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Rapla County
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Explore Rapla County in Estonia for bog trails, manor houses, hillforts, forest roads, village heritage and peaceful central-country landscapes.

Rapla County occupies a broad, lightly populated area in central-western Estonia, immediately south of Harju County and Tallinn. Its landscape is shaped by forests, wetlands, low ridges, open farmland and small rivers rather than dramatic mountains or a single dominant city. Rapla, the county capital, is the main service centre, while Kohila, Märjamaa, Järvakandi, Kehtna and several historic parish settlements provide different perspectives on local life.
Read more about Rapla County
The county is particularly rewarding for travellers interested in Estonia's quieter natural environments. Raised bogs and wetland landscapes around Mukri, Loosalu and Kõnnumaa offer boardwalk walks, birdwatching and wide views across a terrain formed by water and glacial deposits. Paluküla Hiiemägi, near Kehtna, rises above the surrounding countryside and is used for walking and seasonal outdoor recreation. Roads between the villages pass through extensive woodland and fields, making the area suitable for slow touring rather than hurried sightseeing.
Rapla County also preserves a substantial manor and church heritage. Rapla's twin-towered church is one of the region's most recognisable buildings, while Hageri, Märjamaa, Juuru and Vigala reflect the historic parish structure of northern and western Estonia. Manor estates such as Tohisoo, Maidla, Ingliste and Vana-Vigala reveal the architectural and agricultural world that shaped the countryside before the twentieth century. Some are active cultural or educational sites; others are best appreciated as parts of a rural landscape whose buildings, parks and avenues have changed over time.
The county's older history is visible at Varbola Hillfort, one of Estonia's largest prehistoric and medieval strongholds, and at Keava Hillfort. These sites connect Rapla County with the period before and during the Northern Crusades, when fortified settlements guarded local communities and routes. Later economic life developed around farming, forestry, railway transport and manufacturing. Kohila became associated with paper production, while Järvakandi developed a long-standing glassmaking tradition that remains central to its identity.
Rapla County's cultural life is dispersed across community houses, churches, manor grounds, museums and seasonal events rather than concentrated in a large urban centre. Local food follows the wider Estonian pattern of rye bread, potatoes, dairy, forest berries, mushrooms and preserved foods, with cafés and restaurants mainly found in the larger settlements. The county suits visitors who enjoy walking, heritage trails, small museums and unhurried journeys through a distinctive central Estonian landscape.

When is the best time to visit Rapla County?

Best: June–August · 20–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January040
February035
March440
April1040
May1650
June (best)2060
July (best)2270
August (best)2170
September1560
October1050
November450
December150

Getting to and around Rapla County

How to get there

Rapla County is easiest to reach from Tallinn, which lies outside the county to the north and provides Estonia's principal international air and ferry connections. Regional trains and buses connect Tallinn with Rapla and other northern parts of the county, while roads provide access to Märjamaa, Järvakandi, Kohila and the rural parishes. Travellers arriving by road from western Estonia commonly approach via Pärnu or Haapsalu, both outside the county; check current public-transport routes before travelling to smaller settlements.

Transportation

Rapla and Kohila have the most useful rail connections for visitors approaching from Tallinn, while buses serve county towns and villages. Services become less frequent in rural areas, especially at weekends, so a car is useful for linking wetland trails, manor estates, churches and hillforts. Cycling is practical on quieter local roads, although distances between sites and limited shoulders require care. Walking works best as part of a planned trail or village visit rather than as the sole way to tour the county.

Top city travel guides in Rapla County

The cities of Rapla County, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Rapla County

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Rapla County

Rapla County's attractions are spread through a rural landscape of bogs, forests, farms and small settlements. Wetland walks at Mukri and in the wider Kõnnumaa landscape offer boardwalks, peatland vegetation and open views, while Paluküla Hiiemägi provides a higher, wooded setting for walking and seasonal recreation. The county's historical attractions include Varbola and Keava hillforts, whose earthworks convey the scale of pre-modern fortified settlements, as well as parish churches and manor estates around Rapla, Kohila, Juuru, Märjamaa and Vigala. Museums and heritage sites explore farming, village life and local industry, including the glassmaking history associated with Järvakandi and the rural collections of the Sillaotsa Farm Museum near Velise. Kohila's cultural institutions and manor surroundings add an industrial and estate perspective, while smaller villages reward visitors who travel slowly and look for wooden buildings, old avenues and community heritage. The area is also suitable for birdwatching, mushroom and berry landscapes, cycling on quiet roads and short nature walks, although conditions and access vary by season. Rapla County is less about a single headline attraction than about the connections between natural environments, historic landholding and everyday rural culture.

