Narva Castle

Riverfront Hermann Castle facing Russia's Ivangorod Fortress across the border.

Narva Castle, also called Hermann Castle, is the city's essential sight. The Livonian Order fortress rises directly above the Narva River, with the Russian fortress of Ivangorod almost close enough to shout at. The setting is dramatic in a way that no museum display can improve: two castles, one river, one border.

Inside, the Narva Museum covers the city's medieval, Swedish, Russian, and Estonian layers. The restored Hermann Tower gives the best view in town, especially down the river and across to Ivangorod. Allow at least ninety minutes, more if you want to read the exhibits properly.

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The two castles on opposite banks were built by rival powers staring at each other across the river. Their towers still face off today, but now the view also captures the European Union's eastern border in one clean line of stone and water.

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