Castle Rasaborg on P-Day

Monday is our day off at the Temple so Erick Erickson took us west of Helsinki along the coast about an hour away to the medieval Castle of Rasaborg.

Its main purpose was to protect Sweden's interests in southern Finland against the Hanseatic city of Tallinn (now capitol of Estonia). The castle was originally built on a small island in the north end of a sea bay. 

The ruins of the outer wall of the castle still exist. The outer wall was built to protect the foundations of the castle itself. When the use of artillery got more common, it was vital to protect the basic walls of the castle. There was also one more protection outside the castle, a wooden barrier, which surrounded the castle and it prevented any foreign ships to approach the castle harbour. There still exists some small parts of that barrier. The castle is on the mainland today, but in the 15th century it was located on a peninsula by the sea. The sea level lowered over time due to postglacial rebound, and it became increasingly difficult to approach the castle by boat and the castle lost its importance. The land mass of southern Finland has also been slowly rising, and the effect of the 2 changes is that the sea is now located some distance from the castle.

Battles were fought between Swedish and Danish forces and even pirates over control of the castle in the Middle Ages. The castle was abandoned in 1553, three years after Helsinki was founded in 1550 and Helsinki became strategically more important. 

It was another beautiful perfect summer day in Finland.  Blue skies, green forests, abundant lakes and rivers, strawberries and blueberries in abundance.  Berries are NOT cheap however.   We're hoping the prices go down after mid-summer eve next week.

Road to Rasaborg from Helsinki

Depiction of the castle in medieval times.

As it looks today

We're standing in what was once water surrounding the castle.  South tower in the background

The drawbridge into the castle

The main hall

The main hall.  Vivienne and Erick

Courtyard.  This once housed a garrison of soldiers, cooks, metal workers, various animals and brewery. Notice window in upper right hand area; very large on the inside, telescoping down to very small slot at the outside.  Archers inside could cover a large area while still being protected.

Inside the south tower

Stairway leading to south tower.  Notice stairway goes to the left, so invading soldiers coming up, who were right-handed, would be at a huge disadvantage, while defenders from above, also right-handed, would have use of the sword/spear/weapon.

Captain's quarters just below the top floor in south tower. The top of the food chain was still pretty spartan.  Our apartment is a lot nicer.

View of moat and outer defense wall from the south tower.

On the Drawbridge.  The area is now the site of one of the largest outdoor summer theatres in Finland.  This summer they're doing "The Sound of Music"