A weekend in Viljandi

A weekend in Viljandi – several different worlds in just a few days

It’s worth coming to Viljandi for at least a couple of days or a whole weekend. The charm of Viljandi city and county lies in its variety. The first stop is undoubtedly Viljandi – a cultural city with lakes and castle hills. But just a short drive away, you’ll find entire worlds of their own: Mulgimaa, Lake Võrtsjärv, Soomaa National Park, as well as Suure-Jaani and Olustvere.

Welcome to Viljandi

Viljandi, a city of culture and heritage, is the perfect place for a mini-break.

Viljandi is a city where it’s easy to take some time out. Pick out a theater performance or a concert – Ugala, Temufi, the Traditional Music Center, and Sakala Center are all waiting for you. If there’s nothing specific on the schedule, Viljandi Museum, Kondas Center, the cinema, and various galleries offer plenty to experience.

Of course, you can also just stroll through the city. The castle hills, the suspension bridge, Trepimägi, the lake, and the winding streets of the old town invite you to wander at your own pace. Be sure to also take time to enjoy great flavors – Viljandi’s cafes and restaurants offer local food as well as dishes from other national cuisines.

A day trip to Mulgimaa

From Viljandi, it’s easy to take a trip to Mulgimaa to explore one of Estonia’s most unique cultural regions.

The first stop is Heimtali, where Mulgi culture and Estonian folk art intertwine. At the ERM Heimtali Museum, glove patterns, folk costumes, and antiques tell the Estonian story and help you understand the heritage and identity of Mulgimaa. Located just a few hundred meters away, Heimtali Manor with its rare circular stable is also worth a stop.

From Heimtali, the road leads on to Halliste. Towering slightly away from the small town, St. Anne’s Church has a fascinating history and is linked to many legends.

From Halliste, the journey continues to Karksi. The Karksi primeval valley is one of the most beautiful places in Mulgimaa; on its slopes lie the ruins of a medieval Teutonic Order castle and St. Peter’s Church with its uniquely leaning tower. The views from the hillfort bring nature and history together.

The fragments experienced during the day come together at the Mulgi Experience Center. Located in the former Sooglemäe farm complex, this modern center helps you understand who the Mulgi people are, why they are considered enterprising, and how the special identity of Mulgimaa has formed. Interactive displays introduce the Mulgi language, folk costumes, and food culture.

On the way back to Viljandi, it’s worth taking a short nature walk on the Õisu Põrguorg hiking trail. The varied path runs along a deep primeval valley by a rushing stream – this somewhat fairytale-like place is also known as the ‘Taevaskoda of Mulgimaa’.

To end a long day, dinner at Raudnaela Tavern is a great choice. If you haven’t had the chance yet, definitely try mulgi puder – the most famous dish of the local food heritage, the tradition of which has also been recognized by UNESCO.

Another beautiful day in Viljandi County

In addition to the city of Viljandi and Mulgimaa, there are many more exciting places in Viljandi County.

Suure-Jaani and Olustvere

In the heart of Suure-Jaani, St. John’s Church towering on the shore of the artificial lake offers one of the most beautiful views in the region. This area is closely linked to Estonian music history, and during the Suure-Jaani Music Days held every June, the whole town fills with music. The saunas and pools of the Suure-Jaani Health Center invite you to relax all year round and in any weather.

Olustvere Manor is one of the most completely preserved manor complexes in Estonia. In addition to the dignified main building and beautiful park, various workshops await guests, where you can buy handicrafts from local masters.

A short stop is also worth making at Lõhavere hillfort, which is considered the stronghold of the legendary Sakala elder Lembitu. The steep-sloped hillfort rising in the middle of the forest makes a powerful impression.

Lake Võrtsjärv

You should definitely take some time to explore Lake Võrtsjärv. The charm of Estonia’s largest inland lake lies in its vastness and calm rhythm.

The hiking trail starting from Oiu harbor leads through reed beds and introduces the local nature. In summer, you can sail on the lake in a traditional ‘kale’ boat, go fishing, or learn to sail. Culture enthusiasts could also drop by Meleski, which was once home to one of the most important glass factories in the Baltics.

The Suur Emajõgi river begins at Rannu-Jõesuu, and the watchtower offers a beautiful view of Lake Võrtsjärv.

Soomaa

Between Viljandi and Pärnu lies Soomaa National Park. You can get a good overview of this region with its unique landscape at the national park’s visitor center, which introduces the nature of the protected area, the famous fifth season, and how people live amidst the floods.

To get to know the bog landscape characteristic of Soomaa, a roughly hour-and-a-half trip on the Ingatsi study trail is perfect, leading to the highest bog plateau in Europe.

If you have time, we recommend a canoe trip on the Halliste River. Moving by water is the best way to experience the Soomaa environment and feel a special connection with nature and the rhythm of the seasons.

A longer holiday in Viljandi County

In just a few days, you can experience a lot in Viljandi County – enjoy good food and theater, discover cultural-historical sites, hike in a bog, or walk in a manor park. But there’s always something left for next time. Viljandi County is one of those places you’ll always want to come back to.

If you have more time, take on the paths of Viljandi County you haven’t visited yet and continue your journey to Tõrva, Paide, or Põltsamaa.