Viljandi

About

Founded as an earthen stronghold in the 12th century, Viljandi took 100 years to develop into a permanent settlement. The city flourished for a time, even joining the Hanseatic League, but wars in the 17th and 18th century all but destroyed the town. Today, the town is one of the most charming in all of Estonia. The quaint wooden houses, blend in perfectly with the beautiful natural surroundings, allowing visitors to step back to a simpler time. At the edge of the forest, visitors will find the ruins of the Livonian castle, the order's first foothold in Estonia, which is now a sprawling park. Home to the Viljandi Culture Academy, the town is a focal point of Estonian culture, which peaks in July when it hosts the country’s largest folk music festival.