Things to Do in Võru

Võru sits quietly in southeastern Estonia, about 250 kilometers from Tallinn, and feels refreshingly removed from the usual tourist circuits. This small city of around 12,000 people serves as the cultural heart of Võrumaa County, where the local Võro language - distinct from standard Estonian - is still spoken by many residents. The surrounding landscape is surprisingly hilly by Estonian standards, dotted with lakes and forests that give the region a different character from the flatter northern parts of the country. What makes Võru genuinely interesting is how it balances its role as a regional center with a strong sense of local identity. The city has invested thoughtfully in cultural attractions like the impressive Võru County Museum and maintains a pleasant town center that feels lived-in rather than preserved for tourists. You'll find yourself in a place where traditional Estonian culture feels more accessible and less performed than in bigger cities, while still having decent amenities and surprisingly good dining options for a town this size.

Võru's dining scene is modest but surprisingly decent for a city this size. You'll find several restaurants serving traditional Estonian cuisine alongside some international options, with most places clustered around the main square and along the lake. Local specialties often feature freshwater fish from nearby lakes and traditional Võro dishes that you won't encounter elsewhere in Estonia. The weekend market in the main square is worth checking for local produce and baked goods. Don't expect fine dining, but the food tends to be honest and reasonably priced, with most meals running €8-15 per person.

Late spring through early autumn (May through September) offers the most pleasant weather and longest daylight hours, with summer temperatures typically reaching the low 20s Celsius. This is also when Lake Tamula is most appealing and hiking in the surrounding areas is most comfortable. That said, Võru can be atmospheric in winter, particularly when snow covers the landscape, though you'll need to dress warmly and some rural attractions may have limited access. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the surrounding forests, making September and early October particularly photogenic.