We know Estonia
22.2.2024 | Leisure

Otepää set to host IBU Youth and Junior World Championships 

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Hendrik Osula

Otepää set to host IBU Youth and Junior World Championships 

 

From February 23 to March 2, 2024, Estonia’s winter capital Otepää will welcome 500 young biathletes from 38 countries for the prestigious IBU Youth and Junior World Championships.

The championships at the Tehvandi Sport Center mark a significant milestone for Otepää, which previously hosted the event in 2018. Hillar Zahkna, Chairman of the Competition Committee, emphasized the challenges and the excitement surrounding this year’s event. “For organisers, the Youth and Junior World Championships is even more difficult than the World Cup stage, because this event involves significantly more competition days and athletes,” he noted.

Despite snow-related challenges across Europe this season, Otepää boasts excellent conditions for the championships. “Tehvandi Sports Center is ready for the competitions, the tracks are all well prepared and the event will take place,” Zahkna affirmed.

Simultaneously, Otepää will host the Youth Mobility Week from February 27 to March 1, offering biathlon lessons and opportunities to explore the town’s winter sports offerings.

Registration for biathlon lessons is available through Piletilevi, as are day, weekend and competition passes. You can also watch the races for free by standing next to the track. 

Further information on the full schedule for the event is available on the official IBU Youth and Junior World Championships website

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Biathlon Biathlon Lessons IBU Youth and Junior World Championships Otepää Skiing Tehvandi Sport Center World Championship

4.7.2026 | Leisure

More Than 300 Farms and Manors Across Estonia Open Their Doors

More Than 300 Farms and Manors Across Estonia Open Their Doors

This year’s Open Farm Days, or Avatud Talude Päev in Estonian, takes place on 25–26 July, offering visitors a chance … Read more

2.7.2026 | Leisure

Take to the Water…

Take to the Water…

“…Take to the water” is a well-known Finnish saying and a line from the ninth rune of the Kalevala epic. … Read more

30.6.2026 | Leisure

Is Haapsalu a Quiet Town?

Is Haapsalu a Quiet Town?

Haapsalu is an idyllic small town on the western coast of mainland Estonia, about 90 kilometres west of Tallinn, making … Read more

23.6.2026 | Leisure

Not Quite a Million Roses, But a Spectacular Flower Park in Taagepera

Not Quite a Million Roses, But a Spectacular Flower Park in Taagepera

What happened to Alice after she returned from Wonderland? Was she able to adapt to ordinary life after her fantasy-filled … Read more

23.6.2026 | Leisure

Kickstart: Tallinn Motor Weekend

Kickstart: Tallinn Motor Weekend

Two days of adrenaline will happen this coming weekend at Tallinn’s Song Festival Grounds on 26–27 June. Kickstart Tallinn Motor … Read more

16.6.2026 | Leisure

Drag Racing in Estonia

Drag Racing in Estonia

Most people have no idea that this event even exists in Estonia, but drag racing is a real thing! What’s … Read more

11.6.2026 | Leisure

Grillfest’s Main Event: Pärnu

Grillfest’s Main Event: Pärnu

Where can you find more than 50,000 visitors eating grilled food? Where can you find over 300 food vendors offering … Read more

4.6.2026 | Leisure

European Disc Golf Festival 2026

European Disc Golf Festival 2026

One of the fastest-growing sports in recent years in terms of popularity, disc golf has taken Estonia and indeed Europe … Read more