Kohila: Karst Landscape and Cultural History

Several karst areas are clearly visible in the landscape of Kohila Municipality. The area also includes a bog that serves as a water reservoir, a river landscape of historical and cultural significance, and forests with varied characteristics. For those interested in culture, the Hageri Museum, Hageri’s Lambertus Church and the history of Kohila Manor are central attractions. A gin tour and the facilities at Kohila Sports Centre round out the nature and culture offerings. When planning your visit, you can therefore choose from a range of interests: landscape, architectural history or active pursuits.

Karst, Water and Forest

The Aandu karst area is a protected karst valley in Kohila Municipality. The Hageri karst area was established in 1959 to protect an area of about 300 metres in length with surface karst features. Together, the two areas represent distinct aspects of the karst landscape: a protected valley and an area whose protection covers a stretch of approximately 300 metres.

Rabivere Bog lies in the western part of the municipality and serves as a water reservoir. The Keila River crosses Kohila from southeast to northwest, forming the axis of a river landscape of great historical and cultural significance. Rabivere and the Keila thus represent different connections to water: a bog serving as a reservoir and a river that shapes a historically and culturally significant landscape.

About 44 percent of the municipality is forested, predominantly with spruce and pine. There are also rare deciduous forests growing on exposed limestone, known as alvar forests. The forest landscape therefore includes both dominant conifer species and a rare type of deciduous forest associated with limestone.

Museum and Architectural History

The Hageri Museum features the permanent exhibitions “Maa-apteek” and “Kihelkonnakeskus Hageri!”. Visitors can also play the traditional Kohila board game “Angerja aare.” In addition to the exhibitions, there is a hands-on activity that lets you join in the game.

Hageri’s Lambertus Church is a spacious, well-maintained historicist country church designed by architect Erwin Bernhardt. Its altarpiece wall dates from 1713 and is attributed to Christian Ackermann and Johann Valentin Rabe. The architecture and altarpiece wall offer different points of interest if you are interested in the church’s architectural and art history.

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 manor is currently privately owned; check its status before planning a visit.

Gin and Sport

The modern TOHI Distillery is located in the historic vodka distillery kitchen at Tohisoo Manor. During tours, you can see how gin is made; a gin tasting is also offered. This experience combines an insight into the production process with a tasting.

Kohila Sports Centre has two sports halls, an athletics track, a weight room and an aerobics room. Volleyball, basketball, football, tennis, badminton and floorball can be played there. The facilities and sports listed provide practical options if physical activity is one of your interests.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kohila, Urge, Lohu, Käru, Vigala, Märjamaa, Kehtna Parish, Rapla

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