Kurro and other holiday spots by inland waters in Estonia: where to go for a holiday by a lake or river?
- one of the biggest new additions to this selection this year is Kurro Nature Spa by Lake Peipus, which opens its doors on 17 August 2026. But Kurro is far from the only reason to travel inland for a holiday by the water.
We reviewed places of different styles and price ranges across Estonia—from spa holidays to a cabin right on the riverbank.
1. Kurro loodusspaa – a new spa holiday by Lake Peipus
Location: Uusküla, Ida-Viru County
Body of water: Lake Peipus
Suitable for: couples, peaceful holidays, spa holidays
Kurro is the newest addition to this list. The new nature spa is located between the forests of Alutaguse and Lake Peipus and will open on 17 August 2026.
This is not a traditional large water park, but rather a spa hotel focused on peaceful nature and wellness holidays. On site, there are pools and saunas, treatments, a restaurant, a yoga room, a library, a gym, and sports fields. A fish-cleaning kitchen and smoke ovens have also been provided for those fishing on Lake Peipus, and an ice rink and ski trail are planned for winter.
Why go?
If you want to experience Lake Peipus in greater comfort than at a classic campsite or holiday home, and a spa holiday is an important part of the trip.
2. Kauksi Puhkeküla – a classic summer holiday on the sandy shore of Lake Peipus
Location: Kauksi, Ida-Viru County
Body of water: Lake Peipus
Suitable for: families with children, a beach holiday
While Kurro represents the newer and more luxurious side of Lake Peipus, Kauksi is one of the region's classic summer holiday destinations.
At Kauksi Puhkeküla, you can stay in summer cottages, family-friendly beach houses and a campsite. Two year-round beach houses are located right on the lakeshore. Kauksi Beach and the promenade, a playground and hiking opportunities are nearby.
Why visit?
Especially if a sandy beach is important and you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible with your children.
3. Mesi Tare – a completely different kind of accommodation by Lake Peipus
Location: Varnja, Tartu County
Body of water: Lake Peipus
Suitable for: couples, those looking for unique accommodation, exploring Sibulatee
Mesi Tare is a good example of how a lakeside holiday does not have to mean staying in a hotel. In Varnja, you can stay in a traditional Old Believer house and also choose between the houseboats on Lake Peipus.
A sauna, boat rental and other activities related to Lake Peipus are also available.
Why go?
If, in addition to the water, you also want to experience the atmosphere of the Peipsimaa and Old Believer region.
Lakes of Southern Estonia: spas and a more peaceful holiday
4. Pühajärve Spa & Puhkekeskus – a lake right next to the hotel
Location: Otepää
Body of water: Pühajärv
Suitable for: couples, families, active holidays
A major advantage of Pühajärve is its location: the hotel is situated right on the shore of the lake, and some rooms offer views of the water.
The spa includes a 25-metre pool, a hot tub, a children's pool and saunas, among other facilities. In summer, Pühajärve beach offers swimming and water sports.
Why go?
One of the most balanced options if one family member wants a spa, another wants to hike or play sports, and the children want to swim in the lake.
5. Kubija Hotel-NatureSpa – a small lake and pine forest near Võru
Location: Võru
Body of water: Lake Kubija
Suitable for: those seeking peace and quiet, couples, a weekend getaway
Kubija Hotel-NatureSpa is located just outside Võru, surrounded by pine forests and lakes. The hotel has its own swimming area, and the rooms offer views of the forest or lake.
There is a spa and sauna centre on site, with health and sports trails a few hundred metres away.
Why go?
A good choice for those who are not looking for a large water park, but rather a smaller spa, forest and tranquillity.
6. Värska Kuurortravikeskus – lake, mineral water and Setomaa
Location: Väike-Rõsna, Setomaa
Body of water: Värska Bay and Lake Lämmijärv
Suitable for: spa holidays, families, longer stays
Värska's uniqueness is not limited to its waterfront location. The resort treatment centre uses local mineral water and lake mud from a bay in Värska.
The water park has several pools and saunas, as well as a children's pool with a slide. Some of the pools use natural mineral water.
Why go?
If you want to combine a spa holiday with exploring Setomaa.
There are a surprising number of good places to stay by Lake Võrtsjärv
Võrtsjärv is often overshadowed by Lake Peipus and Otepää when planning holidays in Estonia, even though there are several very different accommodation options by the lake.
7. Oiu Sadama Iglumaja – a night by Lake Võrtsjärv and the Tänassilma River
Location: Oiu, Viljandimaa
Body of water: Võrtsjärv and the Tänassilma River
Suitable for: couples, small families, unique accommodation experiences
At Oiu Sadam, you can stay in a two-storey Iglumaja that accommodates up to four people. The house has a kitchen, a fireplace room, sleeping areas and a terrace, and it is located separately from the rest of the complex.
