Varbola: Fortifications, Bog Walks and Hotels

Varbola Jaanilinn and its history

Varbola Jaanilinn fortifications give your stay a tangible historical connection. The castle grounds cover just under two hectares and are surrounded by a 580-metre-long rampart. The first written mention of the fortifications dates back to 1212. The rampart is 7 to 10 metres high on the outside and 2 to 7 metres on the inside. These measurements explicitly distinguish between the outer and inner sides; together with the area of the castle grounds and the length of the rampart, they paint a vivid picture of the site.

The landscape around the fortifications also has its own geological history. At the western and northern foot of the site lies a slope dating from an earlier phase of the Baltic Ice Lake. From there, it continues southwards. The slope and the ancient coastal formations along which the RMK Penijõe–Varbola hiking trail leads to the fortifications are two distinct points of interest for experiencing the surrounding landscape.

Hiking Trails and Bog Experiences

The RMK Penijõe–Varbola hiking trail is signposted and marked on trees with white-yellow-white blazes. Its route across ancient coastal formations to the fortifications links a specific landform with a clearly named destination. If you use the trail, you can follow the signs and the described marking pattern.

Preeriakoda offers two bog experiences of different lengths year-round. The “Kuula maad” bog walk lasts three to four hours. The “Tuuluta skalpi” snowshoe hike, also available year-round, takes you into the bog and lasts up to three hours. The time estimates allow for a direct comparison of the planned duration: “Kuula maad” is scheduled for three to four hours, while “Tuuluta skalpi” takes no more than three hours. This lets you choose between the two experiences based on how much time you wish to set aside.

From spring through summer, Preeriakoda also offers the “Marjakorv ja korilased ehk Murueide tütred” package. It combines a workshop on making baskets from birch bark or spruce roots with a blueberry walk in the bog. This seasonal package therefore differs from the year-round walks: it brings together a craft activity and a walk centred on blueberries. When choosing, you can consider whether you are looking for a single bog walk or this combination of a workshop and a walk.

Another option with a longer time frame is the two-day nomadic hike “Hiking on snowshoes in the tranquil bogs of Rapla County”. It starts at the Preeriakoda campsite in Varbola. The named starting point and duration help distinguish this tour from Preeriakoda’s individual, shorter walks.

Events and Accommodation

The annual Varbola puupäevad is a well-attended event at Varbola Jaanilinn fortifications. Wooden sculptures made on site adorn the fortifications during the puupäevad. The event thus brings together the historic site and woodwork created there. If you wish to plan your trip around the Varbola puupäevad, check the event dates before settling on your travel dates.

At Preeriakoda, the “An ancient night at Preeriakoda” experience includes an overnight stay in a tipi beside a crackling fire. The experience is located at Vardi metskond 12, Varbola küla, Märjamaa vald, Rapla maakond. As overnight packages and booking conditions may change, check the current terms before making your plans.

Discover more destinations: Mõraste, Haimre.

For the broader travel overview: Märjamaa.