Põltsamaa

Põltsamaa is a garden settlement, mainly consisting of one- and two-story small houses. Up to five-story apartment buildings have been built around the ring road, the remaining groups of apartment buildings are located on the outskirts of the city and do not significantly affect the overall picture. As a result of haphazard development, there is no urban density or distinct centre.

History:

The first records about Põltsamaa date back to 1234. From 1570 to 1578, Põltsamaa was the capital of the Kingdom of Livonia. Duke Magnus resided there. In the second half of the 18th century, Põltsamaa became the center of the enlightenment movement in Northern Livonia.

In the second half of the 19th century, Põltsamaa was one of the centers of the national revival: the Estonian Alexander School was founded there and the first blue-black-white flag was sewn, which was later blessed in Otepää. During the Second World War, approximately 75% of the city's buildings were destroyed. Today it is an average Estonian small town with Soviet apartment blocks and older wooden buildings, but the main point of interest is its castle area, which as of the 2020s houses an art gallery, the tourism information centre, and a wine cellar for tasting. If the name Põltsamaa sounds familiar after a visit to a grocery store in the Baltics, yes, the company making canned food, juice and jam named after the town indeed has its factory next to the castle.

By bus:

Põltsamaa is served by intercity buses from Tallinn and Tartu, as well as regional services from Jõgeva, Paide, Viljandi and Pärnu. Many Tallinn–Tartu buses stop at Puhu rist on the main highway rather than in the town centre; a pedestrian and cycle path connects the stop with the town. Check the exact stop when booking.

Bus from Tartu to Põltsamaa: €4 (2017).

By train:

The nearest railway stations are located in Võhma (25 km) and Jõgeva. However being on the highway between Estonia's most and second most populous cities, bus or car are probably the quickest way of getting in.

By car:

Põltsamaa is at the intersection of the Tallinn-Tartu and Võhma-Mustvee highways. It's 30 km from Jõgeva, 127 km from Tallinn and 59 km from Tartu.