Tõrva

Just here you can have the peaceful holiday you have been longing for. Here you can enjoy the silence, beautiful nature and historical sights. This is a purely Estonian region – throughout the times Estonians have made up 99 p.c. of the population here. 
Our region is rich in lakes and rivers which give great opportunities for summer holiday – hiking, fishing, sunbathing and swimming – also for one-day visitors. Forests and parks attract visitors with walking and jogging paths; ski tracks in winter. Here you can collect herbs, pick berries and mushrooms, at the same time enjoying the clean and untouched nature. 
You are welcome to discover the pristine condition of our bogs and marshes. They are included in our hike tours. 
Intellectual holiday–makers are invited to see our sights of architectural value from the history, visit the well-known cultural spots.  
We recommend you to see the family mausoleum of Barclay de Tolly(the Russian Army commander in 1812), the ruins of Helme Order Castle (1261), the manor houses of Taagepera, Helme and Holdre, also the site of the ancient fortified stronghold in Tõrva. 
Once you are in Helme, you should also visit Helme Local Lore Museum to get the best survey of the local history. Its collections depict our forfathers` daily and social life, schooling, farming, handicraft and trade. There are several folk-tales which tell you about certain trees, stones, hills, lakes and places. The best known of them are the caves and springs of Helme, the Slave´s Stone, Koorküla Caves, the Fort of Helme and Oak of Vilsi. 
The local people of Helme and Tõrva have always been engaged in cultural activities.They take active part in choir singing, folk dance and drama clubs. Throughout the year there are concerts in Tõrva Church-Chamber Hall – for example traditional summer night concerts and Christmas plays (mysteries). More classical music concerts have been planned for the coming year. 
In our region you cannot have a hasty holiday. You have to stay here longer, come on different seasons of the year, then you get the real recognition and wish to come here again and again.

The historic parish of Helme is situated in the western part of Valga County in lovely southern Estonia. At its heart is the summer garden city of Tõrva. This region is known above all for its beautiful nature including calm lakes, winding rivers, rolling hills, secluded forests and naturally clean air. The area also has sights to see, from medieval castle ruins to stately manor houses, which compliment its natural beauty.
Tõrva is situated at the crossroads of three main roads – Valga- Pärnu- Tartu. Therefore the bus traffic is relatively good here.  The central square of Tõrva is located at 25:55:18 longitude and 58:00:08 latitude.
Tõrva is situated amidst the changing South-Estonian landscape.  From the north the town is bordered by Tussi, Keisripalu and Tohtri forests, from the south the Dancing Hill forest and from the west the Tikste Valley with its lush vegetation.  Whatever direction you arrive to Tõrva you descend smoothly into the Õhne River Valley, only in the southwest the valley has got humpback sides.  In the north of the town there are Keisripalu Hills.

Area: 325 sq. km 

Population: 6100(Tõrva-Helme together)