Mulgimaa – a community with entrepreneurial spirit!

Mulgimaa is a historic region in southern Estonia. Mulgi farmers were known to be wealthy and the first in Estonia to start buying their own farms from landlords in the late 19th century to cultivate flax. Their growth in wealth was demonstrated by the building of stately houses, as well as being able to send their children to study at the best and most expensive schools. 

Today Mulgimaa fascinates the senses with its unique nature and heritage from the past, as well as with exciting ventures and active people. 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:

The day starts at 10:00 a.m. in Viljandi and we return at 6:30 p.m.

We visit Kärstna, Riidaja, Hummuli manors and Holdre Castle.

NB! You can also join the trip from Kärstna at 10:30 a.m.

We start the tour at Kärstna manor, which once belonged to the von Anrep noble family and where the Kärstna leisure center operates today. The chapel of the Anrep family is also worth visiting, a sleeping lion awaits us there.

Then we go to the Riidaja manor, which once belonged to the Stryks. Nowadays, a library operates in one part of the manor, while the other half awaits its fate.

Those who wish have the opportunity to walk to Gertrud's chapel. The chapel, which used to be in ruins, was restored at the initiative of the von Stryk family and is now used as a church.

Lunch awaits us in Mäe-Koja, i.e. the former dairy kitchen of Riidaja manor. A warm meal and a cozy atmosphere are guaranteed.

We continue driving towards Hummuli Manor. The manor once belonged to the von Samson-Himmelstjerna family and for a short time to the von Bergs. Today the building houses a community center with a kindergarten, school, library, youth room and a village center.

The last place to visit is Holdre Castle. The last owner of the estates here was Woldemar von Ditmar.

We will get to know the pianos there and listen to stories about where they came from and how they got here.

The price of the tour starts from 67 €.

The price includes entrance fees, introductions of the manors and stories told by Lea and local guides, lunch, a small tea break and a bus ride.