Slow travel through Central Estonia’s charming small towns
Discover Türi, Paide, Põltsamaa, Viljandi, and Tõrva. Take your time when traveling through these magical small towns in the heart of Estonia.
Small town magic begins where the highway ends.
Step off the beaten path to explore Central Estonia's small towns. As you take in their quiet magic, you'll feel like you've just uncovered Estonia's best-kept secret: that small town beauty lies in its authenticity, not flashy attractions. Discover unexpected stories behind every door, in every season!
Where to go in Central Estonia
What to expect and travel tips:
- Main attractions: Five small towns, summer festivals, quaint museums, local wine, manors and castles, bridges, parks, lakes, health trails, caves, spas, spring flowers.
- Distance: About 160 km
- Duration: Take your time. Plan to spend at least three days getting to know Central Estonia. However, we recommend at least one day for each of the five towns along the way.
- Season: There are things to see and do in any season, including winter.
- Getting here and around: You can visit them by bike, car, or bus. You can also take the train, especially since rail travel is a win for the environment. Estonia's modern, spacious trains will get you to Türi and Viljandi with a minimal carbon footprint. Nestle into a comfortable window seat and count the minutes till your journey begins!
- Suggested starting points: Türi, then go south, or Tõrva and travel north.
- Green travel tips: Eat locally; the food in this region is praised by top chefs and locals alike. If you’re traveling in summer, it’s worth keeping in mind that Central Estonia's swimming spots have great water quality — jump in and enjoy!
Photo author: Magnus Heinmets
Türi
Estonia’s spring capital
In Estonia, the anticipation of spring is evident by the number of people bustling about small town streets with brooms and rakes in hand. Türi is no exception in this regard. In March, this otherwise sleepy town becomes Estonia’s spring capital.
Then, in May, locals prepare for the famous Flower Fair. Everyone who loves flowers and gardening eagerly anticipates the event. Thousands of visitors come from near and far, eager to discover new plants and flowers and enjoy the fresh spring air.
But Türi has more to offer than greenery. Next to the railway crossing, you’ll find a grey museum building and a chance to explore history.
Stories from the past at the Estonian Broadcasting Museum bear witness to the town's transformation over the years. These stories have been preserved on the outer walls of the museum, making it one of the few permanent outdoor exhibitions in the country, acting as a window to the past and a door to the future.
Ultimately, the tale of Türi is one of flowers, apples, and radio waves.
Paide
The heart of Estonia
Paide’s location couldn’t be more central — it sits at the very heart of the country. This town is one of Estonia's oldest, and with age comes a long and turbulent history filled with good times and bad, including joyful celebrations and the sadness and horrors of war.
You can learn about Paide, once known as Wittenstein, through local museum exhibits. Paide Vallitorn towers over the city and tells the tale of the city and its history. The Wittenstein Activity Museum, located on the main street, offers a range of hands-on workshops and provides a closer look at the professions of apothecary, doctor, blacksmith, and brewer.
Despite its small size, Paide has produced some globally recognized names. For example, Arvo Pärt, one of the world's most frequently performed living composers, was born in Paide.
Paide is surrounded by bogs, which means it’s easy to walk from the town center out of town to the bogs and beyond along the hiking trail known as the Paide winter road. It ends at the Estonian Wine Chamber at Hindreku Farm, where you can learn more about winemaking in Estonia.
There’s also a well-maintained 15 km cycling path between Paide and Türi that passes by Kirna Manor, which is known for the thousands of tulips that bloom in its garden every spring and the naturally healing energy lines that run through its park.
Photo author: Visit Järva
Põltsamaa
The seat of the King of Livonia
Põltsamaa, a verdant town in the middle of Estonia, has something of a regal feel to it thanks to the local roses, bridges, parks, and wine. But the pride and joy of the town is its beautiful castle and its crowning glory — a tall tower topped with an observation deck. It rises over Põltsamaa on the banks of the river that runs through the town. Enjoy the wonderful views and take a photo home as a keepsake. The Wine Trail also passes through the castle courtyard.