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Best landmarks in Rapla County

Rapla's church, with its distinctive twin towers and nineteenth-century architectural character, is one of the county's clearest visual landmarks and an important centre of local religious heritage. The medieval church at Märjamaa and the churches of Hageri, Juuru and Vigala reflect the historic parish network that shaped settlement across the region. Varbola Hillfort is a landmark of a different kind: its extensive earthworks represent the defensive power of an important early community, while Keava Hillfort preserves another elevated stronghold site in the eastern part of the county. Manor architecture adds further variety, with Tohisoo, Maidla, Ingliste and Vana-Vigala associated with estate buildings, parks and avenues, though their current uses and visitor access differ. Järvakandi's glassmaking heritage is represented by its industrial identity and glass museum tradition, connecting the county's rural setting with modern manufacturing. Natural landmarks are equally important: Mukri's raised bog, the wetland expanses of Kõnnumaa and the wooded rise of Paluküla Hiiemägi show how water, forest and glacial relief define Rapla County's appearance.

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Explore Rapla County on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Rapla County

Dining in Rapla County reflects Estonia's northern climate and rural food traditions, with rye bread, potatoes, dairy products, pork, fish, berries, mushrooms and seasonal preserves appearing more often than highly regionalised signature dishes. Rapla, Kohila, Märjamaa and Järvakandi have the broadest choice of cafés, casual restaurants and everyday eateries, while rural manor settings and traditional pubs may offer a more leisurely meal when open. Local menus can include soups, baked goods, smoked or preserved foods and desserts using forest berries, though recipes vary from one establishment to another. Farmers' markets, village events and farm shops are useful places to look for honey, jams, bread and other Estonian produce. In summer, outdoor cafés and seasonal food stalls become more common, while travellers visiting bogs and hillforts should not expect refreshments at the site itself. Larger towns provide the safest options for dietary requirements, but it is sensible to explain needs clearly, particularly in smaller rural establishments.

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Best bars in Rapla County

Rapla County has a modest evening scene centred on pubs, cafés, restaurant bars and community events rather than a concentrated nightclub district. Rapla and Kohila offer the greatest choice for an evening out, with local venues sometimes hosting live music, cultural programmes or seasonal gatherings. Märjamaa and Järvakandi have a more small-town character, while in villages and manor areas evening entertainment is often linked to community houses, concerts, dance events or occasional festivals. Traditional pubs remain relevant meeting places, but opening arrangements can change and rural venues may be quiet outside event times. Visitors interested in Estonian drinks can look for local beer, cider and non-alcoholic refreshments, while the county's forests and bogs mean that an early walk or a meal in a rural inn may be more characteristic than late-night clubbing. Arrange transport in advance if staying outside the main settlements, as rural public services do not cater for spontaneous late-night journeys.

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Best nightclubs in Rapla County

Rapla County has a modest evening scene centred on pubs, cafés, restaurant bars and community events rather than a concentrated nightclub district. Rapla and Kohila offer the greatest choice for an evening out, with local venues sometimes hosting live music, cultural programmes or seasonal gatherings. Märjamaa and Järvakandi have a more small-town character, while in villages and manor areas evening entertainment is often linked to community houses, concerts, dance events or occasional festivals. Traditional pubs remain relevant meeting places, but opening arrangements can change and rural venues may be quiet outside event times. Visitors interested in Estonian drinks can look for local beer, cider and non-alcoholic refreshments, while the county's forests and bogs mean that an early walk or a meal in a rural inn may be more characteristic than late-night clubbing. Arrange transport in advance if staying outside the main settlements, as rural public services do not cater for spontaneous late-night journeys.

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Best shops in Rapla County

Shopping in Rapla County is primarily local and practical, with small-town high streets, independent businesses, supermarkets, cafés and occasional markets rather than large retail complexes. Rapla and Kohila offer the broadest everyday choice, while Märjamaa and Järvakandi are useful for regional errands and small independent shops. Look for Estonian foods such as rye bread, honey, preserves, berry products and locally made baked goods at markets, farm shops and seasonal events. Crafts may include textiles, knitwear, woodwork, ceramics and small decorative items, although availability varies by town and season. Järvakandi's association with glass makes glassware and glass-related heritage particularly relevant souvenirs when available through local cultural outlets. Manor events, community fairs and tourist sites can provide handmade goods, but they do not operate on a uniform daily schedule. Visitors seeking a wider range of designer brands or major shopping centres should use Tallinn, outside Rapla County, rather than expecting the county's rural towns to provide metropolitan retail.

