The Onion Route (Sibulatee) is a network of tourism service providers which covers the shores of Lake Peipsi, snaking from the left banks of Emajõgi River all the way up to Kallaste. The fourth biggest lake in Europe has played a vital role in local life for centuries – Lake Peipsi feeds and clothes the people, but sometimes also takes from them.

The Onion Route provides the visitors with an overview of three cultures:

  • Russian Old Believers. The Old Believers on the shores of Lake Peipsi still honour old traditions. Varnja, Kasepää, Kolkja – all three are diverse ribbon villages. While you explore these, the museums, prayer houses and graveyards are worth looking up. Also, you should buy fish, onions and other agricultural produce here.
  • Baltic German manor culture. The former Baltic German culture is represented by the stately Alatskivi manor. The old stone buildings at the heart of the manor are finding more and more new purposes of use. However, the majestic Alatskivi Castle deserves the most attention.
  • Estonian peasant culture. Hard-working Estonians have also developed village life and culture in this area. The museum in the area where the famous Estonian poet Juhan Liiv was born and lived is well worth a visit and there are several places on the Onion Route which are related to the legends of our national epic's hero Kalevipoeg.

Our trip will include visits to an Old Believers’ church and museum. We will check out special onion beds, visit Alatskivi Castle and do community work at Juhan Liiv’s Museum. And it goes without saying that we will enjoy the local cuisine and cultural performances.

The bus route is approximately 100 km long.
Fee 55€ per participant.
The trip is organised by non-profit association Sibulatee (member of Tartu Rural Development Association).
See videos about the Onion Route:

Logo Info-Linc allgemein
Logo Info-Linc allgemein