Tallinn to Rakvere Castle and Lahemaa: Private day trip

Settled since the 9th century, Rakvere Castle was likely a wooden stronghold until the 13th century, when the Danes built a more modern stone structure. Over its long history, the castle was the center of many battles - ‘Vere’ literally means ‘blood’ in Estonian - squaring off against Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great, and passing between German, Swedish, and Polish control. Today, the castle is inhabited by soldiers, craftsmen, and other medieval citizens to immerses visitors in history. Along with a visit to the museum, visitors can try their hand at archery, feel the heft of a medieval sword, step into the chilling torture chamber, sample local vodkas (chased with a pickle), or head down to the wine cellar to try the knights’ favourite drink: a Malvasia wine. To see the castle’s full range of attractions, please visit http://rakverelinnus.ee/en

Situated on the threshold of Lahemaa National Park, Estonia’s largest nature reserve, Viru Bog offers easy access to the park’s characteristic mix of forest and bog landscapes. Visitors can take the 3.5 km path, or full 6 km long loop, along this nature trail to learn about the bog’s flora, former sand dunes, eskers, peat milling field, and heath forest. In the center of the bog-spanning boardwalk, a wooden observation tower provides great views into the bog and natural park beyond.