Viljandi won an award of the European Commission

The "European Destinations of Excellence" competition has been held in all Member States, under the initiative of the European Commission, since 2006. In Estonia the competition took place for the first time under the title "Hidden Treasures of Estonia''. Viljandi was a winner of the 2007 "Hidden Treasures of Estonia" competition. The town had submitted 2 worthy ventures, on one hand expressing the culture inside us all, and on the other bringing out Viljandi's roots in cultural historical development. And most importantly - both initiatives show - ordinary people give for culture the greatest vitality. This has made Vil-jandi a favourite destination for both Estonians and tourists.

Viljandi, with its nearly 20000 residents, is an ancient city stretching on a hill alongside a beautiful lake. The sparkling lake, down in the valley, is a popular site among holidaymakers, fishermen and those who practice health sports. When going on a boat ride on the lake, take a look at the city, where church towers, ruins of the Order castle, and an old 30-metre water tower rise high to form a beautiful skyline. The water tower is the pride and joy of Viljandi, enabling visitors to get acquainted with the city through the vista opening from high above.

The Kondas Centre and Estonian Traditional Music Centre are like strawberries on a cake, offering traditional culture which is characteristic of Estonia. Viljandi is like genuine Estonia, where the historical and cultural heritage of our forefathers is introduced, preserved and passed on. It takes place through imitation with the most frequent tools being music, dance, instrument-playing and paintbrushes. The Kondas Centre is an art centre established in 2003, mainly engaging in naivistic and outsider art, and is dedicated to Paul Kondas (1900-1985), one of Estonia's most famous naivists. In addition to permanent exposition, the centre provides art lovers with an opportunity to view the exhibitions of other artists and participate in workshops.

Estonian Traditional Music Centre is an open and innovative organisation, which promotes and organises folk music hobby education, and promotes live folk music. In its activity, the centre follows the folk music curriculum of the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy, and operates as a partner and information centre for all Estonian music schools, folk bands, folk groups, solo artists and folk music enthusiasts. Estonian Traditional Music Centre is the organizer and soul of the annual Folk Music Festival. The festival fills the city with folk music friends from near and far every July. The home of traditional music is located in the Traditional Music Granary, which accommodates a high quality concert hall, database and the school of August Pulst, where everyone can learn to play a musical instrument. Every June, the city acquires Hanseatic ambience - Viljandi celebrates the Hanseatic Days. In 2015, the Hanseatic Days will be international and Viljandi will be hosting the other Hanseatic cities of Europe. The medieval atmosphere is created by the Hanseatic fair, where craftsmen offer chip baskets, linen shawls, woollen socks and delicious food. The fair also includes fire-eaters, fortune tellers and sorcerers. Midnight concerts in the castle hills are breathtaking.