SUP boards, canoes, pedal boats and a rowing boat can also be rented at the harbour.
Why go?
If you want something a little more distinctive than a hotel room and want water to be a central part of your holiday.
8. Kiviranna puhkekeskus – Võrtsjärv with family or friends
Location: Suure-Rakke, Tartu County
Body of water: Lake Võrtsjärv
Suitable for: families, groups of friends, nature holidays
At Kiviranna, you can stay in a holiday home or guest apartment, camp in a tent or arrive with a caravan. You can also use the igloo sauna and hot tub, and book a guided bog hike or a sailing trip on Lake Võrtsjärv.
Why go?
If the hotel is not important and you would rather have a peaceful lakeside base from which to explore the surrounding area.
9. Veldemani puhkekeskus – water sports on the northern shore of Lake Võrtsjärv
Location: Vaibla, Viljandi County
Body of water: Lake Võrtsjärv
Suitable for: active families and groups
Veldemani is located on the northern shore of Lake Võrtsjärv and offers accommodation, saunas, a hot tub, barbecue and campfire areas, and various water activities.
The place is especially appealing to those who want to get out on the lake: boat and kayak rental, sailing and other water activities are available.
Why go?
One of the best choices if your goal is not just to look at the lake, but to actually get out on the water.
Two more places worth knowing about
10. Sammuli Puhkeküla – on the shore of Lake Viljandi
Location: Viljandi
Body of water: Lake Viljandi
Suitable for: families, active holidays, caravan travellers
Sammuli Puhkeküla is located right on the shore of Lake Viljandi. In winter, accommodation is offered in rooms, while campsites and tent camping are also available in summer.
In summer, you can swim, fish, and rent rowing boats, kayaks, and pedal boats. There is also a sauna and hot tub on site.
Why go?
A good choice if you want to combine a lakeside holiday with a visit to Viljandi.
11. Watermill Resort – a private house by the Õhne River
Location: Leebiku, Valga County
Body of water: Õhne River
Suitable for: couples, a quiet holiday, those seeking privacy
Not every holiday by an inland body of water has to take place by a large lake.
Watermill Resort is a 55 m² holiday home right on the bank of the Õhne River. The house has a living room-kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, and the concept is more of a private nature retreat than a classic resort.
Why go?
If you want to get away from the city and prefer the peace of a private house to a large hotel.
These articles may also be of interest
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Which place should you choose?
If you want a new, higher-end spa holiday by Lake Peipus, take a look at Kurro.
If you are travelling with children and want a sandy beach, Kauksi is one of the most obvious choices.
If you are looking for a spa hotel by a lake, it is worth comparing Pühajärve, Kubija and Värska.
If you want unique accommodation, the more interesting options are the houseboats at Mesi Tare and Oiu Iglumaja.
If your goal is water sports and an active holiday, Veldemani and the Lake Võrtsjärv area are worth considering.
If peace and privacy are most important, Watermill by the small Õhne River may be a much better choice than a large, well-known spa hotel.
Is it worth taking a lakeside holiday in Estonia outside the summer season?
Yes. This is exactly where the places differ the most.
Camping and beach holidays are mainly focused on summer, but Kurro, Pühajärve, Kubija, Värska, and several year-round holiday homes also allow you to enjoy a holiday by an inland body of water in autumn and winter. For example, the two beach houses at Kauksi Puhkeküla are also open year-round.
This makes a lakeside holiday a good option even when the aim is not swimming but a sauna, spa, walking, fishing, or simply enjoying the view of the water.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you holiday right by a lake in Estonia?
There are options by Lake Peipus, Lake Võrtsjärv, Lake Pühajärv, Lake Viljandi and several smaller lakes. Accommodation ranges from spa hotels to campsites and private holiday homes.
Which lakeside place is suitable for a family with children?
In addition to accommodation, Kauksi, Pühajärve, Värska and Sammuli also offer activities or swimming opportunities, making them easier to plan for a family holiday.
Where can you enjoy a spa holiday by a lake?
Kurro is located by Lake Peipus, Pühajärve Spa on the shore of Lake Pühajärv, Värska Kuurortravikeskus by Värska Bay, and Kubija Hotel-NatureSpa amid the small lakes of Võru County.
Are there any other good places to stay by Lake Peipus besides Kurro?
Yes. For example, Kauksi Puhkeküla, Peipsi Puhkemajad, Peipsi Villad and Mesi Tare offer accommodation in a wide variety of styles.
Do you know another good lakeside or riverside holiday destination in Estonia?
Estonia has many small holiday homes, campsites, saunas and unique accommodation options that travellers do not yet know about.
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Artificial intelligence was used to assist in preparing this article. Although the information has been checked against public and official sources, prices, services and terms may change. Before travelling, always check the latest information on the service provider's website.