10 Things to Do in Rapla That You Shouldn't Miss

This Rapla church is the only rural church with two towers in Estonia. The New Roman style building that was consecrated in 1901 was designed by Baltic German architect Rudolf von Engelhardt, and is one of the purest examples of this style in Estonia. Interesting facts: The pulpit and altar were produced in the workshops of Christian Ackermann and Quirinnius Rabe. The Rapla Church Music Festival got its start in the Rapla church. In the church you can listen to the organ produced by Estonia’s renowned organ master craftsmen, the brothers Kriisa. The limestone building can accommodate 3,000 people. In the churchyard you can see round crosses dating back to the 17th century and the monument to the War of Independence designed by Jaan Koort.

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 Rutmani gallery forms part of Rapla’s cultural centre. Did you know…?*The gallery was named after the chairman of the education society that existed in Rapla at one time*Various Exhibitions are held here throughout the year*The gallery’s café is a great place to enjoy some fine art and fine coffee*The café’s Terrace often hosts unique musical events

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

Composer Raimond Valgre (1913-1949) lives in the hearts of every Estonian. Everyone has a slightly different take on the man, but almost all see him as a dreamer, a romantic, talented through and through and completely dedicated to music - of which he is a creator of magical melodies. Musicals, plays and films have been made about him; books have been written about him; monuments have been dedicated to him; and his songs are always being sung. Valgre's contribution to Estonian music and his connections to Rapla, where he spent his childhood years, gave rise to the idea of the Raimond Valgre Museum. Here you can find out all about his life and work, while his famous songs play in the background.

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

Pakamagi hill is a flat, forested limestone upland.According to the chronicles of Henry the Latvian, it was a meeting place of the tribal leaders of ancient Estonia. Did you know…? *It is said that the fire which was started as a sign of the St. George’s Night uprising was lit in the village of Raikkula on Pakamagi hill*The western slope of Pakamagi has a Terrace which is 9 metres high where you will find truly ancient rocks*Midsummer bonfires would be lit here in days of old; now the Pakamagi Amphitheatre hosts summer Concerts and performances*This is a perfect place for picnics

The portrait sculpture of Brigadier-General Mart Tiru (1947–2005) is located in the heart of Rapla. Former Estonian President Lennart Meri appointed Colonel Tiru the Deputy Commander of the Defence Forces in 2000, and promoted him to Brigadier-General later the same year – making him the first man to achieve such a rank in the country. Tiru played an importance role in Estonia’s accession to NATO.Did you know…?*Tiru’s final place of service was the United States, where he acted as a military representative of Estonia*The sculpture of Tiru was unveiled on Victory Day 2008 by current President Toomas Hendrik Ilves

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