Bog landscapes, hiking trails and glass culture offer different points of interest in Kehtna Parish. When planning a trip, you can combine nature experiences with historic places or focus on individual themes. To get your bearings, it is worth looking at the specific differences: the trails range from short route options to a long section of a long-distance hiking trail; there are also cultural sites with a distinctive glassmaking history.
Bogs and trails around Mukri and Paluküla
Mukri Bog formed around 10,000 years ago and is considered one of Estonia’s oldest bogs. The Mukri Nature Trail lies in the Mukri Nature Reserve. It has an information board, three benches and an observation tower. Mukri Lake covers 2.2 hectares and has islands and water lilies. These details offer different aspects of the nature experience: the bog landscape, the lake and a designated nature trail.
Loosalu Bog is also considered a classic example of the Estonian bog landscape. The Loosalu–Paluküla Nature Trail passes Loosalu Lake and continues to the foot of Paluküla Hiiemägi. The ridge there has fitness trails where you can walk or cycle. Routes range from 1 to 5 kilometres, including a 3-kilometre nature trail. An 18-basket disc golf course is another option on the fitness trails.
Paluküla Hiiemägi is 106.4 metres above sea level and is the highest point in western Estonia. When choosing a route, it is important to distinguish between the shorter options and the long-distance trail: an approximately 40-kilometre section of the Oandu–Aegviidu–Ikla Trail runs through Kehtna rural municipality. If you are interested in the Mukri Nature Trail, you can check whether you can get there by bus: a bus runs from Rapla to the Eidapere stop; from there, it is 2.7 kilometres on foot to the trail. Check the timetable before travelling.
Glass history and culture in Järvakandi
The Järvakandi Glass Center brings together the Järvakandi Glass Museum and the Järvakandi Culture Hall. Its work includes researching, preserving and sharing glassmaking heritage. The museum covers both artisanal glassmaking and machine production. The permanent exhibition is housed in a 140 m² workers’ house, built beside a glassworks founded in 1879.
Unique glass crafts are made at the Järvakandi Glass Studio using traditional glassblowing techniques. Visitors can try glassblowing there by prior arrangement; you need to contact the studio in advance. The museum and studio thus offer different ways to explore the same subject: the exhibition focuses on history and production methods, while the studio introduces traditional craftsmanship. When planning a visit, remember that trying glassblowing requires an arrangement in advance.
Historic sites and landscape
Keava Hillfort combines distinctive landforms with a history of early fortifications: the site is a chapel fort, protected by ramparts and ditches. Its slopes are very steep, while its surface is flat. It is believed that Keava linnus was one of Estonia’s larger centres during the Viking Age and was conquered in 1054 by Grand Prince Iziaslav of Novgorod. Kõnnumaa Landscape Protection Area includes the ancient Keava hillfort and the areas of the prehistoric settlement of Linnaaluste; both are protected as heritage sites.
The manor houses add their own historical highlights. Kehtna Manor was founded in the 15th century by the von Vietinghoff family. Ingliste Manor is a Baroque ensemble dating from the 18th century. It includes a single-storey limestone building on the Keila River. Behind the manor is a small park with regularly arranged lime tree avenues. Those interested in architectural history will find a different focus here than at the Keava fortification: architecture, materials and the design of the park take centre stage.
More activities to help plan your trip
Valtu Sports Centre has a 25 × 11-metre swimming pool with four lanes. The small pool is suitable for children’s swimming lessons and offers various water massages. In Paluküla, Suur Seiklus offers a winter kicksled tour lasting 2 to 3 hours; the season runs from December to March. These options complement the nature and culture themes with specific activities, without implying a particular length of stay in Kehtna Parish.
Discover more destinations: Kenni, Lau, Kehtna, Lokuta, Rapla, Vigala, Kohila, Märjamaa.
Back to the broader travel overview: Rapla.
