The Town of Rakvere can be found midway between Tallinn and the border at Narva. It was over 700 years ago, in the year 1302, that the city received Lubeck township rights. With a population of about 19,000, Rakvere offers a glimpse of the Estonian variety of a small, provincial town. The most famous attraction is the ancient Tarvanpea Castle Ruins on Rakvere Vallimagi.

This fenced fortification was first mentioned in Henric's Livonian Chronicle from the year 1226. The castle has had a variety of powerful owners including the Swedish, Polish and Danish Monarchies, the Livonian Order and the Russia Tsars. At the end of the 16th century and beginning of the 17th century the castle was damaged in a number of ruthless battles. Though it has lost some of its former glory to the ravages of war, Tarvanpea continues to amaze and inspire.

Sightseeing in Estonia | Interactive Map | County of Lääne-Virumaa