Rakvere Things to Do

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Near the castle, on Vallimägi hill, overlooking one of the main roads into the town, is the giant seven ton bronze bull statue. Now as I said in the intro, the town used to be called Tarvaspää, or Bull's Head, so it's no surprise that they mark the town's 700th birthday by building a statue of a huge, imposing bull.

I would liked to have got more, better, pictures of the statue, but it was so cold on that hill, I swear my fingers would have snapped off if I'd stayed any longer.

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This particular castle has been around since the 14th century, but there's evidence that it dates back much further than that. Before the stone castle, there was very likely a wooden fortification on the same spot.

There's not much left, due to it seeing a lot of combat. This was long a troubled region. The castle has been occupied by Germans, Danes, Swedes, Russians and Poles. It was pretty much destroyed during the 16th and 17th centuries, when Sweden, Russia and the Livonians (Lithuanians and Poles).

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Rakvere castle is usually closed during the winter, but we got lucky because they had opened it for three tour groups from Latvia and they let us in to see it.

There is a small torture chamber and horror house, a sword museum, and restaurant inside of the castle. There are also exhibits of life in the castle.

It cost about $3.50(40EEK) per person and $7(80EEK) for a family pass.

In Rakvere there is also "Old Town" along Pikk street.
"Trinity church" which was built during the 14th and 15th centuries.
"Okaskroon", a memorial to Estonians deported to Siberia, and next to it is a german military cemetery.

There are many manor houses located around Rakvere, including Arkna, Karitsa, Kloodi, Kullaaru, Lasila, Madipea, and Veltsi. Farther out there are also probably the most famous of Estonian manors, Saagadi and Palmse: both of which are now very nice hotels.(see my Sagadi travelpage)

The Danes built the first stone stronghold on Vallimae Hill around 1302 but it has had may different owners throughout its lifetime. In 1605 it was permanantly abandoned and allowed to fall into ruin. But recently part of it has been renovated and it now houses a museum. During the summer open air concerts and festivals are held there.

The large bull monument, a windmill and a recreation area are located on the same hill. The town itself is also within walking distance of the castle.

The castle was first mentioned in old records in 1226 at which time the town, ruled by Danes, was called Wesenberg. The town was freed by the Danish king in 1302.

After Virumaa and Harjumaa passed into the possession of the Livonian Order in 1347, a major reconstruction of the castle was carried out in several stages.

The castle was under Danish, German, Russian, Swedish and Polish rule for about 400 years -- it was destroyed in 1605.

The castle is now a museum and events centre -- you can see medieval weapons, try firing a crossbow, you can learn about the history of the Livonian Order, see a medieval dining room, chapel, wine cellar and torture chamber if you wish -- guided tours are available.

Opening times :-

June / July / August --
open every day 11-00 to 19-00

May and September --
open Wednesday to Sunday 11-00 to 17-00

There is an entrance fee.

Well, if you go to the castle you can't miss the big sculpture of a bull in front of it -- it's become a sort of landmark and people have their photos taken in front of it -- I stayed behind the camera ....