Things to do in Laane County, Laane County: The Best Historic Sites

The ruins of the Ungru manor used to represent one of the most impressive Neo-Baroque buildings in Estonia, although it never was really finished. Its sophisticated footprint and the numerous baroque volute ornaments on its gables are characteristic for the castle.Interesting to know:The Ungru Manor was an almost exact copy of the Merseburg castle in Germany. After World War II the manor fell into the hands of Soviet troops, in 1968 the chief of the airport decided to use the ruins of the manor to fill in the holes in the runway. About one third of the manor was torn down, fortunately the rest was preserved until today.Compare the neat ruins of the manor to the contrasting Soviet airfield remains next to them

Penijoe Manor was established in 1835 as a drove center of Lihula Manor. Here you can view slideshows or videos, get additional information about the hiking trails, catering and accommodation in the area. The exhibition gives an overview of nature and the cultural heritage of the Matsalu National Park.The facilities are also an excellent place for education: there is a conference room and classroom for holding seminars and workshops. Useful information: There is an electronic information terminal in the centre where you can find tourist information on Laanemaa and the entire Estonia.

The buildings of the manor ensemble which went into the ownership of Otto von Rosen in 1807 are one of the imposing ones in Laanemaa. The rarities in the manor include a frieze in the hall in grey tones depicting the topic of triumph and the landlord’s bedroom resembling a grotto in the mantle chimney the walls of which are covered with the paintings of exotic southern plants. The oval-shaped front yard is edged by an arched barn and stables. At present the main building accommodates Vatla Basic School and library.Interesting facts:According to a legend the landlord in Vatla had a bet with the neighbouring landlord that he will build such a house that one could not see the corner from other corners. And indeed, one cannot see the other corner from a crooked corner of the building.

Purksi manor house, built in the 19th century, is located in the centre of the rural municipality – in the village of Purksi. The manor belonged to the Ungern-Sternberg family until 1919, later on the manor was the home for Purksi Agricultural and Folk High School. The building was restored in 1989-1995 and now it is the home of Noarootsi Secondary School. Purksi park is under nature conservation. The trees in the park include white beech and you can see the unique circle of lindens there. Take a look at the few outbuildings that have survived, for example the barn and stables-coach house by the court in front of the main building.

Owned by the von Ungern-Sternberg family until 1919, the main building of this manor estate is a baroque wooden structure with an archaic central mantel chimney. It is one of the few surviving buildings of its kind in Laane County. The building is thought to date from 1750, but it could well be much older, dating back to the 17th century. The building is currently in private ownership and its original thatched roof has been replaced by tin.

Suure-Lahtru manor was built in 1775–1778 by Karl Gustav von Baranoff. The manor is of early classicist style and its rococo and classicist elements are seen in its interior design even today.The manor is surrounded by a romantic park with old trees and a pond. It is the perfect place for having a picnic or organising open air events.Good to know:On the ground floor of the manor you will find a tiny museum founded by the members of the household – it is dedicated to the history of the building.Next to the building you will find a hunting hall restored in its original form and with its original brick floor. This is a room for organising gatherings of larger groups of people.