[1] It is the capital of Viljandi County and is geographically located between two major Estonian cities, Pärnu and Tartu.

The first written record of the earthen stronghold of Viljandi was in the year 1154 in the commentaries to al-Idrisi's world atlas Geography.

In the 12th century, a permanent settlement emerged around the stronghold of Viljandi, which also became the economic centre of the ancient Sakala district.

In 1211 the hillfort of the Estonians in Viljandi was besieged by a joint army of Germans, Latvians, and Livonians.

The following year the Grand Master Volquin led the construction of Viljandi Castle at the site of the former hillfort.

During the first half of the 14th century, Viljandi joined the influential Hanseatic League – the town had become an important stop for merchants on their way to Russia and back.

In the Middle Ages, Viljandi was a typical small commercial town, which got its main income from transit trade.

The decline of Viljandi started during the Livonian War and in 1560, the forces of Knyaz Andrey Kurbsky of Muscovite Russia succeeded in seizing and demolished the town and the stronghold.

The population, meanwhile, having decreased to the minimum, started to rise again; handicraft, trading and cultural life were enlivened.

Among foreign species, American larch can be found in Köler avenue and Douglas fir in Uus street.

Special interests are catered for by a variety of institution providing extracurricular studies and activities in such fields as sports, music etc.

The Youth Centre of Viljandi County is successful in offering various information and consulting services.

Family sports events, Sunday skiing trips, cycling tours in spring and autumn are very popular.

Other popular fields of sport in Viljandi are handball, football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, archery and rowing.

However, the Boatman, a grey old man now, is said to row on the lake to this day, longing to see those wonderful blue eyes again.

Viljandi as historic Hanseatic town is a member of the international City League the Hanse.