August 24–30, 2026 | Kotkajärve, Muskoka, Ontario
What if you could spend a week immersed in Estonian language and culture, surrounded by a beautiful boreal forest bordering a private lake—and return home with new ideas, new skills and lifelong friends? That is Kotkajärve Metsaülikool.
If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I should try Metsaülikool sometime,” this is the year to do it.
And it’s not too late, if you register for August 15. For one unforgettable week, August 24 – 30, Metsaülikool will bring together Estonians and friends of Estonia from around the world. It is a place where you can think deeply, learn something completely new, try something creative, bond with friends, explore nature—and discover that Estonian culture is much bigger and more diverse than you imagined.
Young people are especially welcome with a 50% off fee this year!
A week of ideas, culture and conversation
Our 2026 theme, “Piirideta eestlus” – Estonians Beyond Borders – explores what it means to be Estonian today and how Estonian identity, language and culture spans borders and generations.
The MU program offers engaging Estonian-language lectures and discussions covering culture, history, politics, literature, language, architecture and much more.
Among this year's speakers is renowned literature scholar Tiina Kirss, coming from Estonia to share her knowledge and insights about recent Estonian literature.
We are also delighted to welcome the brilliant musician Katariina Tirmaste and multi-talented Ando Kiviberg, founder of the Viljandi Pärimusmuusika Festival in Estonia. They will not only perform, but also participate in discussions and lead workshops. Ando, who is active in Estonian public and political life, will give a fascinating lecture on Russia’s weaponization of religion in hybrid warfare. We also welcome back sought-after media commentator, professor Andres Kasekamp, for his expert review and analysis of global politics.
You don't have to be fluent in Estonian!
Much of Metsaülikool takes place in Estonian, making it a wonderful language-immersion experience. But you don't need to be a perfect speaker to participate.
Our supportive community welcomes those who are learning Estonian and want to improve their skills. Language cafés will provide opportunities to practice speaking and reading Estonian, and to simply use the language in a relaxed setting.
Several workshops and a lecture will be conducted in English and Estonian.
Come with the Estonian language you know — and leave with more!
Learn something new. Create. Move. Explore.
Metsaülikool isn't just lectures.
Try your hand at watercolour painting, learn Estonian handcrafts, discover video production and acting basics, join a yoga session, learn folk dancing, explore the forest on nature walks, or take part in a variety of informal activities and impromptu group discussions.
And then there is the setting…
Kotkajärve is nestled beside a private lake in the magnificent boreal forest of Muskoka. Away from the distractions of everyday life, the forest becomes part of the Metsaülikool mystique.
One evening, we will gather for Hiis, drawing on the ancient Estonian tradition associated with sacred groves and nature. It is a quiet, atmospheric and uniquely Estonian experience—one that is difficult to describe until you've experienced it yourself.
The best part? The people.
Ask anyone who has been to Metsaülikool what they remember most, and chances are it won't be a particular lecture.
It will be the people.
The spontaneous conversations. The late-night laughter. The person you met from Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the United States or somewhere else in the world. The new friendship that continues long after the week is over.
Metsaülikool brings together people who might otherwise never meet—and creates a community where generations learn from one another.
For younger participants especially, it is an opportunity to experience Estonian culture on your own terms, meet people your age and across generations, strengthen your Estonian, explore ideas, and become part of a living Estonian community that reaches far beyond Canada.
Half-price youth registration this year!
We want to make Metsaülikool accessible to the next generation, so the youth participation fee has been reduced by 50% this year.
Intrigued? Again – if you've ever thought, “Maybe I should try Metsaülikool sometime,” this is the year to do it .
Metsaülikool 2026
📅 August 24–30, 2026
📍 Kotkajärve, Muskoka, Ontario
🌲 Theme: Piirideta eestlus – Borderless Estonianness
Registration closes August 15!
Questions? Contact info@metsaulikool.ca.
Visit metsaulikool.ca for program details and to register. We strongly encourage participants to complete payment before arriving at Metsaülikool.
Come for the experience. Stay for the friendships. Leave with a deeper connection to Estonia—and perhaps a few new skills, ideas and adventures along the way.
We look forward to seeing you at Kotkajärve Metsaülikool!
