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.

1 Tourist Information Centre, Vabaduse väljak 6, ☏ +372 433 04 42, fax: +372 433 04 42, viljandi@visitestonia.com.

Bus and train schedules are easily available online – read more under Estonia#Get around.

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 1 Viljandi Bus Station can be found in the centre just north of the main junction.

By train:

Elron connects Viljandi to Tallinn. Trains run a few times per day.

2 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).