Vyborg Castle
Выборгский замок
A medieval castle built by the Swedes in 1293 on an island in the bay. St. Olaf's Tower is Vyborg's city emblem.
Vyborg Castle was built in 1293 as a Swedish stronghold during the Third Swedish Crusade, on Castle Island (Zamkovy Island) deep in the Gulf of Finland. It is one of the best-preserved Western European-style medieval castles in Russia. At its heart stands St. Olaf's Tower, about 50 meters tall. In summer you can climb its narrow stone stairs to look out over the red-tiled roofs of the Old Town and Vyborg Bay. The castle houses a branch of the Leningrad Oblast Museum, which displays the city's history and medieval weapons. The castle has undergone ongoing restoration in recent years, so check the official website or on-site notices for the opening status of the towers and exhibition halls. It is a short walk from the Old Town across Castle Bridge. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Opening hours
10:00am–6:00pm (closed Mondays; some areas closed during restoration)
Nearby sights
- Old Cathedral Ruins
- Clock Tower
- Anna Fortifications (Annenkron)
- Round Tower & Market Square
- Lutheran Church of St. Peter and Paul
- Hermitage-Vyborg Centre
- Transfiguration Cathedral
- Vyborg Old Town & Krepostnaya Street