A creative and adventurous holiday in Viljandi County

Viljandi County is perfect for a family vacation where you can hike, swim, explore old castles, embark on joint adventures, and simply find time to be together, all in one trip.

You can stay at a hotel in the old town or a holiday home surrounded by nature. Distances are short, and there are activities for young children, teenagers, and grandparents alike.

Viljandi Folk – the most pleasant festival for the whole family

The Viljandi Traditional Music Festival, or Viljandi Folk, is likely Estonia’s most family-friendly major festival. Some families come purely for the music, but most come to enjoy the overall atmosphere.

Viljandi Folk is one of those rare events where different generations meet. The festival also features a separate children’s area, workshops, and activities for the youngest members of the family.

For many families, Folk isn’t just a festival, but a tradition every summer. A place to get together, listen to music, have a great time, and create shared memories.

Nature calls you outside in any weather

Lake Viljandi, Lake Võrtsjärv, Soomaa and many hiking trails offer activities in every season.

Summer invites you to swim, go boating, fishing, or sailing. You can easily spend a whole day by Lake Võrtsjärv. In Soomaa, the national park’s exciting visitor center, beaver trail, Tipu Nature School, and canoe trips on the Halliste River await.

In winter, the ice tracks on Viljandi’s lakes, snowshoe hikes in the bog, and kicksled rides on snowy floodplains offer memorable experiences.

You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to have a good time in nature in Viljandi County. There are trails of various lengths and fun activities suitable for the whole family.

Adventures and discovery tours

The Viljandi castle hills, the ruins of Karksi and Tarvastu Order castles, and the Lõhavere hillfort all invite you on a journey of discovery. Steep hillsides, high ramparts, and old walls set the imagination in motion. For children and young people, ruins become exciting when they can run around, climb, and make up their own stories.

However, it’s worth remembering that all these places are primarily natural environments. Paths can be steep, the ground uneven, and not all locations may be comfortable or accessible for visitors with strollers or mobility issues.

Adventures don’t end with the castles. In the town of Viljandi, you can go on a fun strawberry hunt – find the giant strawberries that lead the way through the whole town, inspired by the painting “The Strawberry Eaters” by the very unique artist Paul Kondas. In addition to strawberries, you’ll also encounter playful concrete cats along the way.

In Mulgimaa, large Mulgi hats mark the way, inviting you to stop and discover the region’s stories. At the Mulgi Experience Center, these stories turn into a playful experience for the whole family.

Olustvere Manor is one of those places where you can spend several hours – here you can see farm animals, handicraft workshops, and, with a bit of luck, glassblowing.

Relax in the water and sauna

After a hike or an excursion, it’s nice to take some time out at the Suure-Jaani Health Center. Pools, hot tubs, and various saunas await in the cozy water center. Little ones can splash around, while older ones can swim and enjoy the saunas. A visit to the Health Center can be easily combined with a day spent in Olustvere or Soomaa.

Places to eat that are great for the whole family

Good food is just as much a part of a holiday as the adventures.

Viljandi has several hospitable cafes where children are also welcome guests – for example, Kodukohvik, Fellin, Novell, and Raudnael Arena. Also in Mulgimaa and by Lake Võrtsjärv, you’ll find eateries where, in addition to local flavors, there are fun activities for children – such as the Oiu Harbor restaurant by Lake Võrtsjärv, Raudnaela Tavern in Mulgimaa, and the Soomaa Meierei cafe in Kõpu village.

Why come to Viljandi County with the family?

Some families will primarily remember the Viljandi strawberries and castle hills. Others, a canoe trip in Soomaa. A third, glassblowing in Olustvere. A fourth, a boat trip on Lake Võrtsjärv.

People keep coming back to Viljandi County because the next adventure is already waiting.

Just a short trip away are Põltsamaa Castle, the Wittenstein Activity Museum in Paide, Türi Adventure Park, the lakes and Water Park around Tõrva, the Wagenküll Magic Park, and a wide selection of different hiking trails.

Read more about Viljandi:

• Viljandi with kids – the best ideas for spending time with children.