21.11.2024 | Culture

Explore the wonders of Wagenküll’s Winter Wonderland

Text Ingel Kink
Photos Aivar Kullamaa

Starting on November 29, the grounds of Taagepera Castle in Valgamaa will transform into Wagenküll’s Winter Wonderland, offering a mesmerising light display and Estonia’s first large-scale planetarium. Open 24/7, the park will feature a spectacular solar system installation alongside illuminated Christmas-themed exhibits.

The centrepiece of the attraction is a solar system of illuminated planets that includes the Earth and moon. Visitors can stroll through vibrant, light-filled pathways lined with glowing reindeer, radiant fountains, shimmering trees, and other dazzling displays. The grand finale is a laser show that lights up the castle and its surroundings, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness.

The winter park has been under preparation since the summer’s “Alice in Wonderland” flower festival ended in September. “While hundreds of thousands of flowers bloomed in the park in the summer, during the autumn we built installations suitable for the winter season in the park, which are particularly effective in the dark,” said Jan Oscar Veidenberg, the new head of Wagenküll Castle Spa.

The main castle building houses an à la carte restaurant, while the Park House features a Crystal Hall winter café with a special menu. Visitors can also enjoy complimentary tea, and the hotel and spa are open for those looking for an extended stay.

The spa has also expanded with a new outdoor pool that is useable all year round. Where guests can relax in the 30°C warm water while admiring the seasonal charm of the Winter Wonderland.