Pühajärv

Estonia, Estonia

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Pühajärv, also known as “Holy Lake,” is a scenic natural lake in southern Estonia near the town of Otepää in the Valga region.

It is the largest and one of the most beautiful lakes in the Otepää Upland, with a winding shoreline, several small islands, and clear, shallow water that makes it pleasant for swimming and boating. The northern end of the lake has a well‑developed beach area with a beach house, playground, sports courts, cafés, and a boat pier, so it serves as a popular summer recreation spot for families and tourists.

Different walking and hiking trails, including the 12‑kilometer trail around the lake and the Murrumetsa route, lead through the surrounding forest and past a famous spring, while in winter the frozen surface can be used for ice‑walking and winter‑swimming. The lake also carries cultural and spiritual significance, having been blessed by the Dalai Lama in 1991 and inspiring local legends and artistic works.