Vacation at the springs of life!

The sound of a woodpecker tapping is the loudest noise, a squirrel dropping a pine cone is the biggest danger. A fishing boat gliding on the water surface brings to mind the smell of bream. In the evening, you can sometimes hear the squawking of a bellows. From somewhere, in between this sad song, you can hear the jingling of silver beads and chirps – is there a party on the other side of the bay? A long stream spreads along the lake as the last rays of the sun shine across the lake waters. Time seems to have stood still. It’s good to come, it’s good to be.

Such pleasant and gentle thoughts should arise for every visitor to Setomaa who reaches the Värska resort area. This corner of the country gained a special status more than half a century ago – in the spring of 1971, when the area around Värska Bay and Lake Õrsava was named a resort of local importance. At that time, no large tourist attractions or companies had yet been built along the bay, although the area was already somewhat well-known among summer residents. It is not without reason that Värska was long ago described as a land of springs, and a summer camp was built nearby for the Võru military unit. The values ​​inherent to the resort area existed before the national regulation – they simply had not all been scientifically studied and, literally, dug out of the ground by that time.

One of the three main features of the resort is the special climatic conditions resulting from the interaction with nature. This fact brought holidaymakers from the city to Värska as early as the 1930s. Later, the extraction of medicinal mud, recognized as unique, and mineral water boreholes created opportunities for the emergence of new companies, which have become the engines of Setomaa’s economy and a source of well-being for people.

These values ​​may not be recognized in everyday life, but it is largely thanks to them that Setomaa has acquired its current face – special, active and ambitious. This is evident from important events and the appreciation of its traditional culture, which is one of the outputs of a life-affirming attitude. Also, the environment and infrastructure are becoming more and more beautiful. In connection with the title of Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture, Obinitsa got a great flag square, around which galleries, a community center and restaurants are developing. The new port built in Värska, the promenade, the monument to the Independence War of Petserimaa and the Reeg House are also manifestations related to these developments. Lüübnitsa, which stood out in the Village of the Year competition, and Luhamaa, which has just reached the final, are special pearls on different edges of this region.

In fact, the resort area has not yet exhausted the full potential of these values, and there are many more opportunities.

Since Heiligendamm, which was founded in Germany in 1793, there have been many examples of positive changes in resort areas around the world. These include lower unemployment compared to other regions, more developed infrastructure, better communication and transport connections and, overall, a higher standard of living and income for residents. Who wouldn’t want all of this?!

The special climatic conditions and pure nature that are expected of a resort area add value to both local strawberries, carrots and a running race or concert organized in this environment. Not to mention the souvenirs and crafts that resort guests willingly take with them from the area. Värska resort has unique and very special values ​​that are not found anywhere else in exactly the same form.

There are several resort areas in Estonia – in addition to Värska, there are also Haapsalu, Pärnu, Narva-Jõesuu and Kuressaare. There are also several traditional culture areas in Estonia – in addition to Setomaa, there are also Kihnu, Mulgimaa and Vana-Võromaa. But only in one place do these two values ​​come together – in Värska, Setomaa!

Conditionally, one could draw a circle with a diameter of 15-20 km around Värska and say that it is probably in this area that the resort’s values ​​have the greatest impact. To the north of Värska, the region is part of the Lämmijärve coastline starting from the village of Beresje, to the south the area between the Mustoja landscape reserve and Saatse, and to the west the border is Piusa with its sand caves and the holiday hub at the train station.

Vacation is an integral part of a resort. Everything related to it fits well with the nature of the resort area. Vacation means relaxation, entertainment and discovery of the area. When vacationing, people are receptive to positive emotions and new experiences. And this is a period when everyone can let time stand still and not rush anywhere.

Another important element in the resort area is water. In the case of Värska, this is not only the underground mineral water, but also the proximity of a large body of water. Water-related businesses and activities are part of the resort area’s lifestyle – fishing, raft saunas, lakeside holiday homes, fish and water parties are inseparable companions of the resort. Another special feature of Värska is water transport, i.e. the opportunity to move around the area by water. And this pleasure is definitely worth allowing yourself, because in addition to a pleasant bath, the water is also simply soothing.
The resort area is also part of wonderful nature and the opportunity to enjoy it on a hiking trail or by picking fresh blueberries and plump chanterelles that have ripened in the resort climate in the forest.
The Värska mineral water and healing mud are the most well-known therapeutic resources, but thinking a little more broadly, it is also worth valuing traditional bathing traditions – a smoke sauna, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, similar to the leelo – and even local health trails and sports opportunities.
If any of the above is in play in addition to the location, then it can be safely said that it is something specific to the resort area and carries its values.
The goal of the resort area is to emphasize all of these values ​​more than before and to make both guests and locals notice them more. One of the largest events in the resort area is the regularly held Seto Kingdom, which will return to the Värska area in a few years. An important reputational event is the regularly held Seto Folk and Leelopäeväev, Seto Külävü kostipäevä and other important national calendar dates, which the Setos celebrate with all their soul and great dedication.
The feeling of a good place to be is rooted in the resort today more than ever before, because Värska – it is a holiday at the sources of life.