Harju: Manor History, Coast and Nature Trails

Six metres high and several dozen metres wide: Keila Waterfall makes a striking impression in Harju. But the region cannot be reduced to a single natural landmark. Coastal areas, forest trails and boardwalks through bogs are among the options, as are museums, historic sites and guided activities.

When planning your stay, it is worth first choosing what you want to focus on: manor history and exhibitions, nature trails, the coast or activities on the water. What you would like to experience can give your search for a hotel in Harju a clear direction.

Nature Trails and Distinctive Landscapes

At Keila Waterfall, the park and trails are easily accessible with strollers and wheelchairs. In Keila-Joa Park, a three-kilometre nature trail leads through the surrounding area. Another option is the eight-kilometre Jussi circular trail in Põhja-Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve: it begins and ends at the Koersilla car park. The two trails therefore differ in both length and route.

At the Saula Blue Springs, a 700-metre nature trail leads to an ancient sacred site. The largest spring along the trail is called Siniallikas; it is turquoise and has a sandy bottom. These are distinct from the hikes to the Tuhala Witch’s Well and through the karst area. They are offered year-round with a nature guide and include routes of varying lengths.

Manor Houses, Museums and Culture

Since 1988, the Harju County Museum has been housed in the former main building of Keila Manor. Its permanent exhibition, “Harju Life,” provides an overview of the county’s history and way of life. The museum is also home to the advisory board for Estonian and Harju folk costumes. It presents the costumes, the history of their patterns and their modern use.

Other places also bring history to life through specific exhibitions. The Rebala Centre Museum focuses on prehistoric daily life and burial traditions in the area. Next to it is a restored burial ground with 36 stone cist graves from the Bronze Age, dated to the 8th–7th centuries BC. Viinistu Art Museum displays more than 400 works from Jaan Manitski’s private collection; its galleries in old water tanks serve as exhibition spaces.

Hatu Manor is one of the oldest manor estates in Harju County; its history dates back to 1613. In Paldiski, the Amandus Adamson Studio Museum is located in the sculptor’s summer studio. Various art workshops are held there in summer, and visitors can also book a guided tour. At Padise Monastery, the church hall is used as a concert hall. The Arvo Pärt Centre’s chamber music hall hosts concerts, lectures and film evenings; during guided tours, visitors can see Arvo Pärt’s manuscripts or listen to music.

The Coast and Activities on the Water

Kloogaranna Beach is a spacious sandy beach framed by pine forest. It can be reached by train; the station is a ten-minute walk away. Harku Beach is Tallinn’s only lakeside beach. It has changing rooms, showers, children’s playgrounds, areas for ball games, free parking and bicycle parking.

Another waterside landscape is Rummu quarry lake, known for its crystal-clear, clean water and exceptionally interesting history. On the shore, the Paekalda Water Sports and Adventure Centre offers diving, snorkelling, canoeing and rafting. The Viking Village offers canoe trips on the river as well as hikes to the Saula Blue Springs. A guided tour there includes archery, axe throwing and catapult activities.

Discover more destinations: Pala, Saula, Tuhala, Nehatu, Kahala, Kernu, Padise, Rae, Tabasalu, Salmistu, Kose, Kõue Parish, Kuusalu, Jõelähtme, Viimsi, Keila Parish, Sõitme, Kaberneeme, Hara, Vikipalu, Lööra, Järveküla, Kaberla, Anija, Paldiski City, Vasalemma, Loksa City, Harku Parish, Saue, Raasiku Parish, Kiili Parish, Tallinn, Laagri, Maardu, Keila, Harku, Charlottenhof, Padise, Saku, Pärispea, Pedase, Saue, Jüri and Rae.

For the broader travel overview: Estonia.