Asva

Asva combines an extraordinary Bronze Age past with vivid experiences at Asva Viking Village. Those planning a trip combining culture, archaeology and activities for the whole family will find different ways to engage with the history of the place: from the fortified settlement to the Odrakoda longhouse and the activities in the castle courtyard. When choosing your holiday apartment in Asva, you can therefore consider whether you primarily want to combine historical discoveries or a variety of activities with children.

Bronze Age history in Asva

The first settlement traces of Asva’s fortified settlement date back to the 3rd millennium BC. During the Bronze Age, the ridge on which the settlement stood was an island or a peninsula in a shallow sea bay. This change in the landscape is one of the place’s special historical perspectives, as it shows that the surroundings of Asva have not always had the same form.

A ring wall was built around the fortified settlement in the 7th to 9th centuries AD. The ancient fortified settlement is one of Northern Europe’s most significant Bronze Age research sites and is also a protected heritage site. Another detail from the archaeological history comes from the Asva G excavation: 276 fragments of clay moulds were found there, originating from the casting of bronze bracelets. During your visit, this creates an impression that consists not only of dates but also includes traces of craftsmanship.

Exhibition and Asva Viking Village

A permanent exhibition about Asva opened in the Odrakoda in summer 2023 and, together with a short documentary, tells the story of Asva from an archaeologist’s perspective. Asva Viking Village is located on the edge of the ancient settlement of Asva. The fortress includes the Odrakoda longhouse, which is the size of a chieftain’s house. Those interested in history can therefore structure their visit in different ways: The exhibition focuses on explanation, while the Viking Village grounds place historical themes in a vivid setting.

Archery, axe throwing and skill games are offered in the courtyard of Asva Viking Village. The adventure park extends across four levels, is almost 12 metres high and offers more than 50 tournament games. These activities add an active element to your stay. Depending on your travel plans, you can focus one day more on archaeology and the exhibition or place the activities in the courtyard and adventure park at the centre of your visit.

Animal park, food and planning your day

Around one hundred animals and birds live in the animal and bird park at Asva Viking Village. Visitors can observe and pet the animals in their enclosures. In addition to the history, this adds another aspect to the place that may be particularly interesting for families with different interests. Accommodation in Asva is a suitable base if you want to combine cultural impressions and these kinds of experiences in one trip.

The cuisine at Asva Viking Village also reflects the character of the place. The menu includes a Viking stew, smoked meat prepared in the courtyard and local drinks. Such culinary elements can complement your visit, so that you do not experience the history of the place solely through exhibits.

Asva as a suitable base for your trip

Asva is suitable for planning a trip that combines a clear cultural focus with practical and playful experiences. Depending on your travel plans, you can focus the day more on history or on active and playful experiences. A holiday apartment or holiday house in Asva can serve as accommodation for your individual plans, without limiting the place to just one type of trip.

For other destinations in the same broader region, you can also look at Ridala, Laimjala and Saareküla. This allows you to combine your search for suitable accommodation with the question of which destination best supports the desired focus on history, activities and regional discoveries.

For the broader travel overview: Laimjala Parish.