Valjala: Church, Castle and Disc Golf

Valjala brings together different travel interests: the history of Saint Martin's Church and its churchyard, the Valjala maalinn castle site, disc golf and events. If you are looking for a hotel in Valjala, the reason for your trip can help determine where to stay. Church and burial history, time outdoors and attending an event are different areas of focus; you can include them independently in your plans.

Church and churchyard: building and burial history

Saint Martin's Church in Valjala was probably built around 1230 and is considered the oldest stone church built in the territory of Estonia. The church contains a Romanesque baptismal font from the 13th century.

Valjala's churchyard is also part of its history. The churchyard surrounding the church includes an underground cemetery dating back to at least the 12th century. The burial ground around the church extends at least partly beyond the existing cemetery wall.

Valjala maalinn and protected monuments

The earthwork at Valjala maalinn is still visible today; it was probably built up in the first half of the 14th century. The castle courtyard covers 3,600 square metres. Henry's Livonian Chronicle described Valjala maalinn as the strongest castle of the people of Saaremaa. The underground cemetery in the churchyard dates back to at least the 12th century. Saint Martin's Church was probably built around 1230; its Romanesque baptismal font dates from the 13th century. The church is considered the oldest stone church built in Estonian territory. The earthwork at Valjala maalinn was probably built up in the first half of the 14th century and is visible today. Henry's Livonian Chronicle described Valjala maalinn as the strongest castle of the people of Saaremaa. The castle courtyard covers 3,600 square metres. The cemetery dates back further than the church; the earthwork followed in the 14th century.

The Monument to the War of Independence is also one of the four protected cultural monuments in the planning area. It adds another heritage protection site to travel plans, distinct from the church building and castle site.

Disc golf, picnics and events

The path running alongside Valjala maalinn has nine disc golf baskets. For travellers who want to include disc golf in their stay, this route adds a specific recreational activity to the historical focus. A picnic area beside the car park on this route offers another place to take a break outdoors. The baskets are along the path; the picnic area is by the car park on the route.

The Valjala Community Centre is suitable for events with up to 200 people. If an event is the reason for your trip, this capacity provides a specific point of reference when choosing your destination and distinguishes it from a trip focused on heritage or disc golf.

Discover more destinations: Tumala, Siiksaare, Mustjala, Igaküla, Pidula, Muratsi, Pamma, Haapsu

For the broader travel overview: Saaremaa.