Several karst areas are clearly visible in the landscape of Kohila Municipality. In the western part lies Rabivere Bog, which serves as a water reservoir. The Keila River crosses the municipality from southeast to northwest, forming the axis of a river landscape of great historical and cultural significance. This brings out distinct landscape features: visible karst formations, the bog in the west and the river running across the area.
Karst, Bog and River Landscape
The Aandu karst area is a protected karst valley in Kohila Municipality. The Hageri karst area was established as a protected site in 1959, safeguarding an area of around 300 metres with surface karst features. The forests are also specifically characterized: about 44 percent of the municipality is forested, with spruce and pine predominating. There are also rare deciduous forests on exposed limestone, known as alvar forests. The predominant coniferous species and rare alvar forests create a clear contrast within the described forest landscape.
History in Churches, Castles and Manor Houses
Hageri St. Lambertus Church is a spacious, well-maintained historicist country church designed by architect Erwin Bernhardt. Its altar wall dates from 1713 and is attributed to Christian Ackermann and Johann Valentin Rabe. The building thus brings together the architectural history of a country church and a furnishing element with a specific date.
Angerja vassal castle was built in the 14th or 15th century and is among the oldest stone buildings in Rapla County. Loone Fortress, also known as Lohu Jaanilinn, had a total courtyard area of 6,500 m²; its rampart is 300 m long and up to 6 m high. The focus differs between these two structures: Angerja’s date of origin and Loone’s dimensions.
Kohila Manor was first mentioned in 1438. Its Neoclassical main building was constructed in the early 19th century, burned down in 1905 and was rebuilt in a modified form without a portico. The dates refer to different events: 1438 marks the manor’s first mention, while the later dates relate to the construction, fire and reconstruction of the main building.
Museum and Activity
Hageri Museum has permanent exhibitions called “Maa-apteek” and “Kihelkonnakeskus Hageri!”. Visitors can also play the traditional Kohila board game “Angerja aare”. Alongside the exhibition themes, the game offers another way to engage with the place. If you plan to visit the museum, check its current opening hours in advance.
Kohila Sports Centre has two sports halls, an athletics track, a gym and an aerobics room. Visitors can play volleyball, basketball, football, tennis, badminton and floorball there. The options range from team sports such as volleyball, basketball and football to tennis and badminton; floorball is also available.
Gin in a Historic Setting
The modern TOHI Distillery gin distillery is located in the historic vodka kitchen of Tohisoo Manor. On guided tours, visitors can see how gin is made; gin tastings are also offered. The combination of a historic distillery and modern gin production adds a distinct perspective on beverage-making to the architecture and museum themes.
Discover more destinations: Kohila, Urge, Lohu, Järvakandi Vald, Rapla, Märjamaa, Vigala, Käru.
Go to the main travel overview: Rapla.
