Varbola Stronghold

Varbola Jaanilinn is a ring fort of drystone limestone enclosing an area of around two hectares, with a rampart running some 580 metres in circumference and standing to several metres, built from about the tenth century and in use through the wars of the early thirteenth, when it was attacked by Novgorodian and then crusading forces. It is the largest circular stronghold of its kind in Estonia. Inside were dwellings and a well cut deep into the limestone; outside are the remains of a settlement and burial ground. The site is grassed over with the rampart clearly readable, and a visitor point with reconstructions operates in season.

What you actually see

• The ring rampart - the drystone wall running the full circuit.
• The well - the shaft cut into the limestone inside the fort.
• The interior - the enclosed area where the dwellings stood.
• Reconstructions - the built demonstrations at the visitor point.

When to go

May to September when the visitor point is staffed and the reconstructions accessible; the site itself is open year round. Low sun shows the rampart best. Midsummer events are held here.

Honest expectations

Outside the season the site is unstaffed with no interpretation. What survives is an earth-and-stone rampart, not buildings, and takes reading to understand. There is little shelter. Facilities are seasonal.

Nearby

Rapla lies east; Tallinn is north.