Over 400 caravans gather in Obinitsa for annual meet

The small settlement of Obinitsa in Setomaa municipality is hosting the Estonian Caravan Club's 34th motorhome gathering, with over 400 caravans and close to a thousand attendees rolling in. By Friday, parking spaces on Kooli Street were hard to come by as motorhomes had occupied the area.

Liisi Laanemäe, a board member of the Estonian Caravan Club, said that comfort and autonomy are key to caravan travel, explaining that one can go to a pond or a tree and have everything needed for life, without being dependent on schedules, times, or reservations. She noted that people attend with families and groups of friends, and all age groups are represented, from younger families and beginners to very experienced travelers whose children also participate.

Organizer Ivar Kalev said visitors in Setomaa will not be bored because there are many interesting places to explore. People have the opportunity to fill their time, and some do not join any activities but enjoy meeting friends. However, for those who want to participate, the program is rich. Caravan salons have developed over the years, offering services such as massage, hairdressing, and foot care. For the first time, the event also caters to small four-legged visitors, as cats and dogs can be washed, brushed, or have their nails trimmed.

According to participants, traveling with a motorhome is a lifestyle and mindset of its own, and the gathering brings together like-minded people to exchange experiences and impressions. One participant, Arvo, highlighted the sense of togetherness and the chance to meet old acquaintances, look at how others have arranged their cars or motorhomes, and talk about where people have been and what they have done.