Song and Dance Festival in Estonia’s Most Beautiful Village

Text Stewart Johnson
Photos Kris Süld, Mikko Virta

The village of Rõuge in Võru County is celebrating its centennial Song and Dance Festival at the end of May. This is part of the lead-up to the national Song and Dance Festival later in the summer in Tallinn. Local choirs and dance troupes will perform, as well as more nationally known artists, such as Mari Kalkun. The three-day event will mostly take place along the shores of Lake Suurjärv, and in Ööbikuoru Valley.

Rõuge is definitely worth visiting even if you are not able to attend this Song and Dance Festival. Rõuge boasts six lakes within the official village boundaries, and is located in a valley. Lake Suurjärv, which means “big lake”, is officially the deepest lake in the country. Next to it is the renowned Ööbikuoru Valley, which means “nightingale”. This valley offers a well-maintained hiking path with a suspension bridge, and views all the way to Latvia from atop the hills.

The main park area also has a famous viewing tower fashioned after a stork nest, as well as a large Estonian-style village swing (a “külakiik”), right next to an open-air museum featuring traditional houses and architecture. For an extra fee, visitors can also tour an ostrich farm. There are several holiday rentals, a hostel, and a couple hotels in the immediate vicinity. Rõuge is only approximately 15 minutes by car from the town of Võru, and an equally short drive to the famous Suur Munamägi (“Big Egg Mountain”).

One of the most famous handicraft shops in Estonia is located in the heart of Rõuge, as well as a café, shops, and a bus station if you don’t have a car. This is a fantastic place to spend a weekend during the amazing Estonian summer. More information about Rõuge is available here, and the Song and Dance Festival here in Estonian.

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choirs Concert events in Võru Rõuge Song and Dance Festival Võru