Jõgeva, Estonia
Museums
If you're in Jõgeva and interested in museums, you may want to visit the Estonian Agricultural Museum, which is located just outside of Tartu, about a 45-minute drive from Jõgeva. It offers an extensive collection of farming equipment and exhibits on rural life in Estonia. Alternatively, you might consider visiting the Tartu Art Museum or the Tartu Toy Museum, both located in Tartu as well.
Food
Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Jõgeva and the surrounding area include:
1. Verivorst: A traditional blood sausage typically made with barley and pork blood, served with lingonberry jam.
2. Mulgikapsad: A hearty and filling dish made with sauerkraut, pork, potatoes, and sometimes carrots or other vegetables.
3. Hapukapsasupp: A sour cabbage soup often made with meat or sausage, potatoes, and other vegetables.
4. Kama: A mixture of roasted grains (usually barley, rye, and peas) that is often mixed with milk or buttermilk and served as a porridge or drink.
5. Karask: A dense and sweet bread made with barley flour, often served with butter and cheese.
6. Kiluvõileib: A sandwich made with smoked sprats or herring, butter, and sliced onions on rye bread.
These dishes are all deeply rooted in Estonian culinary tradition and are beloved by locals.
Activities
One fun activity that local people in Jõgeva enjoy is visiting the Jõgeva Open Air Museum, which offers a glimpse into rural life in Estonia. You can explore historic buildings, including a windmill, schoolhouse, and farmhouses, and learn about traditional crafts and farming practices.
Another popular activity for locals is hiking or cycling in the nearby Endla Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and spot wildlife such as elk, beavers, and eagles. Additionally, during the winter months, ice skating and skiing are popular outdoor activities in Jõgeva.
