Tucked among the rolling hills of southern Estonia, Otepää is a small winter town steadily carving out its place on the international biathlon map. Home to the Tehvandi Sport Centre and the birthplace of Estonian biathlon, the venue hosted the Baltic region’s first World Cup in 2022 and is now preparing for an even bigger moment — the IBU World Championships in 2027.

Tehvandi Sport Centre: Estonia’s Winter Sports Hub

For decades, Otepää has been at the heart of winter sport in Estonia. Snow sports shape life here, and winter competitions have been part of the town’s identity for nearly a century. At the centre of this tradition stands the Tehvandi Sport Centre— a compact yet versatile venue combining a modern biathlon stadium, ski trails and even a K90 ski jump, creating a true hub for Nordic sport.

Biathlon in Estonia traces its roots to this very place. In 1970, the country’s first shooting range was built here under the initiative of coach Elmar Soode — a modest beginning that would grow into a proud national tradition. Today, with two shooting ranges and modern facilities, Otepää has become the true home of Estonian biathlon.

The venue stepped onto the global stage in March 2022, hosting the first BMW IBU World Cup ever held in the Baltic region. The debut came in memorable fashion — with so much snow that organisers had to clear it from the tracks before racing could begin. Compact and fan-friendly, the stadium quickly proved itself as a stage where athletes and spectators share the same close and energetic atmosphere.

Watching over the action is Otto the Yellow Bear, the cheerful mascot of events in Otepää. His name comes from the town itself — “Otepää” literally means “Ott’s Head,” and “Ott” is a traditional nickname for a bear in Estonian folklore, making Otto a fitting symbol for this winter sports town.

A Venue on the Rise

Otepää’s international role is only growing. The World Cup returns in 2026 with sprints, pursuits and mixed relays, serving as an important rehearsal for an even greater milestone: the IBU World Championships in 2027.

The venue has already undergone significant upgrades ahead of the upcoming events. A new TV compound and a multifunctional sports hall serving as the media centre are now in place, snowmaking capacity has been expanded and additional spectator stands line the courses. For this small Estonian town, hosting the world championships will be more than a sporting event — it will be a celebration of a community that has built its biathlon tradition step by step.

First Memories on the World Cup Stage

During its World Cup debut in 2022, the Tehvandi courses immediately produced standout performances. Norway dominated the relay events, winning both the Mixed Relay and the Single Mixed Relay, while individual victories went to Julia Simon and Elvira Oeberg. Quentin Fillon Maillet also added two podium finishes, quickly linking his name to this Estonian venue.

Many athletes knew the Tehvandi courses long before the World Cup arrived. At the 2018 Youth and Junior World Championships, Sweden’s Elvira Oeberg claimed her first international titles here, while Norway’s Sturla Holm Laegreid made his debut at a global championship — early chapters in careers that would soon reach the very top of the sport.

Beyond the Tracks: Estonia’s Winter Capital

Away from the stadium, Otepää reveals its quieter charm. The surrounding landscape is dotted with forests, hills and nearly a hundred lakes that transform into a winter playground for skiers, hikers and nature lovers. In summer, the same trails invite cyclists and walkers, while lakeside saunas and spa hotels offer the perfect place to unwind.

Whether racing on the Tehvandi tracks or exploring the snowy countryside, visitors quickly discover that in this small corner of Estonia, winter sport and nature go hand in hand.

Photos: IBU Photopool