The fort of Kassinurme

The hill fort of Kassinurme

The ancient hill forts have always symbolised freedom and independence for Estonians. The strongholds and the hill forts play an important role in our folk tales and in the development of our national identity. It should thus not come as a surprise that for decades have there been talk of restoring a stronghold.
In the year 2004 took the determined men in Jõgevamaa – led by Kaupo Ilmet and Raivo Kittus from Estonian Society of Foresters – the matters in their own capable hands and with the assistance of Ain Lavi, the research fellow of Institute of History in Tallinn University, and lots and lots of volunteers a part of the model of Kassinurme ancient stronghold was built. After that there was a consensus that a whole stronghold is far better than just a part of it and thus a decision was made that the whole stronghold would be reestablished.

Kassinurme Hills, site of the medieval fortress and place of Worship. By a legend Kassinurme Hills were formed by Kalevipoeg, who brought the sand in his leather apron and piled it up here. The oval pit near the hill is called his washing basin. In the surroundings a lot of small hollows, so called Kalevipoeg´s handprints and the mark of his horse´s hoof, can be found. 200m from the hill, in the forest, a stone has a red stripe on it like a trace of a sling; it is Kalevipoeg´s Slingstone. The natural charm of the place can be enjoyed on a nature trail.

The theme park of Muinasmaa (Ancient world) at Kassinurme

The unique soil forms, untouched nature, and the waterholes of Kassinurme have been the basis for a many legends and folk tales. This is the reason why there is a firm plan to build here a mythological theme park Muinasmaa. The festival of Mütofest and the stronghold are part of that plan.
The idea of Muinasmaa is to ‘resurrect’ the Estonian mythological worldview. The theme park is meant for people interested in fantasy, Live Action Role Play, history buffs, re-enactors of Viking times; it can serve as a play-, tournament or training ground, all the people intrigued by Estonian ancient culture are welcomed here, they can familiarize themselves with the reconstructions of the olden day buildings and also lend a hand to create the theme park.

One of my favourite places in the whole wide world.

Information mostly taken from [link]