Medieval stone castle ruins rise above this southern Estonian town, known for hosting Europe's major folk music festival each July. Nearby forests welcome hikers and cyclists.
In southern Estonia, Viljandi's cobblestone streets lead you past 13th-century castle walls, wooden houses painted in bright colors, and the Estonian Traditional Music Centre where you can hear musicians practicing on kannel harps. The town comes alive each July when 20,000 visitors fill the streets for the Folk Music Festival, while Lake Viljandi's beaches and walking paths draw locals throughout the year.
Activities Around Lake Viljandi
A 4.5-kilometer path circles Lake Viljandi, connecting to the town's network of trails. In summer, rent stand-up paddleboards from the main beach or swim at three designated areas along the shore. The waterfront sports complex includes three football fields and four beach volleyball courts, open from May to September.
Annual Folk Music Festival
Every July, the Viljandi Folk Music Festival transforms the town for four days. Musicians perform at six venues across town, from the castle grounds to intimate cafes. Join workshops to learn Estonian bagpipes or runic singing, or browse the craft market in the Old Town where artisans sell handmade instruments and textiles.
Traditional Music and Crafts
At the Estonian Traditional Music Centre on Tasuja Street, you can attend concerts throughout the year or take music lessons. The Tartu University's Viljandi Culture Academy trains new generations in Estonian folk music and handicrafts. Visit the Kondas Centre to see exhibitions of folk art and outsider art, housed in a 19th-century wooden building.
Exploring the Medieval Castle Ruins
The remains of Viljandi Castle stretch across a hilltop above Lake Viljandi. Built in the 13th century, it was the largest fortress in Livonia until its destruction in the 1600s during the Polish-Swedish War. Walk through the stone walls and climb the preserved towers for views across the lake. The castle grounds connect to walking paths through a surrounding park.
Getting Around Viljandi
Trains run between Viljandi and Tallinn six times daily, taking two hours. Buses connect to Tartu (one hour) and Pärnu (two hours). You can walk between the Old Town, castle ruins, and lake in 15-20 minutes.
Winter Activities
From December to March, ski on groomed tracks at the Holstre-Polli Recreation Center, 12 kilometers from town. The Viljandi Snow Park sets up tubing runs and sledding areas near the castle hills. Indoor activities continue through winter at the Ugala Theatre and Traditional Music Centre, with performances several times per week.
