Varbola

The best-known cultural landmark is the Varbola Jaanilinn fortress. Its inner area covers just under 2 hectares and is surrounded by a 580-metre-long rampart. The rampart is 7–10 metres high on the outside and 2–7 metres high on the inside. The first written mention of Varbola Jaanilinn dates from 1212.

• The RMK Penijõe–Varbola hiking trail is signposted and marked on trees with white-yellow-white markings.
• At Preeriakoda, a 3–4-hour bog hike and a snowshoe hike lasting up to three hours are offered year-round.
• The annual Varbola puupäevad produce wooden sculptures made on site, which decorate the fortress.

The size of the site makes Varbola Jaanilinn a tangible destination for a cultural trip. The inner area, measuring just under 2 hectares, lies within a powerful rampart whose varying heights on the outside and inside have been preserved. Those interested in the history of the site can also view the fortress in the context of its first written mention in 1212.

The landscape surrounding the fortress also helps put the site into context. At the western and northern foot of Varbola Jaanilinn lies a landform step from an earlier phase of the Baltic Ice Lake; from there, it continues southward. The RMK Penijõe–Varbola hiking trail crosses ancient coastal formations on its way to the fortress. This makes it possible to combine the cultural route with observing the landscape, without presenting the two themes as a single circular trail.

At Preeriakoda, the “Kuula maad” bog hike offers a 3–4-hour tour year-round. The “Tuuluta skalpi” snowshoe hike into the bog, lasting up to three hours, is also offered year-round. The two formats differ mainly in the type of experience: you can choose between a bog hike and a snowshoe tour.

From spring to summer, the “Marjakorv ja korilased ehk Murueide tütred” package combines a workshop for making birch-bark or spruce-root baskets with a blueberry hike in the bog. This offering combines hands-on crafts with a landscape experience. The season is therefore relevant when planning your trip if this seasonal package is to be the main focus.

The two-day nomadic hike “Hiking on snowshoes in the tranquil bogs of Rapla County” begins at the Preeriakoda campsite in Varbola. The “An ancient night at Preeriakoda” experience also includes an overnight stay in a tipi beside a crackling fire. The address given for this overnight experience is Vardi metskond 12, Varbola küla, Märjamaa vald, Rapla maakond.

These offerings give the search for accommodation in Varbola a clear thematic direction: you can choose between a stay focused on the fortress and cultural events or an itinerary featuring bog hikes and special nature experiences. If you would like to compare other destinations, you can also find Mõraste and Haimre.

The Varbola puupäevad are an annual and well-attended event at the Varbola Jaanilinn fortress. Wooden sculptures made on site subsequently decorate the fortress. The event is therefore particularly interesting for travellers who want to combine the historic site with a cultural event and craftsmanship.

When was Varbola Jaanilinn first mentioned in writing?

The first written mention of Varbola Jaanilinn dates from 1212.

How long does the “Kuula maad” bog hike take?

The bog hike, offered year-round, lasts 3–4 hours.

Is there a snowshoe hike in Varbola?

At Preeriakoda, the “Tuuluta skalpi” snowshoe hike into the bog, lasting up to three hours, is offered year-round.

What are the Varbola puupäevad?

The Varbola puupäevad are an annual event at the Varbola Jaanilinn fortress, during which wooden sculptures are made on site and decorate the grounds.

For the broader travel overview: Märjamaa.