Mulgimaa
South of Viljandi is the historical homeland of the Mulgi dialect, whose speakers have greatly influenced Estonian culture and cuisine.
Mulgimaa is an area in South Estonia primarily characterized by its dialect.
However, a closer look reveals much more: a rich cultural life, an exciting history, and a strong common identity as Mulks, or Mulgid, as the inhabitants of the region are called in Estonian.
Traditional clothing from Mulgimaa includes a long woolen kaftan.
Before the advent of artificial dyes, brown yarn or fabric was soaked in iron-rich water from nearby bogs to achieve the characteristic black color.
The history of Mulgimaa
The land here is the most fertile in Estonia, so the local farmers have always been quite prosperous. Mulgimaa's heyday was in the second half of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. The Civil War in the United States caused a long-lasting cotton shortage in Europe. The Mulgids, who exported linen, were able to fill this gap.
The Mulgi people were the first farmers in Estonia who started to buy out their farms in the 19th century. They believed that genuine wealth should be channelled into education and real estate, rather than adornments. Many families gave their children a good education. As a consequence, Mulgids were among the first Estonians to rise to the ranks of the intelligentsia, gain power, and actively shape Estonian culture.
Mulgimaa includes five parishes: Halliste, Helme, Karksi, Tarvastu and Paistu. Once you reach Mulgimaa, you will notice wooden sculptures depicting the region's traditional clothing: a black kaftan with red trim.
Did you know... ?
- The best place to learn about Mulgimaa's history and culture is the Mulgimaa Experience Centre, located on a former farm complex.
- According to the 2021 census, 14,380 people in Estonia speak Mulgi. The town of Abja Paluoja is considered the unofficial capital of Mulgimaa; you may have the chance to hear the Mulgi dialect spoken here.
- Mulgimaa has its own official flag. The blue symbolizes flowering flax fields, the black stripe and red pattern the men's traditional kaftans, and the five knots represent the five parishes of Mulgimaa.
Source: Kristiin Elmat, Visit Viljandi
What to eat in Mulgimaa
Mulgi puder is one of the most typical dishes you can seek out while you're in the region. Potatoes and barley are cooked down into a thick stew and topped with pork. This dish provided farmers with a lot of energy for working in the fields. Barley features in the traditional Estonian Christmas dish, Mulgikapsad — braised cabbage with barley and pork, which also comes from Mulgimaa.
Kama is another Mulgi addition to Estonian cuisine. It's a flour mixture made from roasted rye, oats, barley, peas, and beans; typically, this was what was left over in the cellar after a long winter. You can find kama in cakes, yogurt, kefir, and even whipped cream. There's even a chocolate bar made with kama.
If you have a sweet tooth, try a Mulgi korp, a bun filled with a mixture of kohupiim (Estonian quark), eggs, and sugar.
Source: Silver Tõnisson, Visit Viljandi
More places to eat in Mulgimaa
Where to unwind in Mulgimaa
In Mulgimaa, green meadows, dense forests, clear lakes, and meandering rivers are perfect, if you're looking to finding peace outdoors.
One of the area's best hiking trails is the 2.6-kilometer-long Õisu hiking trail, which starts near the manor of the same name. The first part of the trail follows the slope of the river valley with views of Vidva Creek's rapids. The second part continues along the opposite bank of the creek on lower, more forested ground, allowing you to take in the view of the sandstone outcrops on the other side.
Source: Kristiin Elmat, Visit Viljandi
Learn more about Estonian culture
Start planning!
Use our interactive map to find destinations, discover new activities, and design a travel plan.
Last updated
15.07.2024