After having stayed at Kexholm over Christmas, Pontus De la Gardie decides to renew his campaign against the Russians in the new year.

Because of the harsh winter, the entire Gulf of Finland froze over, which allowed Pontus to march across it, from Viborg to Wesenberg with around 3,000–4,000 men.

[2] In late May, Pontus was stationed in Sweden while he prepared for the upcoming campaign towards Narva, including constant food transportation to the front from local ports.

[7] On 6 September, Pontus sent a letter asking if the city wished to capitulate, but he received a strong refusal back, at which point he decided to storm the walls.

[2] The troops were motivated after Pontus granted them 24 hours of free plundering in the city, on the terms that churches and women be spared, and that only "quick and brave" people were allowed to participate.