Narva linnus

About the museum

The more than 700-year-old Narva Hermann Castle has belonged over the course of its history to the Danes, Germans, Swedes, Russians and finally to Estonians. The castle took on the form it still has today during the rule of the Livonian Order in the 14th–16th centuries. The Danes probably built the first castle on the west bank of the Narva River in the second half of the 13th century. The castle was badly damaged in the Second World War and was largely restored in the 1970s and 1980s, when a museum opened there.

As a result of reconstruction work that began in January 2018, the fully restored convent building opened in June 2020 with a new permanent exhibition focusing on the history of the castle itself, from the arrival of the first Danes on the banks of the Narva River to the present day. Visitors can now access the previously closed east wing on the river side and the gallery running along the battlements of the convent building; two lifts make movement easier in the stairwells.

From the 51-metre-high Pika Hermann Tower there is a view of Narva, the Kreenholm Manufactory and the Ivangorod Fortress in Russia. Alongside the castle’s permanent exhibition the museum also shows temporary exhibitions, and in the summer season the café “Maitsepaik” operates in the North Courtyard.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition in the convent building on the history of the castle
• Pika Hermann Tower (51 m) with views of Narva and the Ivangorod Fortress
• Gallery along the battlements and the east wing on the river side
• Two lifts, and an audio guide included in the ticket price
• View of the Kreenholm Manufactory
• Summer café “Maitsepaik” in the North Courtyard

Permanent exhibition

• Narva linnuse püsiekspositsioon – The permanent exhibition in the convent building focuses on the history of the castle itself, from the arrival of the first Danes on the banks of the Narva River to the present day.

Operated by

SA Narva Muuseum

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for employees of Estonian museums, ICOM and ICOMOS members, journalists with a press card, victims of repression, children from residential and foster homes, Ukrainian war refugees, and one companion for every ten group members. The Linnus+ card gives 20% off. An annual subscription also gives a permanent 10% discount on the museum’s services and shop. Photo and video sessions for private individuals cost €30 per hour; taking photos and videos for personal use without flash and tripod is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Visitors with mobility impairments can access the castle park, the west courtyard, the permanent exhibitions and the temporary exhibitions in the convent building. Lifts connect the castle’s three floors. A disabled-transport minibus can enter the west courtyard through the castle park if the museum is notified in advance (+372 359 9230). The accessible car park is on Peetri Square, next to the restaurant Old Trafford, and the accessible toilet is on the castle’s ground floor. Wheelchairs can be rented at the Kerese Centre (Paul Kerese 3). For visually impaired visitors an audio guide can be borrowed from the box office; it is included in the ticket price.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly

The museum organises family days and programmes for children; the castle has lifts.

Getting there & parking

The accessible car park is on Peetri Square.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Maitsepaik café in the North Courtyard is open only in the summer season (in 2026 from 22 May to 30 August, daily 10:00–18:00). The museum has an online shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum rents out rooms and organises events for companies and groups.

Plan your visit