Bog trails, Western Estonia’s highest point and glass culture in Kehtna Parish

An ancient bog, prominent high points and a strong glassmaking tradition give Kehtna Parish a varied character. The Loosalu–Paluküla nature trail passes Loosalu Lake and leads to the foot of Paluküla Hiiemägi; historical traces range from an old hillfort to manor houses. There are also glass-related activities and opportunities to get active on foot, by bike or in the water.

Explore bog landscapes and trails

Mukri Bog formed around 10,000 years ago and is considered one of Estonia’s oldest bogs. The Mukri nature trail is located in the Mukri Nature Reserve. There is an information board, three benches and an observation tower along the trail. Mukri Lake covers 2.2 hectares and has islands and water lilies.

A bus runs from Rapla to the Eidapere stop; from there, it is 2.7 kilometres on foot to the Mukri nature trail. Check the timetable before travelling. This advice is especially helpful if you are planning to visit by bus.

The Loosalu Bog offers another perspective on the landscape and is considered a classic example of an Estonian bog. The Loosalu–Paluküla nature trail passes Loosalu Lake and leads to the foot of Paluküla Hiiemägi. The longer Oandu–Aegviidu–Ikla hiking trail is a separate route: a section of about 40 kilometres runs through Kehtna Parish. The Loosalu campsite has a covered picnic table, an open fire pit, benches, a firewood shelter, a dry toilet, a rubbish bin and an information board.

Paluküla and Keava: high point and history

The Paluküla Hiiemägi fitness trails are suitable for walking and cycling. You can choose routes from one to five kilometres long; the trail network also includes a three-kilometre nature trail. An 18-basket disc golf course adds to the activities on offer. Paluküla Hiiemägi is 106.4 metres above sea level and is the highest point in Western Estonia. The different trail lengths give you a practical basis for planning, without allowing you to infer a walking time.

At Keava Linnamägi, a striking landform meets traces of historic fortifications: the hill has very steep slopes and a flat top. Keava Linnamägi was fortified with ramparts and ditches as a hillfort. Kõnnumaa Landscape Protection Area includes the old Keava hillfort and the areas of the prehistoric settlement of Linnaaluste; both are protected as monuments. It is believed that Keava linnus was one of Estonia’s larger centres during the Viking Age and was conquered in 1054 by Iziaslav, Grand Prince of Novgorod.

Glassmaking and manor houses

Since 1 October 2025, the Järvakandi Glass Center has brought together the Järvakandi Glass Museum and Järvakandi Culture Hall. The centre researches, preserves and presents glass heritage. The museum focuses on both handmade glassmaking and machine production. Its permanent exhibition is housed in a 140-square-metre workers’ house built next to a glassworks founded in 1879.

Unique glass crafts are made at the Järvakandi Glass Studio using traditional glassblowing techniques. Visitors can try glassblowing by appointment; you need to contact the studio in advance. Anyone interested in the history of the craft can combine the museum’s look at manual and machine production with the studio’s hands-on offering.

The manor houses also tell stories of different eras. Kehtna Manor was founded in the 15th century by the von Vietinghoff family. Ingliste Manor is an 18th-century Baroque ensemble; its single-storey limestone building stands by the Keila River. Behind the manor is a small park with regularly laid-out lime tree avenues. The architecture, rows of trees and riverside setting offer a different theme for a visit than the bog trails or glass culture.

More options for 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 has various water massage features. In winter, Suur Seiklus in Paluküla offers a kicksled tour lasting two to three hours; the seasonal operating period runs from December to March. Alongside trails and cultural heritage, you can choose swimming and an explicitly seasonal winter activity.

Discover more destinations

Lau, Kehtna, Kenni, Lokuta, Käru, Kohila, Järvakandi Vald, Rapla

For the overview of the wider destination: Rapla.