The stronghold is thought to have been constructed on the site of an early Estonian hill fort in the 14th century. It is situated on the slope of a hill next to a picturesque river.
On the northern side of the stronghold was a water mill, which also served a strategic purpose in defending access to the fortress. The tower next to the mill likewise served to protect the stronghold. In the fierce battles of the Livonian War the stronghold changed hands many times, and repeated bombing, burning and gunpowder explosions left only the walls of the original structure standing. Situated close to the stronghold is a chapel constructed in the early 19th century in Classicist style.