Away day to to Rakvere

An Introduction to Rakvere - a Load of Old Bull?

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My guidebook described Rakvere as "set with a magnificent castle - and very large bull sculpture". That's good enough for me. Those were not the only factors in choosing to visit Rakvere. I was looking for a simple bus ride from the capital, Tallinn, and, with it raining sporadically, somewhere with something to do indoors. There is a regular bus service between Tallinn and Rakvere with the journey taking just under two hours; its not an especially scenic journey, unless miles and miles of monotonous forest floats your boat. I was pleased to read that this part of Estonia is not much visited and that Estonians from the rest of the country look upon the inhabitants of this area ...Read More

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The Bull Statue

Attraction | "A Load of Old Bull?"

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As you come into Rakvere from the west you might spot a rather odd sculpture looking down on you from a hill top on the edge of town. It really is quite odd - you see the silhouette of bulls on hills in southern Spain but it's not something you expect to see in Estonia.If you are visiting the castle in Rakvere it's only a short walk across the plateau to the bull to get a closer look otherwise its a fifteen minute climb from the centre of town. If you want a less energetic way you can drive up and park near the castle and walk across.The statue was commissioned to commemorate Rakvere's 700th anniversary of being granted Lubeck City rights and was designed by local artist Tauno ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on April 25, 2009

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Rakvere Castle

Attraction | "Rakvere Castle - You'll Be Scared Silly!"

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Although our guidebook told us the castle was not open that September day (there is limited opening during the off season) the tourist information staff informed us that the castle was fully open. As one would expect, the castle sits above the town on a high plateau – Vallimägi - that is worth the climb for the views alone. The short route is a challenging walk so people with children might want to take the route by road instead. This castle dates from the fourteenth century when it was built by the Danish. In the centuries since then it has been under the command of the Danes, the Russians, the Swedes and the Poles. Various battles did damage to the castle but reconstruction was com...Read More

Although our guidebook told us the castle was not open that September day (there is limited opening during the off season) the tourist information staff informed us that the castle was fully open.
As one would expect, the castle sits above the town on a high plateau – Vallimägi - that is worth the climb for the views alone. The short route is a challenging walk so people with children might want to take the route by road instead.

This castle dates from the fourteenth century when it was built by the Danish. In the centuries since then it has been under the command of the Danes, the Russians, the Swedes and the Poles. Various battles did damage to the castle but reconstruction was completed in 2004 and the castle is now undoubtedly Rakvere's main attraction.

In actual fact we had been misinformed, the castle was not fully open as some of the more family oriented activities do not take place in the off season. This did not concern us however but I would recommend that families visit in summer to enjoy all the activities. The idea is to demonstrate what went on in this kind of castle in medieval times so there are demonstrations of coin minting, a blacksmith's forge, archery and candle-making, all hands on so that children can have a go at everything.

We toured most of the castle independently although there were several "costumed" staff available for tours if required; a brief leaflet does well at explaining what there is to see. As well as the outdoor "sideshows" there are plenty of hands on things inside the castle buildings too. You are allowed – and encouraged – to try on replica helmets and brandish replica swords – they are still heavy and dangerous though so do take care with children (and big kids at heart too)

One room documents the history of the castle with some worthwhile diagrams and exhibits, other rooms are either empty (though interesting to see) or house more money making opportunities such as the original wine cellar (where tasting now take place) and the Schenkenburg in where you can enjoy a spot of lunch. We didn’t but it did smell very good.

The rather makeshift "Chamber of Horrors" is not to be missed but you need to be escorted through this part of the castle. A young man with good English but not so clued up on British humour led us round the chamber of horrors and gave a memorable commentary. Young children might be alarmed by this but older children will love it. The third room "hell" is funny more than horrific but it will probably be the highlight of your trip.

As we didn’t have a fully guided tour we felt we didn’t learn much about Rakvere Castle but we did have a lot of fun. We paid 60 EEK (the child admission price is 40 EEK). Visit the website at the address below for full details of prices for groups and the additional charges for different activities.

http://www.svm.ee/index.php?objectID=2

Open 01.05 – 30.09
11.00– 19.00
(contact by telephone to arrange a visit outside of the summer months)
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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 30, 2008

Rakvere Castle
Rakvere Vallimagi
Rakvere
+372 32 25500

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Rakvere Journals

Away day to to Rakvere

An Introduction to Rakvere - a Load of Old Bull?

The Bull Statue

Rakvere Castle

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