population: 0.03 million

extension: 6.65 square kilometers

Museums

If you're interested in museums and happen to be in Põlva, I would highly recommend visiting the Seto Farm Museum, which is only a 15-minute drive away in Värska. It provides a unique insight into the traditional life of the Seto people, an ethnic minority in Estonia, with exhibits on their customs, clothing, and cuisine. Additionally, you can visit the Põlva County Museum located in Põlva town, which displays local history exhibits.

Food

Some popular and typical dishes to try in Põlva, Estonia, according to local people are:

1. Mulgipuder - a traditional Estonian dish made with potatoes, pearl barley, and bacon or pork, often served with sour cream.

2. Kama - a mixture of roasted grains (rye, wheat, barley, and peas) that is ground into a fine powder and used to make a pudding-like dessert or mixed with yogurt for breakfast.

3. Leivasupp - a sweet bread soup made with rye bread, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes raisins or currants, typically served hot.

4. Verivorst - blood sausage made with barley, onion, and pig's blood, traditionally served during Christmas time.

5. Ühepajatoit - a one-pot dish made with meat (usually beef), potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables, stewed together for several hours until tender and flavorful.

These dishes can be found at many local restaurants and cafes in Põlva and are worth trying if you want to experience the local cuisine.

Activities

There are several fun activities that local people enjoy in Põlva, Estonia. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Hiking or cycling in the beautiful nature parks and forests nearby, such as the Karula National Park or Taevaskoja Nature Reserve.

2. Swimming and water sports at Lake Pühajärv or Lake Peipus, which are popular summer destinations.

3. Visiting the Põlva Observatory, where you can learn about astronomy and stargaze through telescopes.

4. Participating in traditional Estonian events like folk festivals, sauna nights, and cultural celebrations.

5. Exploring the local cuisine, with dishes like black bread, smoked fish, and hearty stews available at local restaurants and cafes.