Ruin
Valjala Stronghold
🇪🇪 Estonia · 12th century
The Valjala Stronghold (Latin: Castrum Waldia, Estonian: Valjala Maalinn) was a major ringfort on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia. Established in the 12th century, at the time it was the most important Oeselian stronghold. Its surrender in 1227 finalized the crusader conquest of Estonia.
The surroundings of Valjala hillfort consist mostly of marshland. Higher ground extends for approximately 200 metres northeast of the hillfort, along the present-day road. A thin cultural layer has been discovered there, remaining from the former “town.” It was not an actual town, but rather a seasonal gathering place.
Text adapted from “Valjala Stronghold” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Valjala Stronghold ranks #6,187 of 8,133 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #32 of the 36 mapped in Estonia. Founded c. 1150, it is older than 81% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 563 atlas entries founded in the 12th century. 1 more atlas landmarks stand within 25 km. See how Estonia compares in the castle statistics.
View on the interactive castle map →Frequently asked questions
Where is Valjala Stronghold?
Valjala Stronghold stands in Estonia, at 58.39977°, 22.79453°.
When was Valjala Stronghold built?
The atlas dates its founding to c. 1150. Earlier structures may have stood on the site; this is the earliest documented founding year.
How famous is Valjala Stronghold?
In this atlas's fame ranking: #6,187 of 8,133 worldwide, and #32 in Estonia. Fame here combines how many Wikipedia language editions cover a landmark with how many people read them.
What is the nearest castle to Valjala Stronghold?
Maasilinna Castle, about 24 km away.
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