Höi

Höi () is a small borough located in Elva Parish, Tartu County, in southeastern Estonia. It lies approximately 10 kilometres west of the town of Elva and about 35 kilometres south of Tartu, the country's second largest city. The borough sits on the banks of the Haavandihõbe River, in a landscape characterised by mixed forests and agricultural fields.

The settlement has a long history, with the first written records dating back to the 17th century when it was part of the manor estate of Tõnsia. During the Russian Empire period, Höi developed as a minor local centre, featuring a small railway station on the Tartu–Elva line which opened in 1897. The arrival of the railway boosted local commerce and allowed for the transport of timber and agricultural products to larger markets. In the 20th century, Höi experienced gradual population growth, reaching its peak during the Soviet era when it was administratively upgraded to a borough (alevik).

As of the 2011 census, the population of Höi was 1,350. The population density is low, with a ratio of roughly 70 inhabitants per square kilometre, reflecting the rural character of the area. The community is predominantly Estonian, with a small minority of Russian-speaking residents. The local economy is largely based on agriculture, forestry, and small-scale services catering to the surrounding rural population.

Höi retains cultural heritage sites such as the historic manor house ruins and a 19th‑century chapel, both of which are protected as cultural monuments. The nearby natural reserves, including the Haavandihõbe River basin, provide opportunities for ecotourism, bird watching, and outdoor recreation. Public transport links include a regional bus service that connects Höi with Elva and Tartu, ensuring that residents and visitors alike have access to larger urban amenities.