Rakvere linnus

About the museum

At the end of the Iron Age, the castle site in Rakvere was the site of the Estonian fortress Tarvanpea. In the mid-13th century the Danes began building stone fortifications in its place, and by the mid-14th century a ring-wall castle stood on Vallimäe hill. In 1346–1347 the Danish king sold his Duchy of Estonia to the Teutonic Order, which passed it on to the Livonian Order. The Order period lasted until 1558, and during it the castle was rebuilt into a convent building, around which lay a chapel, a chapter hall, a dining hall and a dormitory. A gun tower was built in the outer courtyard (Eeshoov) in the first half of the 16th century. The castle and its surroundings were governed by a vogt.

During the Livonian War the Russians took possession of the castle and rebuilt its line of fortifications. In 1581 the Swedes recaptured the castle. In the Polish-Swedish War of 1605 the Poles partly blew up the castle, and it was later further destroyed, so that only the ruins of the Order castle remained.

Today Rakvere Castle is a medieval theme park run by the Virumaa Museums. Visitors can take on the roles of knights and warriors and explore the castle’s rooms, for example the room of sciences, the chapel, the refectory, the torture chamber and the barber-surgeon’s and healer’s room. The History Room has an exhibition telling the story of the castle, “Võim ja varemed” (Power and Ruins). The Schenkenberg Inn in the castle serves dishes prepared according to medieval recipes.

Highlights

• Medieval theme park in the ruins of the Order castle
• History Room exhibition “Võim ja varemed” (Power and Ruins)
• Chapel, refectory, torture chamber, hell and death room
• Room of sciences and the barber-surgeon’s and healer’s room
• Schenkenberg Inn with medieval recipes
• Electronic guide in seven languages

Permanent exhibitions

• Võim ja varemed. Rakvere linnuse lugu – The History Room displays objects connected with the castle’s history, which tell the story of Rakvere Castle.
• Rakvere linnus – teemapark – The theme park shows the everyday life of the 16th-century castle: the room of sciences, the chapel, the refectory, the torture chamber, the hell and death room, the street of the red lanterns, and the barber-surgeon’s and healer’s rooms.

Operated by

SA Virumaa Muuseumid

Admission & discounts

Also free: staff of Estonian museums, ICOM members, museum card holders, journalists with a press card, certified guides, persons who were repressed, the guide and bus driver accompanying a group, and one teacher for every ten pupils. Reduced prices apply on presentation of a document. The Linnus+ card gives 20% off. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the museum.

Accessibility

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

Wheelchairs and pushchairs can enter the castle through the large main gate. Visitors should take care in the castle ruins. Visitors can use the electronic guide.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

In the theme park children and adults can take on the roles of knights and warriors. The castle has programmes for children and school pupils.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

The Schenkenberg Inn in the castle serves dishes prepared according to medieval recipes.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Events can be held in the castle, for example company events and feasts in the style of the Order.

Plan your visit