Valulikule

Valulikule is a small rural settlement located in the central region of Estonia within the jurisdiction of Põlva Parish in Põlva County. The village lies on the banks of the Sõrve River, roughly 12 kilometres southeast of the county seat of Põlva. The surrounding landscape is characterised by rolling hills, patches of mixed forest, and fertile agricultural land.

The earliest known mention of Valulikule dates to the late 17th century in tax registers compiled by the Swedish administration that governed the area at that time. Over the centuries, the settlement has maintained its agrarian character, with most residents engaged in small‑scale farming and forestry. During the Soviet era, a collective farm (kolkhoz) was established, which operated until Estonia's re‑independence in 1991. In the post‑reform period, many of the former kolkhoz lands were divided among local families, and the village has since developed a modest network of local enterprises, including a dairy cooperative and a woodworking workshop.

In addition to its economic activities, Valulikule is noted for a number of cultural traditions that have been preserved by the community. The annual Harvest Festival (Kogumiskäik), held each September, features folk music, traditional Estonian cuisine, and a communal harvest dance that attracts participants from neighbouring villages. The village’s historic wooden church, built in 1815, serves as a focal point for religious services and community gatherings.

According to the 2021 national census, Valulikule has an approximate population of 230 residents, reflecting a demographic trend that balances modest growth from nearby urban centres with the desire for rural living among Estonia’s middle‑class population.