Põhja-Viljandimaa
Take a look at the northern part of Viljandi County!
This guide helps you to find the most attractive places.
1. On the northern border of the county there is a small village called Pilistvere, which is said to radiate good energy. One of the attractions there is Pilistvere Church, the tower of which is the highest among country churches. The pulpit is significant for its decorations. The burial place of a politician of the early years of the Republic of Estonia, Jüri Wilms, can be found at the church in the graveyard.
2. About a kilometre away one can find the Pilistvere memorial, which looks like a burial ground covered with piled stones, with a wooden cross at the head. Bringing field stones to the base of the cross Estonian people remind of their relatives who were deported to Siberia.
3. A sign on the Tallinn - Viljandi directs you to Olustvere. Taking the turn right you’ll find yourself driving on a long beautiful alley, the total length of which is approximately 16 km. 3 kms from the main road is the manor complex of Olustvere, a bright example of heimat-style of the beginning of the 20th century. The manor served as the summer residence of the Germany-originated Fersen family. Now it houses the Tourist Centre of Olustvere, where anyone can book a tour guide. It is also possible to go horse-riding there. There is a museum upstairs. The museum has a valuable collection of stuffed animals and birds an perfect display of old furniture collected by Mr. Vene. There is also an interesting display of miniature wooden horses made by Voldemar Luht. The buildings of the manor are surrounded by a large and beautiful park. The oldest tree in the park is a three hundred-year-old two-branched oak. The tree is called the Oak of Love and local people can tell fascinating legends about it.
4. On the way towards Suure-Jaani you’ll notice a wrought metal sign directing to Lõhavere. The stronghold there was named after Lembitu, the elder of Estonians, and it dates back to the end of the 12th century.
Near the stronghold a monument has been erected in honour of the ancient fight for freedom, the Battle of Madisepäev (St. Matthew’s Day).
5. Suure-Jaani attracts with its wonderful artificial lake. Here you can stop and look around.
Both Lembitu monument, dedicated to the fighters of the Independence War (1918-20), and Suure-Jaani Church, built at the beginning of the 14th century are worth looking at. In the inner wall of the church tower there is an immured ringed cross, the so-called Anne’s Cross. According to the legend, during the Livonian War Anne had washed the dead and clothed them, so the country people had dedicated a cross to her. On the graveyard of Suure-Jaani several people active in Estonian culture have been buried (Johann Köler, the Fersens, counts of Olustvere and the Kapp family, the composers). Anyone interested in the history of Estonian music could stop by at the Museum of the Composers Kapps.
6. More great figures were born hereabouts. At Hüpassaare, just at the swamp is the birthplace of the composer Mart Saar. The most attractive exhibited object of the museum there is an organ which was made by the future composer’s uncle and presented to him on his 8th birthday. This organ can be played even today.
7. There is another reason why one should come to Hüpassaare. Here, at the information stand of Soomaa National Park a two-kilometre wooden pathway starts, leading through the swamp of Kuresoo. A walking tour of the extensive Soomaa is a memorable experience for every nature lover.
8. Before returning to Viljandi you might go through Kookla village. You can ask for a tour guide in Madi farm and take a small tour of the places connected with the Battle of Madisepäev. It is worth going to Tammemägi (Oak Hill) and see 17 ancient oaks which hide secrets of the past.
9. In the farm Vahelaane you can find a nice place to stop for a picnic or play minigolf.
Enjoy your sightseeing in the surroundings of Viljandi.
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Manor houses of Viljandi County 1
Museums of Viljandi county 1
Museums of Viljandi county 2
Museums of Viljandi county 3
Old buildings of Viljandi II
Old buildings of Viljandi III
Old buildings of Viljandi IV
Põhja-Viljandimaa
Soomaa 1
Soomaa 2
Soomaa 3
Soomaa 4
Soomaa 5
Soomaa 6
Southern part of Viljandi County I
Tour around the Viljandi
Viljandi
Viljandi vanad majad I |
