Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | Rakvere Fortress is one of the most exciting sights in northern Estonia. Here you can not only explore the ruins of the old castle, but also step straight into a world of knights, medieval environments and historical activities. The fortress also has connections to both Denmark and Sweden. We visited Rakvere during our motorhome trip through Estonia - here are our experiences and tips.
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Rakvere Fortress in Estonia
Rakvere Fortress is located on Vallimägi Hill in the city of Rakvere in northern Estonia and has a history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Over the centuries, the castle has been controlled by several different powers, including Denmark, the Livonian Order, Sweden, and Poland.
During the wars between Sweden and Poland, the fortress was badly damaged and eventually lost its military significance. Today, impressive ruins remain, which have been transformed into a historical experience center. Here, a medieval world has been built with activities and environments that bring history to life – for both children and adults.
Medieval activities at Rakvere Fortress
As soon as we stepped into the courtyard of Rakvere Fortress, it felt like being thrown back to the 16th century with knights, horses, carriages, gallows for hanging and cackling chickens.
There is also a restaurant on the farm, the Schenkenberg Inn, where you can drink beer and order typical medieval dishes.
Torture chambers, prisons and alchemists
There is also much to discover inside the fortress. When we were here, you could visit wine cellars, chapels, torture chambers and prisons, as well as an environment that shows what an alchemist's workshop might have looked like.
View from the wall
If you go to the top of the wall, you have a great view of the whole castle, and partly also of the city of Rakvere.
City of Rakvere
Rakvere is a small town in northern Estonia and was historically called Wesenberg. The fortress is the city's most prominent attraction, but Rakvere is also known for its spas and the large Tarvas statue that stands on Vallimägi next to the castle.
Tarva statue
On Vallimägi, right next to the fortress, stands Rakvere's most famous modern landmark: the enormous Tarvas statue. The bronze statue depicts an aurochs and was created by Estonian sculptor Tauno Kangro. It was erected in 2002 in connection with Rakvere's celebration of 700 years of city rights.
The statue is enormous – together with the granite base, it is about seven meters long and four meters high – and it is hard to miss when visiting the fortress.
Mereoja Seaview Caravan & Camping
After the visit to the Rakvere fortress, we rolled on to the Mereoja Seaview Caravan & Camping, located on the northern coast of Estonia. Wow, what a nice campsite! This place was completely to our taste.
When we visited Mereoja, the service facilities were very modern and the campsite had electricity, water, emptying facilities, WiFi and washing machines, among other things.
At the end of the campsite, a small staircase leads down to a small sandy beach. The sand is really nice and it's shallow. What more could you want? By the way, one thing that's nice about traveling and camping in Estonia is that it's so peaceful, and not crowded anywhere!
What did we think of Rakvere Fortress?
Rakvere Fortress was a fun stop on our trip through northern Estonia. We like that they have not only preserved the ruins, but also tried to bring history alive with environments and activities inside the castle.
The combination of the old fortress, the view and the mighty Tarvas statue makes Rakvere well worth a stop – especially if you are driving between Tallinn and eastern Estonia.
More to see in the neighbourhood
If you want to continue your adventure in Estonia, there is much more to see and discover. Here you will find more tips and reports:
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Rakvere Fortress
Where is Rakvere Fortress located?
Rakvere Fortress is located on the Vallimägi hill in the town of Rakvere in northern Estonia. Rakvere is located about 100 kilometers east of Tallinn and is a good stop on a trip through northern Estonia.
What is there to do at Rakvere Fortress?
Rakvere Fortress is both a historical ruin and an experience center. Here you can explore different parts of the old castle and experience environments and activities related to the Middle Ages. The range of offerings may vary, so check the current information before your visit.
Is Rakvere Fortress suitable for children?
Yes, the fortress is designed as a historical experience and many of the activities are suitable for families. However, some environments, such as the torture chamber, may be perceived as creepy by younger children.
How much time do you need at Rakvere Fortress?
Allow at least a couple of hours if you want to explore the fortress and take part in some of the activities. Combine your visit with the Tarvas Statue and a look around Rakvere.
What is the Tarvas statue in Rakvere?
Tarvas is a large bronze sculpture of an aurochs. It stands on Vallimägi right next to Rakvere Fortress and was created by Estonian sculptor Tauno Kangro.
Can you visit Rakvere by camper?
Yes, Rakvere is easy to reach by car or camper and is a good stop during a road trip through northern Estonia. After our visit, we continued to Mereoja Seaview Caravan & Camping on the coast.
How far is it from Tallinn to Rakvere?
Rakvere is located about 100 kilometers east of Tallinn. By car, the journey takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and where in Tallinn you start.
Programme "Promoting Estonia as a Tourism Destination" is supported by European Union Regional Development Fund.
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Ann says:
That looks like my kind of place 😀.
09 July 2019 - 8:34
Helena says:
Well worth a visit! ??
09 July 2019 - 16:44
Ama de casa says:
A bit more hustle and bustle in that fortress than the ones Anders usually sniff out here in Spain... 😉.
Lovely to have some space around you when travelling around 🙂 .
09 July 2019 - 9:56
Helena says:
All the activity in the castle was a bit of a surprise for us, but fun! And sooo nice that there is space here! I notice that you get a little more relaxed from it! ??
09 July 2019 - 16:45
Ditte says:
Rakverer is nice! I have been here a few times. And getting around Estonia is easy because the distances are quite small. If you pass the small fishing village of Käsmu, take a look there.
I have never camped but have travelled around a lot. There are lots of small nice hotels and guesthouses.
Keep up the good work.
09 July 2019 - 13:38
Helena says:
Glad you were here Ditte! We visited Käsmu when we were in the national park, nice! Of course there are many hotels and guesthouses, and many campsites too!
09 July 2019 - 16:46
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
It's great when they have some activities and the buildings come alive. Sometimes it feels as if we are tired of castles and fortresses just because it is only one building.
09 July 2019 - 19:04
BP says:
The tick was really big, bigger than I thought when I saw the outside. The activities are somewhat reminiscent of the medieval week on Gotland.
09 July 2019 - 20:27
Nils-Åke Hansson says:
I can believe you are in Spain! What a lot of exciting things you find there. Many good tips. Keep up the good work
09 July 2019 - 21:27
Lena - gott för själen says:
Places like that are so cool to visit. Fun to walk around and fantasise about what it was like at the time. And wow, what a stay. Maffig!
Hug Lena
10 July 2019 - 6:39
Mias Mix says:
Have never been to Estonia but have seen all your nice pictures on instagram. I have to admit that I want to go there. This place looks very charming. Travelling around the country gives so much more than just being in one place. Although it can also be nice sometimes 🙂 Have a good time!
11 July 2019 - 19:55