Võru County: A Place Where Nature's Charm Meets Rich Culture

Võru County in South Estonia attracts nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and property seekers alike. The region's distinctive nature, rich cultural heritage, and diverse opportunities make it an attractive destination for choosing a place to live or invest.

History and Geography: Estonia's Highest Point and Rich Cultural Heritage

Võru County is located in Southeast Estonia, bordering Latvia to the south (Alūksne and Ape municipalities) and Russia to the east (Pskov Oblast). Valga County is its western neighbor and Põlva County forms its northern border. With an area of 2,305 km², Võru County is among Estonia's most naturally diverse regions.

The most striking geographical feature of the county is the Haanja Highlands, which formed from the accumulation of glacial moraine during the ice age. It is here that Suur Munamägi – Estonia's highest peak – is located, reaching 318 meters above sea level. The Haanja region is characterized by deep gorges and numerous lakes, which together with forests create a valued recreational landscape.

Võru town, as the county center, was founded over 200 years ago on the orders of Russian Empress Catherine II. However, the region's history extends much further back – for example, Roosisaare is a Stone Age settlement that bears witness to human activity dating back at least 5,000 years.

Major Settlements and Municipalities

Võru County consists of five municipalities:

Võru County consists of five municipalities – Võru town is the county center, where as of January 2025 lived 11,358 people, serving as the region's economic, cultural, and educational hub. In addition, the county comprises Võru Parish, which surrounds Võru town, Antsla Parish in the western part of the county, the naturally beautiful Rõuge Parish, where Suur Munamägi is located, and the culturally unique Setomaa Parish, where Setos live with their unique language and traditions.

The total population of the county including Setomaa is approximately 34,373 people. The region's cultural diversity is enriched by two indigenous ethnic groups – Võro people and Setos, each with their own language and cultural heritage.

Living Environment and Infrastructure

Võru County's economy is based primarily on forestry and wood processing, furniture and food industries, and tourism. The favorable location at the intersection of east-west trade routes creates opportunities for business.

One of the region's strengths is its rare cultural heritage. In 2014, the Võru County smoke sauna tradition was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The same recognition was awarded in 2009 to the Seto polyphonic singing tradition. These cultural peculiarities, together with natural attractions, make Võru County an attractive living environment.

From a real estate perspective, Võru County offers diverse options. If you're looking for an apartment in Võru town, Kinnisvara24 offers several sales listings, including apartments with views of Tamula Lake or in quiet central areas. Those interested in renting will find a selection of rental apartments in Võru town – renovated and cozy homes in various neighborhoods.

For those dreaming of a country home, among Võru County's house offerings there are nearly a hundred options for different needs. Those interested in buying vacation homes will find vacation homes for sale in the county, which offer private vacation opportunities in South Estonian nature.

Those interested in investing might consider renting commercial spaces in Võru County, where you can find both office spaces and various business premises.

Events and Attractions in Võru County

Võru County hosts numerous cultural events that bring visitors from across Estonia and beyond to the region. Celebrating traditional folk culture with concerts, workshops, and markets at the Võru Folklore Festival offers an authentic experience of local heritage. The Seto Kingdom Day introduces visitors to the most colorful aspects of Seto culture, and the Haanja Cycling Marathon brings sports enthusiasts together on the beautiful landscape of the Haanja Highlands. Local food culture is showcased at the Uma Mekk food festival, where you can taste regional delicacies.

There are many places worth visiting in Võru County. Suur Munamägi and its observation tower offer breathtaking views of the entire region. Tamula Lake promenade, one of Võru town's symbols, is an ideal spot for walking or cycling. Local history and culture are showcased in the Võru City Gallery and Võru County Museum. Seto cultural heritage can be explored in the Setomaa museums, and the naturally beautiful Rõuge Nightingale Gorge, with its observation tower and hiking trails, offers excellent opportunities for active recreation.

Kinnisvara24 to Help You Find and Market Real Estate in Võru County

If you're looking for a home, vacation home, or investment property in Võru County, Kinnisvara24 offers several options.

For property seekers, the Kinnisvara24 search engine is a great help, allowing you to filter listings by location, price, area, and other important indicators. If you prefer to work independently, it's worth looking for rental apartments directly from owners, using the appropriate filter on the Kinnisvara24 portal.

Among Võru County rental apartments, you can find rental apartments without a deposit, which makes renting more flexible. If you plan to build in Võru County, be sure to familiarize yourself with the important aspects of purchasing land, so you can make an informed decision.

For real estate sellers and landlords, adding listings to the Kinnisvara24 portal is quick and convenient. The platform is trilingual, allowing you to reach a wider audience through Estonian, Russian, and English user interfaces. Before setting a price, it's worth exploring Kinnisvara24's statistics environment to set a competitive price.

In Võru County, there are many land and property purchase opportunities – on the Kinnisvara24 portal there are 54 plots of land for sale for various purposes, from residential land to industrial land.

Võru County, with its high mountains, numerous lakes, and rich cultural heritage, is an excellent place for both living and vacationing. Whether your wish is an apartment in Võru town, a vacation home by the lake, or an investment in the countryside – the Kinnisvara24 portal offers a wide selection of real estate and user-friendly tools to find your dream property or sell it. Discover the opportunities of Võru County with Kinnisvara24's help and find just the right home or investment opportunity for you!