Hermann Castle, Medieval castle in Narva, Estonia
The castle stands on limestone cliffs along the Narva River, featuring a main quadrilateral structure with the High Hermann tower rising 51 meters.
Danish rulers established the first wooden fortification in 1256, which the Livonian Order later purchased in 1346 and transformed into stone defenses.
The castle museum exhibits regional artifacts and maintains craft workshops in the northern courtyard where visitors learn about medieval Estonian traditions.
The castle complex spans 3.2 hectares and includes multiple entrance points, defensive structures, and a museum displaying the history of Narva region.
The fortress faces directly across the Narva River from Ivangorod Castle, creating a rare architectural dialogue between medieval Estonian and Russian fortifications.
Location: Narva City
GPS coordinates: 59.37556,28.20083
Latest update: May 16, 2025 10:25
From the Baltic to the Black Sea, fortresses and castles define the landscape of Eastern Europe. These structures reflect military architecture from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, displaying different defensive techniques and regional traditions. Some were built as border strongholds, others controlled trade routes or served as power centers for local rulers. Khotyn Fortress on the banks of the Dniester in Ukraine stands among the region's most significant defensive works. In Poland, Malbork Castle documents the power of the Teutonic Order, while Hermann Fortress in Estonia and Novgorod Kremlin in Russia marked strategic points in Baltic and Russian defense systems. Further south, Golubac Fortress guards the Danube at the Iron Gates, and Baba Vida Fortress in Bulgaria ranks among the Balkans' preserved medieval compounds. Many of these sites now function as museums or archaeological locations. The ruins of Strečno Castle in Slovakia overlook the Váh Valley, while Bran Castle in Romania draws visitors through its association with Dracula lore. These fortifications document centuries of military and political history across Eastern Europe.
These Baltic locations showcase Estonia's authentic nature and culture. From sandstone caves to medieval fortresses, from national parks to historical lighthouses, the country offers many discoveries away from main routes.
Ivangorod Fortress
405 m
Old Town of Narva
1 km
Narva bastions
731 m
Cathedral of the Resurrection
642 m
Swedish lion statue in Narva
292 m
Alexander's Cathedral
557 m
Narva Town Hall
447 m
Jaanilinna Jumalaema Uinumise kirik
333 m
Victoria Bastion
647 m
Dark Garden
553 m
Дом Петра I
387 m
Барс
477 m
Нарвская мастацкая галерэя
813 m
Narva Kreenholmi Stadium
1.6 km
Monument to Paul Keres
368 m
Hahni trepp
173 m
Narva Mihkli kirik
1.2 km
Orthodox church of Narva Icon of Our Lady in Narva
1.3 km
Stadtberg Narva-Joaorg
779 m
Narva granary
806 m
Saint Nicholas Church (Ivangorod)
355 m
Narva gümnaasiumi hoone
601 m
Monument Põhjasõjas Narva piiramisel langenud vene sõjaväelastele
723 m
Храм Двенадцати апостолов (Нарва)
1.6 km
St. Anthony's Chapel
777 m
Gemeinschaftsgrab für die Toten des Zweiten Weltkriegs in Narva
809 m
Jaama park, Narva
723 m
Покровская церковь (Петра и Павла) (Ивангород)
1.3 kmReviews
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