10 Things to do in Rapla County That You Shouldn't Miss

At the glass studio attached to the Jarvakandi glass museum you will see examples of artificial glass blown using handicraft methods.Did it you know…?*Here you can learn the basics of glass blowing *You can blow glass yourself in the studio or watch the work of glass masters in the public workshop*You can enjoy the wonders of glass blowing and even record special occasions forever in glass

Mahtra Peasant Museum displays everyday items and tools from 19th century, and the 1858 war of Mahtra with it's background and happenings. Atla-Eeru tavern, where various thematic events are held, is a part of the Museum. Good to know:·Here various exhibitions and workshops wait for you!·Atla-Eeru tavern is the only original peasant tavern in Estonia. ·In Atla-Eeru tavern you can bake your own bread!·Here you can celebrate the old folk feast days!

The cornerstone was laid on the Church of the Ascension of Our Lord in Angerja in 1899. It was built in accordance with the plans of architect Vladimir Lunski. Compared to the other Orthodox churches in Rapla County, the Angerja church overflows with Russian soul.Did you know…?*During the Soviet era the church was used to store fertiliser*The church is home to one of Estonia’s contemporary iconic paintings *The Angerja church is one of very few Estonian Apostolic Orthodox churches in which a new iconostasis has been painted, including icons of all the saints

Kuimetsa is home to one of the most extensive and unique karst areas in Estonia. Visitors to it will see collapsed valleys, funnels, hollows, channels and caves. Five of the caves in the area are big enough to walk into. One of the biggest is 12 metres long and 8 metres wide and forms the opening of a collapsed funnel. During times of high water you can watch the flows passing through the hollows and channels and hear the rush of the water underground; at drier times, there is hardly any water to be seen at all.. Did you know…?*Here you will find Estonia’s biggest karst caves*The chronicles of Henry the Latvian claim that the ancient Estonians sheltered in these caves from aggressors

This bridge, which crosses the Vigala River, was built in place of the former wooden bridge in the late 19th century. A reinforced concrete structure was superimposed on the old bridge in 2009, and pedestrian bridges were added on either side.Did you know…?*The renovated bridge is the only one of its kind in the country*The stone bridge is on the coat of arms of Rapla municipality*A café operates under the bridge on Rapla Day where the dress code is galoshes*River rallies have been held on the river under the bridge, and performances have been given on top of it*Mermaids have even been spotted in the river!*Bring a sandwich, come and park yourself by the river and enjoy some time to yourself! You might not spy any mermaids, but you’re sure to see some ducks!

The gate tower of Sutlema manor forms part of the unique Sutlema estate. The earliest records of the estate date back to 1425. Did you know…?*The gate tower is one of very few such manor structures still standing in Estonia today*The tower, with its baroque ‘helmet’, offers stunning views in all four directions*A vodka factory was constructed in place of the original north tower at the end of the 19th century*During the 1950s the second floor of the tower played host to dance classes for the local village children

This promenade, which winds its way along the banks of the Keila River, is a favourite spot among walkers. On one side it is bordered by the Vigala River, and on the other by the Maarja-Magdaleena church park.Did you know…?*You can picnic on the promenade, and even share some of your lunch with the resident ducks*The church park is home to Rapla’s oldest building – the parsonage, dating from the 18th century*The parsonage currently houses the Rapla Art Society*While you are here, be sure to visit Rapla church with its unique twin towers*In the church garden you will see a freedom monument designed by Jaan Koort

The first mention of the Varbola fortress dates back to 1212 and it was one of the biggest and most powerful ancient fortresses in Estonia and entire northern Europe. The 576 m long circular hill fort was erected on the natural slate stage in the shadows of the primeval forest and is 2-5 m high. In addition to the slate wall there was a several meters high fortification made of logs. The western gate was dug free and reconstructed. Interesting to know:·A quarter million horse cartloads of slate were brought here to build the walls. The Varbola fortress was never conquered by any enemy.·Here you can see a turret, a bricole and a battering ram·Visit us in August on the big event Varbola Puu (Varbola Tree)!·You can have an enjoyable picnic here!

Jarvakandi is the glass capital of Estonia. Its glass museum is located at the place of residence of an old glass master. Here you can find out about the history of the glass industry not only in Jarvakandi, but Estonia as a whole. Did you know…?*The first glass workshop was constructed in Jarvakandi in 1879*Come and try pouring molten glass with your own hand at the museum workshop!*Discover the basics of glass making and about the methods and technology involved in lessons at the museum*Various exhibits are on display in the new exhibition building of the museum