Guided Cycling Tour in Southern Estonia – 5 Days of Nature, Culture and Culinary Delights

A 5-day guided cycling tour around Viljandi and through the Mulgimaa region

mulgimaa rattamatk

Discover Southern Estonia on two wheels – far away from mass tourism, along quiet roads, through green landscapes and picturesque small towns.
This special cycling tour combines nature experiences with Estonian culture, regional cuisine and warm hospitality.
We cycle around the historic Hanseatic town of Viljandi, follow a former railway line through forests and rural landscapes, and visit a traditional Estonian country homestead.
In the evenings, we enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, relax in the sauna and discover the culinary traditions of Mulgimaa.
The tour takes place in a small group of no more than 15 people. Your tour leader accompanies you throughout the journey, introducing you to the region, its people and the unique character of Southern Estonia.

What to expect

  • Five memorable days and four nights at the nature-surrounded Männiku Metsatalu
  • Cycling tours through the beautiful landscapes of Southern Estonia
  • Exploring the Hanseatic town of Viljandi, including its Old Town and castle hills
  • Cycling along the „Rohelised Rööpad“ (Green Tracks) route, following a former railway line
  • Visiting a traditional Estonian country homestead with ancient trees and impressive glacial boulders
  • Tasting regional specialities and discovering Estonian food culture
  • A shared barbecue evening, sauna and time to relax in nature
  • Preparing the traditional Mulgimaa dish Mulgi puder together

Your Travel Programme

Day 1 – Welcome to Southern Estonia

Your journey begins in Viljandi. From there, we will arrange the agreed pick-up from the railway station and travel together to Männiku Metsatalu, your accommodation for the next four nights.
After checking in, we get to know each other over a shared dinner. We introduce the tour programme and give you your first insights into the region and its traditions.

Day 2 – Viljandi, the Hanseatic Town and the Lake (39 km)

Today we discover Viljandi by bicycle. Our route takes us to Lake Viljandi and along a circular trail of approximately 13 kilometres through varied and beautiful landscapes.
Afterwards, we explore the town with its historic streets, Old Town and castle hills.
You will learn more about the history of this former Hanseatic town and life in Southern Estonia.
The total cycling distance for the day is approximately 39 kilometres. We stop for lunch in Viljandi.
In the evening, a cosy barbecue awaits us at Männiku Metsatalu.
Together, we prepare mushrooms and vegetables and discover kama, a traditional Estonian drink.

     

Day 3 – Cycling Along Old Railway Tracks Through Nature (46 km)

Today we follow the Rohelised Rööpad (Green Tracks) cycling route from Viljandi to Mõisaküla. The approximately 46-kilometre route follows a former railway line for much of the way, taking us through forests, peaceful countryside and small villages.
Along the way, we discover the rural side of Southern Estonia and take breaks in the surrounding region. We enjoy lunch in Halliste.
After the cycling tour, we return to our accommodation. We end the day with a relaxing sauna session and, weather permitting, a refreshing swim.

Day 4 – Traditional Estonian Country Life in Kimmasaare (29 km)

Today’s cycling tour takes us to Kimmasaare, a traditional Estonian country homestead.
Here, we experience a glimpse of authentic Estonian rural life. We discover ancient trees and impressive glacial boulders and learn more about life on a traditional Estonian farmstead.
Depending on the season, we may go berry or mushroom picking in the forest or learn how to make a traditional sauna whisk.
After lunch at the farmstead, we cycle back or arrange the agreed transfer to our accommodation.
In the evening, a special culinary experience awaits us: together, we prepare Mulgi puder, the traditional potato and barley groat porridge of the Mulgimaa region.
We also share stories about regional food culture and local traditions.

   

Day 5 – Time to Enjoy and Say Goodbye

We begin our final day with a relaxed breakfast. Afterwards, there is time to enjoy the nature surrounding Männiku Metsatalu and bring our journey to a peaceful end.
After checking out, we travel to Viljandi. Here, you can explore the town at your own pace, stroll through the Old Town or relax in one of its cafés.
The tour ends in Viljandi. Travel onwards by train to Tallinn needs to be arranged individually. Upon request, a transfer to Tallinn or Riga Airport can be arranged for an additional fee.

Practical Information

  • Duration: 5 days / 4 nightsTravel season: May to September
  • Group size: Maximum 15 participants
  • Accommodation: Männiku Metsatalu – all four nights at the same accommodation
  • Transport: Bicycles; bicycle transport and necessary transfers are arranged
  • Tour leader: Jaanika accompanies the group throughout the entire journey
  • Dates: On request
  • Price: From €719 per person

The tour price includes:

  • 4 nights in a twin room, including breakfast
  • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Bicycle rental
  • Bicycle transport
  • Transfers during the tour
  • Personal tour leader accompanying the group throughout the journey
  • The cycling distances are approximate planning estimates. The programme may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, the season and local circumstances.

Ready for a Special Cycling Adventure in Estonia?

If you would like to discover Southern Estonia by bicycle, taste regional specialities and experience authentic Estonian country life, I would be delighted to hear from you!
Interested in joining this tour? Send me an email: kirglikavastaja@gmail.com

What Our Guests Say

“It was a very interesting and varied trip, full of wonderful impressions and special highlights. We would especially like to mention Jaanika’s fresh, warm and always humorous approach to guiding. She found a competent solution to every problem and made sure we felt well looked after throughout the entire journey.

Gabi and Frank Bergmann