. J. Manteuffel in 1860. In 1918, Julius Kuperjanov established a partisan battalion in Puurmani castle. Nowadays, you will find Puurmani Manor School operating in the building. Photo by: Raina Rumvolt
Estonian Women Folk Dance Festival Estonian Women Folk Dance Festival is becoming a traditional event that is held in J천geva town. The first festival took place in 2011. Photo by: V채ino Valdmann
Jõgevatreff Jõgevatreff is an international reunion of motorcyclist that has a long tradition, the gatherings have been organized since 1992. Every year, motorcyclists meet in Kuremaa, to spend time together, compete and drive as a parade on the roads of Vooremaa. Photo by: Anatoli Makarevitsˇ
Laiuse fortress ruins Construction of the Laiuse fortress was launched by the Livonian Order in the late 14th century to defend its eastern borders. The first defensive structure in Estonia to be fitted with firearms, it gained its definitive appearance in the late Middle Ages. Cannon towers were added to the fortress in the mid15th century. The fortress crumbled in 1559 but was restored, with wooden barracks built at the end of the Swedish era, which accommodated Karl XII and his entourage from 1700–1701. After the Great Northern War the fortress lay in ruins. Photo by: Väino Valdmann
Kuremaa mill Kuremaa mill belongs to Kuremaa manor complex and was reopened in 2009 being fully renovated. On the top, fourth floor, there are narrow windows which offer you a scenic view to Vooremaa landscapes. Photo by: Katrin Loss
Endla Nature Reserve Endla Nature Reserve is located in Central-Estonia at the southern hillside of Pandivere uplands. The middle part of the bog is under protection – its eight bog massives are divided by rivers with narrow flooded meadows or swamped forests. A hiking trail with signs and the boardwalk in Männikjärve bog enable visitors to see various forest communities, the wooded meadow and bogs, bird and plant species. Photo by: Väino Valdmann
Vaiga-Kassinurme hillfort and sacred grove Kassinurme fort was established 2000 years ago, today, fragment of the ancient fort has been restored. The sacred grove lies nearby. In front of the hill, there is a water spring, which, according to legends, was the eye washing bowl for Estonian national hero – The Son of Kalev. His hand- and footprints are believed to be nearby. At present, the sacred grove is the favorite place for history enthusiasts who organize ancient war games there, revive old folk customs and celebrate folk calendar holidays. The health trail lets visitors see the varied nature of the region and enjoy beautiful surface forms. Photo by: Teele Kaeramaa
Jõgeva County – land, that nurtures Grounds of Jõgeva county feed both, our body and soul-mind. In addition to rich soils, education, culture and sports life over here is also rich – many famous persons of today’s society are from Jõgeva County. Photo by: Liina Laurikainen
Historical Palamuse parochial-complex Palamuse as a historical parochial-complex (church, parish school building, parsonage, church manor sauna and granary, mill, pharmacy, Goldberg’s villa) is written famous by writer Oskar Luts. Palamuse parish school building along with sacristan Aleksander Georg Nieländer living rooms was finished in 1873. School operated in the building until 1975. Since 5th January 1987 the house operates as a museum that introduces life in the parish school during the 19th century. The stories are told by Oskar Luts’s book „Spring“. Photo by: Katrin Loss
Vudila Playland In Vudila Playland, you will find large water park with slides and pools, a barrel sauna, swings, climbing frames, trampolines, skyjump, electric cars, ATV-tracks, rowboats, water wheels, a large playroom, etc. Vudila Playland also offers dining and trout fishing. In December, Vudila turns into a Christmas Theme Park; during the second half of the winter, it hosts Vudila Silver Fish – a festival devoted to families and fish. Photo by: Gitta Veber
Elistvere Animal Park The animal park which opened in 1997 is located in the territory of the former Elistvere manor park. Native wild animals – foxes, roe deer, a bear, lynxes, elks, wild boars, buffalos – are settled in the conditions similar to those they experience in the nature. Those interested may also visit the small rodents’ centre. Nature study trails introduce various plant species with the help of information signs. A boardwalk will take visitors to the viewing platform by Lake Elistvere where one can admire the lake’s rich bird kingdom. Photo by: Liina Laurikainen
The Son of Kalev’s Chamber The Son of Kalev’s Chamber consists of The Son of Kalev’s museum, treasure chamber, Krati adventure park and nature school. The museum provides an overview of the folk-tales and places related to the Son of Kalev, as well as the history and sites of the region. The adventure park gives everyone the chance to put themselves to the test between land and sky! Photo by: Valdo Kangur
The Son of Kalev’s sword in River Kääpa The sword of the Son of Kalev, hero from Estonian national epic, lays in River Kääpa, near Kääpa bridge. The sword is mentioned in legends as well as in the epic. According to national epic, the Son of Kalev ordered the sword from a Finnish blacksmith who cursed the sword because of his killed son. Sorcerer of Peipus stole the sword from the Son of Kalev and dropped it to River Kääpa. The Son of Kalev wanted to punish the sorcerer and cursed the sword himself, but because of the slip of his tongue, the curse turned against him. So it happened, that once the Son of Kalev was to Kääpa and stepped into the river, the sword cut his legs and the Son of Kalev died. Photo by: Hannes Koort
Mustvee town and Lake Peipus Mustvee town is situated by Lake Peipus which is the fourth lake in Europe by its area. The town is the biggest settlement at the Estonian side of the lake. You will find five different confessions in Mustvee, their churches hold services every Sunday. Visitors are also recommended to see the scale museum of Heino Lubja and the Old Believers Museum of Mustvee. Photo by: Johannes Haav
Mustvee Holy Trinity church Mustvee Holy Trinity church is one of the five churches in Mustvee. The congregation acted there until 1957, after that the building became a flour and furniture warehouse. In 1980, the sanctuary got back the temple functions, but this was not orthodox, but at the disposal of a baptist church. In 2004, the church was opened again as a holy trinity church. Photo by: Anneli Villem
Local food – onion and fish of Peipus People living by Lake Peipus are known as onion and cucumber growers. Onion, cucumber, dill pickle, pike perch, smelt, vendace are well-known signs of quality. You will find markets from the roads from spring to autumn, selling local food such as smoked fish, vegetables and fruits. Photo by: Katrin Loss
Raja-Kükita-Tiheda-Kasepää street village Raja, Kükita, Tiheda and Kasepää villages are located in Jõgeva County, Kasepää community and make up a 7 km long street village. The houses are built very near to each other and are standing right by the road. Photo by: Katrin Loss
Raja Russian Old Believers Sanctuary and Campanile The congregation of Raja Old Believers started their activities in the first quarter of 18th century. The Old Believers were permitted to build their own sanctuary in 1879. The sacred place burnt down in II World War, only the campanile has been restored. Besides that, you will find an old congregation building with 11 rooms. During 1854-1930, Gavriil Frolov, the famous icon writer, lived in the house. He taught children icon writing, singing, reading and writing in Old Slavonic . Photo by: Teele Kaeramaa
Publisher: Jõgeva County Development and Enterprise Center Supported by: Leader programme, Union of Jõgeva County Municipalities Photos: Front cover – Liina Laurikainen, inside of the back cover – Hannes Soosaar, back cover – Teele Kaeramaa Many thanks to everyone who helped to compile the brochure!