Tori between Soomaa, Rivers and Cultural Heritage

Tori Parish closely connects forests, green spaces and rivers with its living environment. The town of Tori lies on the edge of Soomaa National Park. Here, nature experiences in forests, wetlands and on rivers meet a multifaceted cultural history.

Nature between Rivers and Soomaa

A vivid way to experience the landscape is the 2.8-kilometre Meiekose nature trail. It runs along the Raudna and Tõramaa rivers through part of the cultural landscape of Soomaa National Park. Along the way, documented features include an old village with huts and saunas, historic farmsteads and gnarled oaks. Protected natural monuments in Tori Parish also include Tori paljand and the caves there.

Tori Põrgu is a Devonian sandstone riverbank escarpment on the Pärnu River. From the bridge area, the site can be reached by paddling 100 metres upstream. The interior of Tori Põrgu is no longer accessible; however, stairs from the cemetery gate lead to the site. In Soomaa National Park, the flood season known as the “fifth season” can create conditions for canoe trips across flooded meadows and through riparian forests.

History, Horses and Regional Culture

The Tori Museum was Estonia’s first parish museum and was founded in 1934. Its exhibitions are housed in a former manor estate granary dating from 1814; the museum organises guided tours. In the settlement of Pulli, the first settlers reached the area 10,000 to 11,000 years ago. A dog tooth found there is considered the oldest evidence found in Estonia of the presence of domesticated dogs.

The Tori Hobusekasvandus horse-breeding farm was founded in 1856. Estonian and Tori horses continue to be bred and further bred there. Horse-riding trips and horse-drawn carriage excursions are available by prior booking. In addition, the Tori Memorial Church, completed in 1854, and the Tori St George’s Lutheran Church reflect different historical layers; the latter is also used as a concert venue.

Water Experiences and Local Insights

At Haabjakoda, you can rent authentic dugout canoes for leisurely one-hour trips on the Pärnu River. For canoe trips, Haabjakoda provides life jackets, paddles and basic instructions. An exhibition is dedicated to the dugout canoe tradition in Estonia and Latvia. The 67.5-metre suspension bridge at Jõesuu also crosses the Pärnu River.

At Tori Siidritalu, visitors can learn more about the production of cider and wine and taste the farm’s products. In addition to alpacas, the alpaca farm is home to pygmy goats, miniature sheep, Angora rabbits and chickens. For further orientation within the area, you can also consider Tori Tori and Kõrsa Kõrsa.

Accommodation in Tori to Suit Your Travel Idea

The facts reveal several different ways to experience Tori: nature trails and river landscapes, guided cultural activities, horse breeding, and regional beverage and craft traditions.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pärnu.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Võiste, Surju, Kihnu Vald, Vändra, Saarde, Tahkuranna.