The area around Taheva centres on the history of the manor of the same name and trails with different themes. In addition to heritage trails and cycling routes, there is an observation tower and a guided tour of the Tsirgumäe Food Forest. When planning your visit, it makes a difference whether you are mainly interested in architectural history, a particular route, landscape views or a guided tour with food.
Taheva Manor: Architectural History and Changing Uses
Taheva Manor was first mentioned in 1627. Its main building had a Neo-Baroque tower and was completed in the first decade of the 20th century. The dates mark different phases: the manor was first mentioned long before its main building was completed. It was destroyed in 1944; parts of the walls and fragments of the veranda remain. The ruins of the main building in Taheva village are listed as a monument. Other surviving historic structures include the manor’s old vodka distillery and former vodka cellar.
The manor’s history also includes its social use. A home for children with disabilities opened there in 1926. In 1927, the group of children in its care changed: children with tuberculosis replaced the children with disabilities; at the same time, the home was renamed the “Home-Sanatorium for Children with Tuberculosis.”
Heritage Trails Around Taheva
The Estonian-Latvian Heritage Trail includes the manor as one of its heritage sites. It is laid out as a 44 km round trip, with 22 km listed for one way. Information boards in Estonian, Latvian and English are part of the route. It can also be cycled. The 22 km each way should be distinguished from the 44 km for the complete round trip. Check trail conditions before setting out.
The Koiva Heritage Trail offers a shorter walk: the 2 km trail passes heritage sites and is equipped with information boards.
Cycling Routes and Landscapes
The Koiva Cycling Route is 20 km long and runs along gravel forest roads. It passes through forests along the Mustjõgi and the Koiva and offers eight sights. Several picnic spots invite you to rest and barbecue. The Karula Cycling Route partly overlaps with the Taheva Cycling Route. The lengths can be compared directly: 2 km for the Koiva Heritage Trail, 20 km for the Koiva Cycling Route and 44 km for the Estonian-Latvian round trip.
The Koiva Cycling Route passes through forests along the Mustjõgi; from the 24-metre-high Tellingumäe observation tower, you can look out over the floodplains of the same river. This offers two different perspectives on the landscape: a route along the river and views across its floodplains.
Guided Tour of the Tsirgumäe Food Forest
The guided tour of the Tsirgumäe Food Forest includes a shiitake mushroom plantation. It ends with homemade soup and fresh, artisan-baked bread made from local ingredients. The experience combines a guided tour with a meal. As arrangements may change, check the current details in advance.
Discover more destinations: Hargla, Korkuna.
Go to the main travel overview: Taheva.
