VR ExperienceTime Portal VR Toila 1938

Are you vacationing in East-Virumaa and wondering where to go? We invite you to virtual reality journey to the Toila-Oru Presidential Palace and Park in July 1938. AS Oru Palace was destroyed in the Second World War and it hasn`t been rebuilt, you can only visit this beautiful palace in virtual reality. Today notable gardens are located here and the species-rich palace park is under nature protection.

The mild summer breeze strokes the leaves of young linden trees and gently, almost barely, moves the petals of the flowers blooming in the rosary. The smell of flowering roses enchants walkers in the garden, and there, on the edge of the bank overlooking the sea, stands a magnificent pink-white building. No one yet asks, “But where was the palace?”.

Time Portal “VR Toila 1938” offers two virtual tours and several special programs in cooperation with local tourism companies.

VR Toila 1938
Part I

This virtual tour takes you on an introductory journey through history of Oru Park. It is early in the morning and you begin your journey, learning the stories of the construction and renovation of the Oru Palace. You’ll enjoy a time-laps sunrise and peek into the large dining hall. You journey will end by watching the sunset in the palace tower.

In the Footsteps of Lost Glory
Part II

The second virtual tour brings to life the main hall of the palace with its extremely rich decor and describes the life of Estonian President Konstantin Päts at Oru Palace. In front of you are the views of the great hall of the summer residence of the head of state, which is illustrated by massive chandeliers with blue-purple crystals and the ceiling mural of the famous Russian artist Vladimir Makovsky.

Special programs

A Journey on the Trails of President Päts with a 1930s Dinner

This special program includes two virtual time journeys and a 1930s lunch or dinner with a specially chosen music at the Toila SPA Hotel restaurant.

Time Travel With Five Senses

We are waiting for you on an adventurous journey, during which you will experience Oru Palace and Park as it was in July 1938, both on land and at sea. The sailboat Tütarsaare Aino takes you out to sea and you can peek into the president’s favorite place to start the day.

Interactive workshops for schools

Bring learning to life!

More about the workshops

TICKETS

The grand palace in the beautiful valley of the River Pühajõgi was originally the holiday home of Grigory Jelissejev, one of the wealthiest men in 19th century Russia. It was built in the Italian renaissance style by Russian architect Gavril Baranovski. The park designer was Georg Kuphaldt, an influential German landscape architect who also planned gardens in Riga, Tallinn and Saint Petersburg. The 57-room three-story building was completed in 1899.

In 1935, three Estonian industrialists bought the palace and park and then gifted it to President Päts to be used as his summer residence. The first high-ranking guest was Finnish President Pehr Evind Svinhufvud.

On August 13, 1941, the retreating Soviet Red Army set fire to the palace and it was mostly destroyed. The most valuable property (paintings, silverware, etc.) was transported to Russia and have not been returned to Estonia to this day. The ruins, where the mine depot was located, were blown up by German forces in 1944.

Come and experience the exciting opportunity to travel in the historic Toila-Oru Palace!

Production: BLUERAY
Service Provider: BLUERAY

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING TIMES

From September to May > upon reservation (at least 3 days in advance, min order EUR 120)

From June to August > Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm

Please make sure that you arrive 15 min in advance.

VR tours start at full hours. Last VR tour 1 hr before closure.

Duration of the VR tour: ~40 min

RATES

Full ticket €12

Discount ticket (children (7-18), pensioners) €9

Family ticket (at least 1 grown-up and 1 child) €9 per person

Group ticket (from 10 persons) €10 per person

Interactive workshops for schools €13 per student

ACCESS

Starting point is a glass pavilion at the Oru Park near Toila Secondary School.

VR tours take place outdoors.

Audio guide in Estonian, Russian, English, Latvian, Lithuanian, Finnish and German.

The Oru park is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.

VR may cause cyber sickness.

Suitable for children 7+ years old.

Due to the success of Time Portal “VR Toila 1938”, please book your tickets online before your visit.

GETTING TO OUR TIME PORTAL

Lossiplatsi 3, Pühajõe küla, Toila vald, Ida-Virumaa, Estonia
Google Maps: VR Toila 1938
Follow the Facebook video.

LOCATION