Tarvastu Castle Ruins
Tarvastu ordulinnus
Ruins of a Livonian Order castle on a high island in a forest river, where Viljandi’s red suspension bridge was originally built across the moat.
Tarvastu Castle was built in the 14th century, about 22 km southeast of Viljandi in Sooviku village. It stood on a high island encircled by the Tarvastu River and was destroyed during the Livonian War in the 16th century, leaving only moss-covered wall fragments and ditches. The site is surrounded by ancient woodland with a quiet atmosphere, and there is also a small chapel of the manor family. The red bridge in Viljandi was originally built in 1879 to reach this chapel. Admission is free. There are trails and simple information boards on site, and it is suitable for a stop on the way to Lake Võrtsjärv by car.
Opening hours
All day (free)
Nearby sights
- Loodi Nature Park
- Lake Võrtsjärv
- Viljandi Old Water Tower
- Viljandi Old Town
- Viljandi Museum
- Lake Viljandi
- Kondas Centre
- Estonian Traditional Music Centre (Folk Music Barn)