Mulgimaa historic region

Mulgimaa is a historic region in southern Estonia. Mulgi farmers were known as wealthy and the first in Estonia to start buying their own farms from landlords in the late 19th century to cultivate flax. Three Mulgi cultural icons: the dialect, the well-known men’s long black jacket and the traditional Mulgi porridge have survived to this day.

The tour hostess is Jaanika Toome who knows the Mulgimaa communities very well.

The tour takes place in Tarvastu and Helme parishes, Viljandi County, ca 70 km from Tartu, the second largest Estonia’s city. The communities of Mulgimaa and their enterprising people do what they love, earn their daily bread with it, and are looking forward to receiving guests.

PROGRAMME:

• Viljandi – Mulgimaa. The trip starts from Viljandi and en-route information will be shared about the history of Mulgimaa, the name Mulgi, and the life of the people today.
• Kärstna mõis (Kärstna manor). Urve Kass, the hostess of the manor, will introduce the manor and her passion – crafts, which is how she makes her living in the countryside. Visitors will try sewing with different sewing machines and those who wish to, can make a textile potholder.
• Mäe-Koda kohvik Riidajas (Mäe-Koda cafe in Riidaja). The family’s main business is running a café, but they also make candles, notebooks, cakes and gateaux, soaps, etc. Visitors will make soap together with the family in the traditional way, adding medicinal  and scented plants. Everyone will get the self-made piece of the soap. When the job is done, guests will be treated to traditional Mulgi porridge and will find out how this delicious dish is made. 
• Lunch at Mäe-Koda café.
• The Soe village community. In this village there is always something to do and guests are welcome to join in. Depending on the season and the weather this can include: cutting and stacking logs, digging and clearing snow or feeding birds in winter, digging the soil and planting potatoes in spring, feeding farm animals, or other daily chores of a rural homestead or farm.
• Tarvastu Käsitöökoda (Tarvastu Handicraft Studio). One of the region’s most famous dishes is Mulgi korp - Mulgi curd cake with semolina filling. In the warm kitchen aprons and flour bags are awaiting guest bakers and everyone can try their hand. While the cakes are baking, guests will try out weaving on looms.
• Return to Viljandi in the evening.