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Viljandi VisitViljandi_Martin Kossesson VLND Medieval history, the biggestÂ folk festival in the Baltics, mysticalÂ lakes, and giant bogs are justÂ some of the sights and activitiesÂ that await you in Viljandi County.


In medieval times, it was possible toÂ travel from PÃ¤rnu to Tartu by boat andÂ Viljandi Lake was on the way; a stunning castle and town began to formÂ beside it, which is now known as Viljandi.Â Viljandi certainly takes the prizeÂ for most charming town in Estonia.

A 13th century castle founded by the Knights of the SwordÂ overlooks a pristine valley and lake. The Hanseatic Old TownÂ of Viljandi is a relaxed place, where time seems to move atÂ a different pace. You can explore the castle ruins, wanderÂ through the many green spaces in town, admire the colourfulÂ wooden houses in the centre and learn more aboutÂ Viljandiâs history at the museum. Viljandi is also home to EstoniaâsÂ only naÃ¯ve and outsider art gallery, the Kondas Centre,Â which features the works of Paul Kondas (1900-85), as well asÂ many other self-taught artists.

Get fit in May for the oldest running event in the Baltics.Â The annual Grand Race around Viljandi Lake allows competitorsÂ to choose their own course. If you happen to visitÂ Viljandi in July, be sure to get a ticket for the annual ViljandiÂ Folk Festival, which has grown into one of the largest folkÂ music festivals in the Baltics.Â

Outside of Town

Olustvere manor complex is one of the best preserved manorÂ complexes in Estonia. Not only can you admire the various outbuildings, gardens and exhibitions, you can also try yourÂ hand at ceramics or glassblowing. A permanent exhibition ofÂ 150 miniature wooden horses can be seen in the stables. TheÂ figurines were carved by local craftsman, Voldemar Luht, who,Â throughout his life carved over 500. Nearby, in LÃµhavere, is aÂ monument dedicated to the freedom fighter Lembitu, whoÂ was the first Estonian to be mentioned by name in historicalÂ records. The monument sits at the foot of his old fort, whichÂ was founded at the end of the 12th century.

Lake VÃµrtsjÃ¤rv is a mystical place. About 1.3km from theÂ northern shore of the lake, youâll find a sacrificial stone, knownÂ for its healing powers and the music that can be heard beneathÂ it at night. Old fishing villages spot the coastline and offerÂ a fantastic destination for a road trip. The JÃµesuu recreationÂ area was named as one of the 20 places for culture and natureÂ enthusiasts to discover in Southern Estonia by National Geographic.Â These are marked by large yellow frames.

Mulgimaa, which is made up of the five historic parishes ofÂ Halliste, Paistu, Karksi, Helme and Tarvastu, have a fascinating history. The area once had its own language, and constitutesÂ a descendent of the ancient county of Sakala. It has alwaysÂ been considered a wealthy area. The Mulgi people wereÂ among the first farmers to buy out their farms in the 19thÂ century. Thanks to the rich farmland and era of flax cultivation,Â farmers were able to send their children to school andÂ as such, many of Estoniaâs brightest minds are from this area.

Soomaa National Park is a sight to behold, with giant bogs,Â stunning forests, rivers and meadows. It is best known for
the great flood or the fifth season when water from heavyÂ rains and melting snow floods the roads. The park offers
many interesting trails and boardwalks to explore, includingÂ the HÃ¼pasaare Study Trail, Kuuraniidu Boardwalk and
the primeval forest, Beaver Trail and Riisa Bog Trail, whichÂ is known for its soothing silence. Both Beaver and Riisa BogÂ trails are wheelchair and stroller accessible.Â

For more information about Viljandi County visit: www.visitestonia.com/en/where-to-go/south-estonia/viljandi.


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Associated Venues JÃµesuu Tourism Farm

Verevi village, Rannu parish
Open all year round, JÃµesuuÂ Tourism Farm offers fun and relaxation for the whole family. You can book a cosy cabin or room, or bring your tent or caravan for â¦ VÃµrtsjÃ¤rve Visitors' Centre

JÃµeÃ¤Ã¤re road, Verevi, Rannu parish
Lake VÃµrtsjÃ¤rv Visitor Centre provides information about tourism opportunities in the Lake VÃµrtsjÃ¤rv region.


Monumental Tartu feature
Shrove Tuesday feature
The Adolphus Code feature