Viljandi

Evidence of civilization around Viljandi dates back to 500 BC. The first written record of a "Viljandi stronghold" was in 1154 in the commentaries to al-Idrisi's world atlas "Geography." Hanseatic merchants settled in Viljandi in the 14th century. During the Soviet era, Viljandi was an important center of agriculture and industry, and many new apartment blocks and industrial facilities were built. However, the town also suffered from neglect and environmental degradation during this time. For many people Viljandi conjures up images of the Viljandi Folk Music Festival and Viljandi Culture Academy . This small city is a cultural hub and the "capital of folk music" for most Estonians and a treat for the eye. Old wooden houses, cobblestone roads, the beautiful surroundings of the castle and the nearby lake make this city something special. Tourist Information Centre Vabaduse väljak 6 [email protected] .

By Train

Elron connects Viljandi to Tallinn. Trains run a few times per day. Viljandi railway station ( Viljandi raudteejaam ), Vaksali 44 . ( updated Apr 2020 )

By Car

Viljandi is on route 92, 75 km from Tartu and 90 km from Pärnu . From Tallinn, you have to take highway #2 first, and then turn off to route 49 - just 160 km. Further south, the 49 leads to Valga (75 km).

By Bus

Viljandi has a regular bus connection from/to Tallinn Tartu Valga Pärnu and Põltsamaa (with a potential change at Kolga-Jaani), among others. The Viljandi Bus Station can be found in the centre just north of the main junction.

Viljandi can easily be explored on foot. See the local transport website for more on buses.

• Ruins of the Viljandi Order Castle

• Viljandi Lossimägi — ),

• Tasuja puiestee — on the southern end of town ).

• Built in 1224, it had turned into one of the most powerful fortresses of the Livonian Order by the end of the 14th century. The fortress got its final shape and size in the beginning of the 16th century and was one of the most distinguished fortresses in Estonia and Latvia. Owing to various wars, all that are left from the entire order castle today are just a few stone walls, however they still give an impression of its former grandeur. From the ruins you have the most beautiful view over the lake of Viljandi.

• Trepimägi

• Stairs hill — ),

• Linnu tn 2 — .

• The stairs of the Trepimägi in Viljandi were constructed around the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century in order to improve the road connecting the town and the lake. Next to the Trepimägi lie the beautiful homes of the town’s merchants and rich residents from the old days.

• Väikemõisa manor

• Väikemõisa bussipeatus, Peetrimõisa küla, Saarepeedi vald — .

• Tennis courts, cafes, playgrounds, a diving tower, boat rental and catamaran trips are available at the lake.

• Events

• Viljandi hosts many events and several international festivals throughout the year, including:

• Early Music Festival

• Hanseatic Days

• Young Dance Festival

• Mulgi Rally

• Winter Folk Dance Festival

• Amrita Cafe
• Tallinna 29a
• M-Sa 11:00-20:00, Su 12:00-17:00
• Regional food.
• Roheline Maja Pood ja Kohvik
• Koidu 2

Raamatubaar Romaan Carl Robert Jakobsoni tänav 18 ( in the town center ), [email protected] . Tu-Sa 20:00-23:00 . A bar. ( updated Feb 2022 )

• Academus Hostel Viljandi
• Väike 6
• Probably the most inexpensive option in town.
• Single from €25
• Grand Hotel Viljandi
• Hostel Ingeri

Viljandi is not great for shopping, but you will find the regular souvenirs and such related to the folk festival. Everything else, is what can be found in other cities as well.

• Tartu
• Museum-rich and hanseatic city on the banks of the Emajõgi River. Also, Estonia's second-largest and oldest city, intellectual hub famous for its universities, and a lively student city.
• Otepää
• A small town set in the hills of south Estonia and best known winter sports centre in the Baltics, and the Winter Capital of Estonia. Surrounded by lakes, hills and ski jump towers.
• Põltsamaa
• The centre of Estonian winery and wine production just a dozen km north.