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Source: Kristjan Kivistik, Visit Viljandi

Viljandi

This charming town, hidden in South Estonia's forests, boasts impressive castle ruins, cozy cafes, picturesque lakes, and a lively cultural scene.

Love relaxing in nature but also need places to go, things to do, and people to see?

Come to Viljandi.

Estonians flock here in the summer for all the festivals, folk music, and medieval fairs. The lake offers standup paddle and boat rentals, swimming beaches, waterfront football fields, and volleyball courts. There are kilometers of walking and bike paths and green spaces galore. Add in a cute cobblestoned Old Town, delicious dining options, theaters, museums, and galleries, and you have enough to keep you busy (but not too busy) for as long as you wish to stay.

Source: Visit Estonia

A UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art

The heart of Estonian folk music and craft heritage is kept alive and well in Viljandi by the large student population from Tartu University's Viljandi Culture Academy. (Fun fact: one of the professors there is part of the musical duo Puulup, who represented Estonia at Eurovision 2024.)

Viljandi is also home to the Estonian Traditional Music Centre, which organizes the annual Viljandi Folk Music Festival, which attracts hundreds of performers and over 20,000 visitors from all over the world. Every summer, Craft Camp Estonia is another big draw. Handicraft and folk art enthusiasts learn traditional Estonian handicraft techniques, such as knitting, weaving, woodworking, and leather arts.

The strawberries around town will eventually draw you to the Kondas Centre, which houses the artwork of Naïve artist Paul Kondas and hosts temporary exhibitions of outsider art throughout the year. The museum gift shop has a well-curated selection of local artwork and handicrafts.

Source: Visit Estonia

UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art

Viljandi's crafts and folk art industry employs over 2,500 people, with over 700 registered enterprises connected to creative fields.

Hundreds of years of history at your fingertips

Viljandi's Old Town is charming, with wooden houses and old villas that make for great photo opportunities. Several churches, including St. Paul's Church and St. John's Church, home to Estonia's largest carillon, are also worth admiring.

The main historic attraction, though, is what's left of the castle. At one time, it was the largest in Livonia, but the castle was significantly damaged during the Polish-Swedish War in the early 1600s. The view from the castle hill toward the lake and the nearby suspension bridge are absolute must-sees when exploring the area.

A real medieval mood takes over the city during the annual Hanseatic Days, usually held on the first weekend of June. The streets are full of merchants, the castle ruins come alive, and the city parks are filled with various activities. If you can't make it to the festival, then stop by the Bonifatius Guild, an organization for local craftspeople, and pick up souvenirs to take home or take a workshop with an expert.

Ruins of Viljandi's Castle as seen from above during summer

Source: Siim Verner Teder, Visit Viljandi

Viljandi's top attractions

For the athletes among us

Winter weather is no excuse to stay inside when you're in Viljandi. Once the water freezes, both Lake Viljandi and Lake Paala have outdoor ice rinks. If you are a skiing enthusiast, head to the Holstre-Polli Recreation Center's ski tracks, or kids can rent tubes and go sledding at Viljandi Snow Park.

Runners can use the entire city as a training ground. You can choose leisurely routes full of beautiful views or challenge yourself on stairs or the hills around the ruins. If you fancy more competition, come to town for the annual Trepimäe Run up the Trepimägi stairs during the Hanseatic Days festival or Race around the Lake, Estonia's oldest traditional running event, held since 1928.

Swimmers can take a dip in Lake Viljandi during any season, including winter, and during summer, you can rent a SUP board or a boat to enjoy the sunset from the water. Kids will love the huge playground right on the beach.

Walking really is the best way to explore Viljandi, so even if you aren't very athletic, it pays to wear comfortable shoes.

Source: Visit Viljandi

Where to spend time outside

Lounge on a park bench or speed skate around the lake — it's up to you!

Bring out your inner artist

Viljandi has inspired creative types for centuries. Now let it inspire you!

Cozy chairs near a window at a restaurant in Viljandi

Source: Kristjan Kivistik, Villa Maria, Visit Viljandi

There is no clock-watching when dining in Viljandi.

Let time slip by as you indulge in a leisurely meal at a MICHELIN-recommended restaurant or at a cozy family-run cafe.

Where to eat in Viljandi

A little bit of luxury

For your own corner of paradise, check out the exquisitely renovated boutique hotel Schloss Fellin, located right next to Viljandi's song festival grounds. There are two dining options on-site and a lovely spa. Even if you don't spend the night, you can take advantage of a day spa package and unwind after all that walking.