Rae: Moorlands, Parks and History

In Rae, a range of nature and cultural sites brings together different themes: raised bogs, parks and woodland sit alongside church architecture and Estonian history. This gives you more than one way to explore the area when planning your trip—from protected landscapes to specific historical memorials.

Raised bogs, parks and natural monuments

The Paraspõllu Nature Reserve covers 476 hectares and lies on the border between the municipalities of Rae and Raasiku. Raised bog is the predominant habitat type there. Alongside this extensive landscape, there are smaller designated protected areas: the protected Kurna Manor Park is in the village of Kurna and covers 10.9 hectares. The protected Lehmja Oak Grove in Jüri is a 12-hectare woodland. The Vaskjala Oak, meanwhile, is designated as a protected individual natural monument.

These examples differ both in scale and in form: a nature reserve dominated by raised bog, a park, a woodland and a single protected tree. If you are interested in nature, they offer different specific points of interest, without reducing the landscape to a single type.

Parks and their history

Külma Talu Park is in Lagedi, at the confluence of the Pirita and Leivajõgi rivers. The artist Ott Kangilaski created it on the former estate of Voldemar Päts, the younger brother of Konstantin Päts. The park’s location at the confluence of the Pirita and Leivajõgi rivers and its historical connection to Kangilaski and the Päts family are both central to its story.

In Aruvalla, you can see rare plants in the Elulille Garden. The permaculture garden is designed around the Flower of Life pattern. Here, a clearly named design motif goes hand in hand with an interest in rare plants.

Church, monument and museum

Jüri Church stands on a medieval foundation and is a pseudogothic church. Its churchyard contains unique stone crosses. Another historic landmark in Jüri is a monument erected in 1978, marking the site where Estonia’s first known iron-smelting furnace was discovered. The architecture, grave markers and monument each offer a different focus for exploring Jüri’s cultural history.

The Museum of the Estonian Struggle for Liberty in Lagedi offers an overview of 20th-century military history. Its scope ranges from the land and sea battles of the Estonian War of Independence to the Cold War period. The museum also offers a T-34/85 tank driving experience with a professional team. If this activity is important to your trip plans, confirm its availability before your visit.

Planning routes and activities

Vaida’s recreation and community centre area has a low ropes course and a village swing. In Lagedi, a lit pedestrian and cycling route connects the centre with the railway stops. The route also includes a pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Pirita River. Municipal information is available for hiking trails, health trails and ski trails in Rae Parish. It also includes information on ski trail conditions and snow depth on the Jüri health trails. If your plans depend on these details, check the latest information in advance.

Nearby, the 6.6-kilometre Suuresta hiking trail starts at the Suuresta Golf clubhouse and runs through the area around Mädajärv. Lilleoru can be reached from Tallinn by bus 105; alternatively, buses 130 and 138 go to the Ellaku stop. From there, Lilleoru is about a 20-minute walk away. Timetables may change, so check the departure times for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Aruvalla, Peetri, Kõue Vald, Vasalemma, Raasiku Parish, Kose, Harku Parish, Kernu.

View the broader travel overview: Harju.