Elva town offers several distinct highlights: Lake Arbi, with a 1.2-kilometre nature trail; the beach on Lake Verevi; and a history closely linked to the railway station building erected in 1889. Nature trails, lakeside spots and historic buildings offer different ways to explore during your stay.
Lakes, a beach and trails
Lake Arbi lies in the centre of Elva and is surrounded by lush vegetation, illuminated nature trails and pine forest. The Arbi Lake Nature Trail is a 1.2-kilometre gravel loop through the area, designed for walking, running and cycling. Ten information boards and stations focus on life at Lake Arbi and along its shores. The loop combines exercise with insights into the local nature.
Lake Verevi Beach is on Lake Verevi, in the centre of Elva. The beach is known for its warm water and soft sand. The Elva beach promenade includes a platform with fountains, sun loungers, hammocks, table tennis, outdoor chess, a playground, a sports area and a skatepark. The Elva Sports Park by the lake adds swimming lanes and a diving tower. The two lakeside areas offer different things: a beach and promenade on the one hand, swimming lanes and a diving tower on the other.
The history of the Verevi Open-Air Pool is also noteworthy. The first Estonian swimming championships were held in its 25-metre pool on 25 and 26 July 1931. The complex included a 10-metre diving tower completed in 1929. These details trace the facility’s historical role without conflating it with the lake’s current facilities.
Trails with different highlights
The three-kilometre Väike Väerada starts at Elva railway station. Its wooden sculptures, inspired by Estonian folklore, give the trail a cultural character. Most of it is also accessible with a pushchair; the qualification “most of it” is part of the route description. Those who prefer a loop can choose the shorter Arbi Lake Nature Trail. The two routes differ in both length and theme.
The Elva Low Adventure Trail consists of ten course elements attached to five trees and two artificial posts, as well as a descent. A small cycling practice track is nearby. Alongside the longer nature trails, visitors can also choose this course and practice track for further outdoor activities.
The 15-kilometre Elva River Primeval Valley Trail also runs in the area around Elva. The route passes through varied terrain, with forest roads and paths, several lakes, streams and sandstone outcrops. Its length and changing scenery set it apart from the trails within Elva.
Railway station and architectural history
The Elva Station Building was erected in 1889 and laid the foundation for the city’s emergence and development. Its façade is designed in the classical style, and the building is protected as a heritage site for its architectural value. The building houses Café A la Ain, which serves flavours from around the world. The railway station, protected architecture and café give the place several distinct facets.
The Professorite District on the southern shore of Lake Verevi, surrounded by Järve Street, has its own historical character. In the 1920s and 1930s, it was a district of Elva. Several professors from the University of Tartu built grand summer houses there for recreation and rental. Professor Afanasjev’s former summer house at Järve tn 1 was built between 1905 and 1908 and is listed as a monument under registration number 7147.
Squares and places of remembrance
Markets and concerts are regularly held at Elva Central Square. The square area also has an open-air gallery and free exhibitions at the Elva cultural center. If a particular concert or market is the reason for your trip, it is worth checking the dates in advance.
Trees and memorial benches also tell the story of Elva. Kaarli Pine in Käo Park is a protected pine tree. The also-protected Arbi Pine was long considered a symbol of the city. Juubelitamm stands on the bank of Arbi oja in Juubelitamme Park; in 1933, it was given to Elva to mark the tenth anniversary of its market rights. Kirjameeste Pink on the slope of the Elva Music School is dedicated to Elva’s writers. Tantsujuhtide Pink at the Elva Song Festival Grounds commemorates distinguished supporters of folk dancing in Elva.
Another part of local heritage is Elva’s former ice cream kiosk: in the 1960s, it was legendary and extremely popular with tourists. It belongs to a different period from the protected buildings and trees that also shape the cityscape.
A trip to the surrounding area
Nearby is the Hellenurme Watermill Museum, home to Estonia’s last historic water-powered mill. Visitors can see how grain is turned into flour and sample traditional Estonian rye bread. The museum offers a distinct focus, different from Elva’s nature trails and city history.
Getting there and getting around
Elva is accessible by car, bus, train, bicycle and motorhome. Locally, travelling on foot, by bicycle or by car is particularly convenient. The train journey from Tallinn to Elva takes just under two and a half hours. The train journey from Tartu railway station to the historic Elva Station Building takes about half an hour. Check the timetables for your travel dates if you plan to arrive by train.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Elva, Vara, Tähtvere, Väljaküla, Tartu, Ülenurme, Võnnu, Nõo.
Go to the main travel overview: Tartu.
