Vyborg castle is located in the Castle Bay of the Finnish Gulf on a small rocky island. The Karelian town of Vyborg is one of in the Leningrad region. It is a rare example of Western fortification in Russia. Built as a Swedish outpost for conquering the east, the castle served as an important Swedish, then Russian boarder fortress.

1293 Vyborg castle is erected by crusader knights in the course of the third Swedish crusade organized by Marshal Torgils Knutsson, the Swedish regent. A stone wall is built on the high ground of the island; inside a quadrangular granite tower of St. Olaf is erected. There are some additional houses and auxiliary buildings.

1403 Vyborg receives its town privileges. The castle becomes the residence of governor-generals of Swedish kings. Later its chambers have bee used by kings, military leaders and fortification experts.

1442 - 1448 Karl Knutsson, future King of Sweden, is a governor-general of Vyborg len. He reinforces the castle with a new wall. The castle is modernized. From the Fire Tower a drawbridge can now be lowered onto the Abo Bridge. Some new towers rise above the walls.

1470s On the initiative of the governor-general Erik Axelsson Tott, a stone wall now surrounds the town that has grown in front of the castle. The wall is strengthened with ten towers.

1495 During one of Russian-Swedish conflicts Russians besiege the castle but the attempt to seize is unsuccessful. According to one legend, "The Vyborg Blast" scares the Russians away. This may have been either an explosion inside the castle or some sort of light phenomenon in the sky.

1560-1568 After a visit from King Gustav Wasa in 1555 the defences are altered. Because of the development of artillery and threat of another war against Russia especially the north-eastern side is reinforced. St. Olaf's Tower is first partly razed and then built anew with additional storeys of brick. The Fire Tower and The Gate House are united into what is now known as the Commander's House.

1599 Karl, the son of King Gustav, executes King Sigismund's supporters

1617 According to the treaty of Stolbovo the border is moved away from Vyborg.

During The Great Northern War Russians try to seize Vyborg on several occasions. They are successful in 1710.

Early XIX century Vyborg is an important city in The Grand Duchy of Finland. The castle houses, for instance, artillery arsenals, military archives and prison cells. Two fires destroy what's left of medieval interiors during this century. Towards the end of the century some parts of the castle are altered with floors, walls and other structures renewed.

1918 Vyborg is part of the new Finnish Republic and military office takes charge of the castle. A garrison is housed inside.

1939-1945 During World War II Vyborg changes sides three times. In March 1940 Finns retreat and The Red Army conquers Vyborg. In August 1941 Finns seize the town again, but near the end of the war in 1944 Vyborg is once more taken over by Russians.

1944-1964 The castle houses some Soviet troops

As early as 1911-17 there was a museum dedicated to Peter the Great in the castle. Restoration began in 1964, after a society for architectural preservation and a museum gradually took over the castle, as it was no longer in use by the military. Nowadays the castle is in charge of the State Museum of Vyborg Castle. The restoration works are continuing, albeit slowly.

St. Olof's Tower is often thought of as the most important structure in Vyborg. Its height (48,6) makes it rare among Nordic towers of the same age. Landscapes as far as 30 km away can be observed from its top. Museum has exhibitions about history, maritime archaeology, and Karelian nature. Different guided toures are available. Traditional festivals and musical events take place regularly.

Vyborg is conveniently accessible by road or railway from Finland and Russia. The museum is open from Tuesday till Sunday 11 - 7 p.m.