Follow the Onion Route

On the shores of Lake Peipsi in eastern Estonia, the Onion Route invites visitors to slow down.

The journey winds through small villages where centuries-old traditions are still part of everyday life. Local families grow the region’s famous onions, prepare traditional dishes, welcome guests into their homes and keep the culture of the Old Believers alive alongside Estonian and Seto communities.

Every stop tells a different story. A family-run café, a lakeside smoke sauna, a small museum, or an artisan’s workshop all offer a chance to connect with the people behind the place. Seasonal festivals, markets, and cultural events bring communities together and invite visitors to become part of local life, even if only for a day.

The Onion Route is built on collaboration. Rather than creating new attractions, it celebrates what already exists, bringing together local producers, entrepreneurs and cultural organisations under a shared destination identity.

Tourism becomes a way to sustain traditions, strengthen rural livelihoods, and encourage visitors to explore beyond the usual destinations. Every meal enjoyed, every handcrafted product purchased, and every overnight stay helps support the communities that make the route unique.

The Onion Route shows how tourism can create value by helping local culture, heritage, and landscapes continue to thrive, for both residents and visitors.