Helme Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Tõrva, Estonia
Helme Castle is a fortress ruin on a steep slope beside the Pärnu-Valga road, with remaining walls showing tall window openings and medieval structural details. The remains are easy to explore and reveal how such defenses were built and positioned in the landscape.
The fortress was built in the first half of the 14th century as a stronghold for the Livonian Order and served for centuries. Swedish forces destroyed it in 1658 during military campaigns, leaving behind the remains we see today.
Near the castle grounds sits the Doctor's Spring in the valley, where local people have long believed its water holds healing properties. Visitors can discover this traditional spot and explore what draws people to visit it.
The ruins are accessible year-round and can be visited without an entrance fee. The location sits right beside a main road, making it easy to reach and allowing visitors to view the structure from different angles.
According to old stories, a young woman was sealed into the walls during construction to strengthen the fortress. This tale is still told by local people and remains part of the castle's folklore legacy.
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