Viljandi will have a medieval feel this weekend

Text Susanna Poikela & Mark Taylor
Photo Andrei Chertkov

Viljandi’s Hanseatic Days will be celebrated this weekend, June 7-9. The entire city will be filled with traders, performers, live music, sport, and much more. The Hanseatic Days celebrate the historic Hanseatic League, which included the small town of Viljandi at one time.

What would a Hanseatic Days be without a medieval programme? This time, the medieval area will be in and around the courtyard of the Bonifatius Guild. In the medieval area, you can find typical medieval trades and activities for the whole family.

The festivities, however, begin today, June 7, at 4 pm with the Hansa Cup 2024, a football tournament featuring teams from Viljandi sister cities. This sporting event marks the start of the Hanseatic Days, leading into a weekend filled with diverse activities. 

The main centerpiece of the event is the Hansatic Market that will begin at 10 am on Saturday in the city’s Song Festival Grounds. However, there will be stalls throughout the beautiful old town, Kauba and Lossi streets, Johan Laidoner square, and manor park where you can find many things, such as handicrafts, design, art, food and drink.

The popular cafe night will take place on Saturday evening, from 6 pm until midnight. The event, which takes place in the Paalalinna district, features 29 one-night pop-up cafes and eateries in the gardens and yards of local residents. Saturday night concludes with an exciting night concert at the Siller Auto showroom on Suur-Kaare. The concert will feature the band MEELIK, followed by a DJ set from actors Rait Õunapuu and Karl Robert Saaremäe, who will keep the party going into the early hours. 

The festivities continue on Sunday, June 9, with the Hanseatic Market and various activities in the old town and city centre. At 1 pm, the annual Trepimäe Run will take place, challenging participants to race up the stairs of Trepimäe. Viljandi Hanseatic Days will conclude at 3 pm with the South Estonian Senior Citizens’ Party at the Song Festival Grounds. 

For more information about the event, visit the Viljandi Hanseatic Days’ official website (in Estonian only). 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Handicrafts Hanseatic Days Live Music MEELIK Summer Viljandi Viljandi Hanseatic Days