This blog post was written by our student ambassador Carina, who is a student of the International Business Administration programme at EBS.
Have you ever had a weekend where everything felt perfectly in place — a time to breathe, laugh, and just enjoy the moment? That’s exactly how we started September, with a train ride to Viljandi. Me and my friends decided to have one last hurrah before the Fall semester, a weekend adventure to a little town that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. It was the magic of spontaneous adventures with friends — so spontaneous, in fact, that we missed the first train… Oops! But that didn’t stop us from enjoying every moment. So, this is your sign to make that trip with friends! #NowOrNever
Why Viljandi?
Honestly, Viljandi wasn’t on my radar at first. It was just a random pick, but once we looked it up, we saw it had everything we wanted. It is known for its cultural vibe, scenic lake, and medieval castle ruins, Viljandi offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Plus, it’s only a couple of hours from Tallinn by train, making it super easy for a short trip.
What I didn’t know at the time was how Viljandi came alive during the Viljandi Folk Music Festival, which is traditionally held on the last weekend of July. It’s like the quiet little town completely transforms overnight. Even without the festival, though, Viljandi doesn’t disappoint.
Besides, anywhere feels special when you’re with your friends, right?
What made this trip even more special was the company. You know that saying, “Friends are the family you choose”? Well, these people were just that. Eight Filipinos, all coming from different walks of life, but we instantly became like family. Moving to a new country on my own was a lot, like learning to take baby steps again, but these people made it so much easier.
I’m really thankful for the bond we’ve built. They turned Estonia into more than just a place to study — it became fun, exciting, and full of priceless moments. Life here wouldn’t have been the same without them. We became each other’s safety nets in a foreign land, making Estonia feel like home.
We arrived in Viljandi on Saturday afternoon. The first thing that hit me? This town was small enough to walk everywhere, but big enough to feel like we’d stumbled onto something special.
After settling into our cozy Airbnb, we headed out for a late lunch at Objekt, and let me tell you, this place knows how to feed a crowd. Pro tip: Come hungry. The servings were huge, and the flavors? Absolutely spot on. They didn’t hold back on the sauces or ingredients.
Then, we strolled to Lake Viljandi, which looked like a giant mirror reflecting the pretty skies. Of course, we couldn’t resist getting into the water. Fun fact: I can’t swim. So while the rest of them were splashing around and pretending we weren’t adults, I stayed by the ladder, letting the cold water wake up my senses. I couldn’t ask for more. I got to laugh at their chaotic moment, diving and playing around while enjoying the calm — best of both worlds.
As the sun set, we stopped by a local grocery store to buy food, snacks, and drinks. Back at the Airbnb, we made dinner, whipped up some s’mores (because dessert is life), and stayed up all night playing games, laughing, and having those deep, heart-to-heart talks that only happen when you’re with the right people. By the time we finally went to bed, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much, and my heart felt full.
It wasn’t just a Saturday — it was the kind of day that reminds you why these moments, these people, are everything.
Sunday morning, we went to the Viljandi Castle Ruins. The walk there felt like stepping into a postcard, with cobblestone streets and wooden houses leading the way.
The ruins themselves were absolutely breathtaking. While we’re sitting on a hill overlooking the lake, it looks like they’re something out of a medieval dream. We spent hours exploring, taking dramatic photos (because why not?), and enjoying the views.
One of the highlights was the hanging bridge nearby. It’s a little wobbly, which just adds to the fun. We also found this massive swing that brought out the inner kid in all of us — it’s the simple joys, right?
By late afternoon, we were on the train back to Tallinn, tired but happy, already reminiscing about the weekend. Of course, everything comes to an end, but the memories will stay with us forever — the kind we’ll be talking about for years.
This trip wasn’t just about seeing a new place, it was about creating memories with people who turned Estonia into more than just a study destination for me. It was about reconnecting with life’s simple joys: good company, great food, and the beauty of exploring a place.
So, if you’re ever looking for a quick escape, plan with a few friends and go to Viljandi! Who knows, you might just come back with stories and friendships that’ll last a lifetime.
Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.
Read more blog posts:
- Get to know Estonian universities through virtual tours!
- 7 benefits of studying abroad
- Studying in Estonia: Frequently Asked Questions