Traveling through Finland by car, I stopped in Hameenlinna and visited the ancient Swedish fortress of Tavastegus. Initially, the fortress with seven-meter stone walls began to function at the end of the thirteenth century. Its origin is associated with the second Swedish crusade of Jarl Birger Magnusson in 1240-1250 against the pagan tribe of Em and Novgorodians. After conquering these lands, Birger founded this fortress on the lands of the Em tribe. By the way, the most important date in our history, the Battle of the Ice in 1242, took place within the framework of this crusade, which was announced by Pope Gregory the Ninth and in which, in addition to the Swedes, the troops of Danish King Valdemar the Second Victorious and the Teutonic Order of Hermann von Balk participated. Later, in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, the fortress was expanded and rebuilt using bricks. In addition, enemies of the regime have languished here since the Middle Ages. In 1837, according to the design of architect K. L. Engel, the main fortress was transformed into a specialized prison. The fortress itself is gloomy, but very beautiful, picturesquely spread out on the local nature. There are many interesting things inside: expositions, a restaurant, and most importantly, viewing platforms for admiring the surroundings.

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