rakvere castle

We came to Rakvere especially to see the castle. We arrived 2:30 pm in the castle but the staff said that theyre closed. I said its too early because the castle homepage says that "In winter season the castle is opened from Wednesday till Sunday, from 10 am till 4 pm". There were about 4 people in there and they said it is still closed. We thought that we can come back then the other day. The next day it was pretty opened (we arrived about 12 am). We had a tour in the torture chamber were one of the workers introduced different torture things that were used back in the medieval times. We also learned how to do gun powder. Only problem was the cold. But that there were different staff working (MUCH nicer). We saw many animals and warm ourselves by the fire. It was nice travel back to the past.

We had a bad experience. Honestly, the photos of the castle from the outside are just grand. But the staff was quite rude and deserves a real talking to from the town tourism board. We arrived at 3:30. Our guide book said the castle was open until 6:00, so that gave us plenty of time, of so we thought! When we stepped into the "shop" which is where you must enter, s staff of 5 people, dressed in costume, were just standing there chatting. Everyone looked over at the same woman who said, "We are closed." When we indicated we thought they were open until 6:00, she told it that it was special hours today and that they closed at 4:00. We pointed out to her that it was not yet 4. She smiled and looked at the rest of the staff and repeated, "We are closed." We just stood there and waited. Finally, she let my husband through to take photos at the doorway of the courtyard. I waited in the "shop" obviously not going to buy anything there! As we left, we stepped out on the path returning down the hill and met 2 more groups of people going up. One of the gentleman said that it was his third try to get inside, but they were always "closed" even though hours posted indicated that they should be open. Not a good way for the main tourist attraction in town to treat guests. We did have a lovely dinner at the Art Cafe and had a nice stay at the Villa Teresa just on the outside of town. But really? The castle was the only reason we had headed to Rakvere in the first place. Very, very disappointed.

The castle is a great place to visit again even if you've been here years before. They add something new every year and it's fun with friends or family.

We came too late so we didnt get inside but it looked REALLY GOOD even from the outside. Sun was setting and it created spooky medieval atmosphere. If you have a chance - visit it at sunlight.

Rakveve is situated approximately 100 km east of Tallinn served by a frequent bus service and a not so frequent train service, driving it is just a few kilometres off the main road serving the east of the country.If travelling by bus, as I did, the journey time is between 75 – 90 minutes depending on the service you choose to use and the fare differs from 3.60 to 7.00 Euro again depending on which bus operator you are using, one thing I would add is that the train station is about 3.5 km outside the town and a very erratic service from Tallinn does not help. The bus station is in the town centre and an easy 10 minute or so walk towards the castle, once you get to the path leading up to the castle you will have to negotiate a set of steps, at a guess about 30 if I remember correctly, once at the top of the steps the castle is facing you across a small dip in the land to get to the castle you just walk around this small dip.The 16th Century castle itself is not the greatest looking in the world but it does have something about it, there is also a small museum with historical weapons, armour which people can try on which is great for children and information on it's history. Also the staff are all dressed in period costumes which adds that bit more for the kids to see and which does also add to the medieval look of the place along with a few geese and ducks wondering around.In Rakveve there is also the 15th Century Trinity Church set alongside a small park area with a stream and stone bridge which does look very photogenic, the church itself was all locked up while I was there so there was no way to view the interior (very disappointing !!) Other then these two places of interest there was not a lot more to offer that would want to make you stay that much longer (well me anyway).Is it worth the 100 km journey from Tallinn, and not forgetting the 100 km back for me not so. If you are driving from Tallinn to Kivioli in the east or to Tartu in the south-east it would be worth the little detour to give it an hour or so visit but, as mentioned, not the 200 km round trip from Tallinn. Also at the time of writing the castle was closed on Monday and Tuesday but do double check because, as you know, things do change.Thank you for taking the time to read my review and enjoy your next trip but above all may it be a safe one..... Enjoy !Chris Leavy.Independent Traveller.With 3 Credits in The Rough Guide Travel Books.(France, Turkey and China.)

A good half-day opportunity to explore the castle and medieval ruins and understand the history of Estonia. Opportunity for kids to participate in events, and also adult activities (archery). Enjoyed the fact that all items were touchable and not everything is under glass--all areas of the castle are open for exploration.

It is reasonably well preserved and big and very beautiful seen from afar. It is not as if it lost its charm at close quarters, but it really presents an imposing facade from some distance.

The castle is quiet ruined but the internal courtyard and some rooms have been restored and decorated with medieval-style furniture. There free animals (geese, horses, sheeps) a restaurant, some attractions like prisons, wine cellars etc.It's turistic but it's fancy and well oganized. You can spend a pleasant half day in.

Went to the Medieval Castle in Rakvere, Estonia and it was quite cool with lots of equipment and animals as would be seen many centuries ago. It is about a 90 minute drive from Tallinn through forests and farmlands. At the castle you can put on a tunic for your tour and try out all types of things such as archery, stocks, wooden horses, gauntlet and other fun things. There are horses, goats and geese roaming the castle. The food was good but lots of bees everywhere there is food so if you're allergic to bees please bring your bee sting kit or you will not be happy. The bees didn't seem aggressive but you never know. Next to the castle is an enormous bull sculpture standing guard. I would recommend the tour as a good way of seeing a piece of Estonia history. We went with a cruise tour company named Eltor.

Intersting place to be, and see how thing where in the old days, with knights and blacksmiths, and how things where done in those days !

Very beautiful and interesting place how for children as for adults.Very professional service.Lot interesting information about old time.You can not only watch ,you can try many things.

Such a cute place. Wasn't as big as we expected but gives you nice feel. Guides dressed up but they seamed to be just sitting around rather the interacting with visitors. Probably bored already of dressing up every day. Nice site overall

Wow, this was a fun place to visit. First you need to climb about 100 stairs to get to the castle. The guide dressed in "old time clothes" and so was the rest of the staff. Lots to see and lots of history. Since we were there on a ship excursion we were fed lunch that was very good. View from the top of the castle was amazing. We also did vodka taste tests. This excursion was well worth it and would recommend it.

Lacking easy access to floorplan it was kind of "lets see this" kind of visiting the rooms in irregular order - loud tourism group was touring the castle and we tried to avoid them. Swords displayed on second floor were nice along the written history of the sword fighting. Horror chamber was kind of wet with pools of water like other ground floor rooms. We visited during light snow falling around us. Walls and few places in the outer walls were discovered by accident - some of them are quite creepy as they involve walking inside the wall in dark and that corridor is really narrow and floor is unsteady. As a experience still worthwhile and you can see how tall the castle is! We visited only three floors but those corridors continued like fice more floors upwards (mostly still inside the wall) - those parts are mostly collapsed so no access.Smallish place to visit.

I have been at Rakvere Castle around 5 year before and now recently in last summer. Place has been very well cleaned up and offers nice picnic spots with great view over the town.