Excavations at Lihulinn hillfort in Saaremaa

The archaeological investigations conducted at the Kärla hill fort in Saaremaa in 2025 aimed to clarify the chronology and nature of the occupation of the lower courtyard area, as well as to examine the construction history of the rampart. Two small trenches were excavated, one in the courtyard and another on the crest of the southwestern rampart. The courtyard trench revealed a cultural layer rich in pottery, animal bones, beads, metal finds, and other evidence of everyday activities, while the rampart trench exposed remains of burnt timber constructions associated with the fortifications. Radiocarbon dates obtained from both trenches, together with results from earlier investigations, indicate that the hill fort was established in the 8th or 9th century AD, experienced intensified activity during the 11th–12th centuries, and remained in use at least until the 13th century. The results confirm the long-term significance of Lihulinn as a regional centre and contribute to a better understanding of the development and use of Saaremaa hill forts during the Viking Age and the Final Iron Age.