The Ingatsi study trail leads to the eight-metre-high Kuresoo bog plateau. A viewing tower along the trail offers views across the bog and of the Toonoja forest. The trail also has several rest areas and benches; you can swim in a bog pool. The views, places to rest and bog water offer different ways to explore the landscape along this trail.

Trails by the Lake and in the Bog

The health and cross-country ski trail around Lake Viljandi is 12.2 kilometres long. Of this, 1.7 kilometres are paved and 3.5 kilometres are lit. In addition to the total length, details about the surface and lighting are also available—useful points of reference when choosing a trail for your stay.

A trail around Lake Viljandi offers views of the lake and city, as well as opportunities to observe birds and forest animals. Alongside the trail’s route profile, the views and opportunities to observe nature are among the things that make the trails around the lake interesting.

Soomaa: Bog Landscapes and Habitats

Soomaa National Park lies on the border between Pärnu and Viljandi counties. It was established to protect extensive bogs, floodplain meadows, forests and cultural heritage. The protected features thus range from the bog and its meadows to forests and cultural heritage sites.

The 4.4-kilometre Hüpassaare loop trail passes through the national park and into Kuresoo bog. Check the trail conditions before your visit. In the visitor centre’s main building, the exhibition “Haabjaga läbi Soomaa” presents the landscapes and habitats of Soomaa that can be reached by dugout canoe. The loop trail and exhibition offer different perspectives: the route through the national park on the one hand, and the landscapes and habitats featured in the exhibition on the other.

Music and Cultural Discoveries

The Mart Saar Museum is located in the composer Mart Saar’s childhood home and showcases his life and work. The Viljandi Traditional Music Center houses extensive materials on traditional music and runs several workshops. The two places offer different cultural focuses: the museum centres on one composer, while the music centre explores traditional music through its materials and workshops.

Olustvere Manor also offers a glimpse into manor culture. It is one of Estonia’s best-preserved manor complexes. The complex includes spaces for handicrafts and wool, a blacksmith’s workshop, a ceramics workshop and a distillery. If you plan to visit these facilities, check the seasonal opening arrangements in advance.

Mulgi Porridge and Regional Experiences

At Muri Manor, you can prepare Mulgi porridge together, cook it on a wood-burning stove and share the finished dish. Advance booking is required for this experience. Mulgi porridge is a traditional Estonian dish and has been included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This experience connects preparing the dish together with its cultural significance.

At Lake Võrtsjärv, you can fish with local people and then prepare the catch into tasty dishes. Sailing courses are also offered at the lake. Fishing followed by cooking the catch and taking a sailing course are two different ways to experience Lake Võrtsjärv.

Practical Information

If you plan to visit the Viljandi Museum, Vabaduse Square is the nearest bus stop. Check transport connections before travelling. For planning your trip, there are several themes to choose from: trails and bog landscapes, music and manor culture, as well as regional food and experiences by the lake.

Discover more destinations: Paistu, Viljandi, Mõisaküla, Paistu, Pinska, Valma, Vaibla, Tarvastu Parish, Halliste, Kolga-Jaani, Karksi Vald, Kõpu, Vihi, Suislepa, Suure-Jaani, Pärsti Parish, Kõpu Parish, Abja Parish, Saarepeedi, Võhma linn

For the overview of the wider region: Estonia.