tõugude

Tõugude is a village situated in Põlva Parish of Põlva County in southeastern Estonia. It lies on the northern bank of the Põltsamaa River, approximately 6 kilometres north of the centre of Põlva town. The settlement covers a small area and had a population of 42 according to the 2011 census. The current municipal boundaries place Tõugude within the jurisdiction of Põlva Parish, which is part of the larger Tartu County region, although the village itself remains firmly within Põlva County.

The name Tõugude is derived from the Estonian word “tõuga”, referring to a low-lying marshy area that historically characterised the local landscape around the river floodplain. Archaeological surveys suggest that human activity in the area dates back to the early medieval period, with evidence of agrarian settlements and agricultural terraces. In the 19th century an orthodox wooden chapel was built in the village, which is now a listed cultural heritage site protected by the Estonian Ministry of Culture.

Agriculture remains the predominant economic activity, with small-scale dairy and crop farming typical of the Põltsamaa valley. In recent decades the village has seen a gradual shift towards agro-tourism, offering farm stays and guided visits to the nearby peat bogs and forests. Tõugude also hosts an annual folk festival celebrating traditional Estonian music and dance, drawing visitors from neighbouring villages and contributing to the preservation of local cultural practices.