The town is compact enough to explore on foot. Take a leisurely stroll over the 19 bridges that crisscross the Põltsamaa River, stop and explore the river islands, and admire the tower above the castle moat.
Rose Island is home to at least 2,000 rose bushes and is a must-see attraction in Põltsamaa. When they're in bloom, you should stop and smell the roses — literally!
There are plenty of attractions around Põltsamaa, including the Kuningamäe Go-Kart Center, Toretalu Farm’s corn labyrinth, and the WPark water park, where you can try wakeboarding or test your courage at the nearby adventure course.
Põltsamaa is a beautiful oasis of greenery in Central Estonia, filled with historical treasures. And to top it all off, it was once home to the King of Livonia!
Photo author: Hans Markus Antson
Põltsamaa
Stroll over the bridges that crisscross the river, and stop and smell the roses on the aptly named Rose Island.
Viljandi
A youthful old town
Deep in the heart of the country, on the shores of Lake Viljandi, you’ll find a charming Hanseatic town where history and modernity coexist side by side. This town, with its stunning lakeside location and lively cultural heritage, is ready to reveal its secrets to those willing to slow down and listen.
Viljandi is one place in Estonia where you can feel folk culture all around you. At the end of July, the streets are filled with musicians and dancers for the annual folk festival. Though held at the remains of the town's medieval castle, the festival is a vibrant reminder that folk music is alive and well in modern society.
You can feel the blend of ancient and modern along every street in Viljandi – from the castle ruins to the hills covered in sheep, and from the suspension bridge to the town’s church towers.
In the town center, old wooden buildings line cobbled streets, the perfect setting for a stroll. Make sure to stop by one of the cozy cafés. One of them, Fellin, has even received the prestigious Bib Gourmand title from the MICHELIN Guide!
The Kondas Centre, the Estonian Traditional Music Centre, Viljandi Museum, and local art galleries are full of hidden treasures to uncover.
Viljandi is a place that makes a lasting impression. In this Central Estonian town, folk culture flourishes, and everyone can find a favorite activity. Viljandi is a youthful old town just waiting to be discovered.
Photo author: Näljane Nelik
Viljandi
This charming Hanseatic town makes for a relaxing getaway, only two hours by train from Tallinn!
Photo author: Georg Svidlov
Tõrva
A resort town in the Mulgi region
Despite its name meaning "tar", Tõrva shines brightly. The modern central square, surrounded by green parks and water, is as impressive as it is cozy. The famous Tõrva sand sculptures, which adorn the heart of the town, have become a real draw for visitors. New ones are created every year with a different theme.
The town boasts four lakes, with numerous recreational areas along their shores, all of which are especially popular during the summer. Come and enjoy the beach at Lake Vanamõisa, home to the highest diving platform in Estonia.
Looking for a more active holiday? Go for a jog (or ski in winter) along Tõrva’s health trails, which wind around the city like a green ribbon.
Spa lovers will receive a warm welcome in Tõrva all year round, as they soak in the warm waters and relaxing treatments at Veemõnula and Castle Spa Wagenküll. If you want to add a bit of a bang to your holiday, be sure to travel to Tõrva during the Fire Days festival.
The area around Tõrva is also ripe for exploration. The fantastical Alice in Wonderland theme park at Taagepera Castle is just a short drive away. Kaasiku Farm Zoo, Helme caves, and the mystical Helme Ruins only add to the area's sense of magic. One of the newest and most popular attractions is the Mulgi Experience Centre, featuring interactive exhibits on the culture and history of Mulgimaa.
Tõrva is a mystical place that will quickly work its way into your heart.
Let curiosity be your guide!
Slow down, take a detour, and experience the authentic, unhurried soul of Estonia.
Don't be afraid to follow the signs around Central Estonia and uncover the charm of the region's small towns. Make the most of your tour around Central Estonia, and remember to stop by and experience these lovely little Estonian towns.
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Last updated
01.07.2025