In J rvselja, parts of the forests are under nature protection and preserved in primeval form. The settlement by Lake Peipsi is very old. Different cultures and nations have lived here side by side for centuries. On the shores of Lake Peipsi there are communities of Russian Old Believers who have preserved their unusual traditions and way of life. Long, linear villages, famous for a special type of onions and cucumbers are worth seeing.
Fishing plays a very important role in local economic life.
Smoked whitefish, bream and pikeperch are prized. It is possible to view the coast of Russia from Mehikoorma, where it is only two kilometres away. Lake Peipsi and its coast are still only known to relatively few tourists and offer many opportunities for those who are interested in unspoiled nature, swimming, sunbathing, hunting and icefishing.