Viljandi: The Hidden Gem of Estonia

• HelloTere
  [teh-reh]
• GoodbyeHead aega
  [heh-ad ah-eh-gah]
• YesJah
  [yah]
• NoEi
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomePalun
  [pah-loon]
• Thank youAitäh
  [eye-taah]
• Excuse me/SorryVabandage
  [vah-bahn-dah-geh]
• How are you?Kuidas sul läheb?
  [kwee-dahs sool leh-heb]
• Fine. And you?Hästi. Aga sina?
  [hahs-tee. ah-gah see-nah]
• Do you speak English?Kas te räägite inglise keelt?
  [kahs teh raah-gi-teh een-glee-seh kehlt]
• I don't understandMa ei saa aru
  [mah ay sah ah-roo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMa tahaksin menüüd näha, palun
  [mah tah-hahk-seen meh-noo-ed nah-hah, pah-loon]
• I don't eat meatMa ei söö liha
  [mah ay soh lee-hah]
• Cheers!Terviseks!
  [tehr-vee-seks]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMa tahaksin maksta, palun
  [mah tah-hahk-seen mahk-stah, pah-loon]

• Help!Appi!
  [ah-pee]
• Go away!Minge minema!
  [meen-geh mee-neh-mah]
• Call the Police!Helistage politseisse!
  [heh-lee-stah-geh poh-leets-eh-ee-seh]
• Call a doctor!Helistage arstile!
  [heh-lee-stah-geh ahr-stee-leh]
• I'm lostMa olen eksinud
  [mah oh-lehn ehk-see-nood]
• I'm illMa olen haige
  [mah oh-lehn hai-geh]

• I'd like to buy...Ma tahaksin osta...
  [mah tah-hahk-seen oh-stah]
• I'm just lookingMa vaatan lihtsalt
  [mah vah-tahn leekh-stahlt]
• How much is it?Kui palju see maksab?
  [kwee pahl-yoo seh mahk-sahb]
• That's too expensiveSee on liiga kallis
  [seh ohn leeh-gah kah-lees]
• Can you lower the price?Kas saate hinda alandada?
  [kahs sah-teh hin-dah ah-lahn-dah-dah]

• What time is it?Mis kell on?
  [mees kell ohn]
• It's one o'clockOn üks
  [ohn uks]
• Half past (10)Pool (10) (üksteist)
  [pohl (uks-teist)]
• MorningHommik
  [hohm-meek]
• AfternoonPärastlõuna
  [pah-rahs-tloh-oo-nah]
• EveningÕhtu
  [ohkh-too]
• YesterdayEile
  [ay-leh]
• TodayTäna
  [tah-nah]
• TomorrowHomme
  [hohm-meh]
• 1Üks
  [uks]
• 2Kaks
  [kahks]
• 3Kolm
  [kohlm]
• 4Neli
  [neh-lee]
• 5Viis
  [vees]
• 6Kuus
  [koos]
• 7Seitse
  [sayt-seh]
• 8Kaheksa
  [kah-hehk-sah]
• 9Üheksa
  [u-hehk-sah]
• 10Kümme
  [kuhm-meh]

• Where's a/the...?Kus on...?
  [koos ohn]
• What's the address?Mis on aadress?
  [mees ohn ah-ah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kas saate mulle näidata (kaardil)?
  [kahs sah-teh muhl-leh nah-ee-tahdah kah-ahr-deel]
• When's the next (bus)?Millal on järgmine (buss)?
  [meel-lahl ohn yairg-mee-neh boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Pilet (....le)
  [pee-leht leh]

Viljandi's history dates back to the 13th century when it was first mentioned in written records in 1211. The town is believed to have been established by the ancient Estonians, and it quickly became a significant settlement due to its strategic location.

In the early 13th century, the Livonian Order, a branch of the Teutonic Knights, constructed the Viljandi Castle on the hill overlooking the town. The castle became one of the most formidable fortresses in the region, playing a crucial role in the military and political landscape of medieval Livonia.

Viljandi joined the Hanseatic League in the 14th century, which significantly boosted its economy and trade. The town became a bustling trading hub, attracting merchants and craftsmen from various parts of Europe. This period marked the golden age of Viljandi, with its market square and guild houses reflecting the prosperity of the time.

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, Viljandi experienced numerous power shifts between Swedish and Polish rule. Each regime left its mark on the town's culture and architecture. During Swedish rule, many reforms were introduced, and the town saw improvements in its infrastructure and education system.

The early 18th century brought turmoil to Viljandi as the Great Northern War swept across the region. The town was heavily damaged during the conflict, and the once-mighty Viljandi Castle fell into ruins. Despite the destruction, Viljandi gradually recovered and rebuilt itself in the following decades.

Following World War I, Viljandi became part of the newly independent Republic of Estonia in 1918. However, the town's freedom was short-lived as it was later occupied by Soviet forces during World War II. Under Soviet rule, Viljandi saw industrial growth but also faced political repression. It wasn't until 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, that Viljandi regained its independence as part of the re-established Republic of Estonia.

Today, Viljandi is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene and historical heritage. The town hosts the annual Viljandi Folk Music Festival, which attracts artists and visitors from around the world. The picturesque ruins of Viljandi Castle, along with the town's well-preserved medieval architecture, continue to draw tourists, making Viljandi a vital cultural and historical destination in Estonia.

Viljandi is located in southern Estonia and can be reached by various means. The nearest major airport is Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, approximately 150 kilometers away. From Tallinn, you can take a bus directly to Viljandi, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can also take a train from Tallinn to Viljandi, offering a scenic route through the Estonian countryside.

Viljandi is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses operate within the town and connect to nearby villages. Renting a bicycle is also a popular option for exploring Viljandi, especially during the warmer months.

The official currency in Estonia is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Viljandi. ATMs are available throughout the town, so it is easy to withdraw cash if needed. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially if you plan to visit smaller establishments or rural areas.

Viljandi is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. As of now, there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Viljandi. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Tere!' (Hello in Estonian). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Viljandi like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Estonian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Viljandi Castle ruins and the annual Viljandi Folk Music Festival, which attracts musicians and visitors from all over the world.