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Rapla County essentials

Currency and Payment
Rapla County uses the euro, with the currency code EUR, as does Estonia nationally. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in larger shops, accommodation providers, petrol stations and established restaurants, but small cafés, rural stalls and local events may have more limited facilities. Carry some euros in cash when visiting remote areas or travelling beyond the main towns, and do not assume that every small vendor accepts foreign cards.
Safety
Rapla County is generally a calm rural destination, but normal precautions still apply in towns, at transport stops and around unattended vehicles. Wetland boardwalks can be slippery, uneven or temporarily waterlogged, and forest paths may be difficult to follow in poor weather. In summer, use protection against ticks and check your clothing after walking. Drivers should expect unlit roads, wildlife and changing surfaces, while cyclists and pedestrians need visibility on roads connecting villages.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 in Estonia for police, ambulance or fire emergencies; the number works throughout Rapla County and across the country. Give the nearest village, road, trail marker or mapped location when calling from a forest or bog. For non-emergency advice about public services and local arrangements, Estonia's state information line is 1247. In remote outdoor areas, do not leave an injured person alone unless necessary, and conserve mobile-phone battery while seeking help.
Do's and Don'ts
Do keep to marked paths in bogs and protected areas, close gates behind you and respect private land and farm activity. Do remove muddy footwear before entering accommodation or historic interiors and ask before photographing people, homes or private events. Do not pick protected plants, disturb birds or light fires where this is prohibited. Estonian public etiquette is generally reserved and orderly: queue patiently, keep public transport clean and tip in restaurants only when service merits it rather than treating tipping as a fixed obligation.
Local Tips
Plan by area rather than trying to cover the entire county in a few hours: western Märjamaa and Vigala feel different from the forests and industrial heritage around Kohila and Järvakandi. Check access arrangements for manor houses, museums and churches before setting out, as many smaller cultural sites operate seasonally or by agreement. A short walk on a bog boardwalk is often more rewarding in the early morning or late afternoon, when light and bird activity are usually better.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloTere[teh-reh]
GoodbyeNägemist[nah-geh-mist]
YesJah[yah]
NoEi[ay]
Please/You're welcomePalun[pah-loon]
Thank youAitäh[eye-tah]
Excuse me/SorryVabandust[vah-bahn-doost]
How are you?Kuidas sul läheb?[koo-id-as sul leh-heb]
Fine. And you?Hästi. Ja sina?[hahs-tee. yah see-nah]
Do you speak English?Kas sa räägid inglise keelt?[kahs sah rah-eeg-id een-glee-seh kelt]
I don't understandMa ei saa aru[mah ay zah ah-roo]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMa tahaksin menüüd näha, palun[mah tah-hahks-in meh-nuh-d nah-hah, pah-loon]
I don't eat meatMa ei söö liha[mah ay suh-lay heh]
Cheers!Terviseks![ter-vee-seks]
I would like to pay, pleaseMa tahaksin maksta, palun[mah tah-hahks-in mahk-stah, pah-loon]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aita![eye-tah]
Go away!Mine ära![mee-neh eh-rah]
Call the Police!Kutsu politsei![koot-soo poh-lee-tsay]
Call a doctor!Kutsu arst![koot-soo arst]
I'm lostMa olen kadunud[mah oh-len kah-doo-nud]
I'm illMa olen haige[mah oh-len high-geh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ma tahaksin osta...[mah tah-hahks-in oh-stah]
I'm just lookingMa lihtsalt vaatan[mah leest-lat vah-tahn]
How much is it?Kui palju see maksab?[kwee pah-lyoo seh mahk-sahb]
That's too expensiveSee on liiga kallis[seh on lee-gah kah-lis]
Can you lower the price?Kas sa saad hinda alandada?[kahs sah sahd hin-dah ah-lahn-dah]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Mis kell on?[mis kel on]
It's one o'clockKell on üks[kel on uks]
Half past (10)Kell on pool (10)[kel on pool (ten)]
MorningHommik[hom-mik]
AfternoonPäev[pah-ev]
EveningÕhtu[uh-h-too]
YesterdayEile[ay-leh]
TodayTäna[tah-nah]
TomorrowHomme[hohm-meh]
1Üks[uks]
2Kaks[kaks]
3Kolm[kolm]
4Neli[ne-lee]
5Viis[vees]
6Kuus[koos]
7Seitsme[sayts-meh]
8Kaheksa[kah-heks-ah]
9Üheksa[ue-heks-ah]
10Kümme[kuhm-meh]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kus on ...?[koos on ...?]
What's the address?Mis on aadress?[mis on ah-dress]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kas sa saad mulle näidata (kaardil)?[kahs sah sahd moo-leh nay-da-tah (kahr-deel)?]
When's the next (bus)?Millal tuleb järgmine (buss)?[mil-lahl too-leb yah-r-gmi-ne (boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Pilet (....-le)[pee-let (....-leh)]

History of Rapla County

Early settlement and sacred landscapes

The territory of present-day Rapla County has been occupied since prehistoric times, with settlement taking advantage of river valleys, forest margins and drier islands within the wetland landscape. Farming, hunting and movement across the region created a network of local communities long before modern administrative boundaries. Places such as hills, springs and groves could have religious significance, while archaeological finds across the county indicate changing patterns of settlement and trade in central Estonia.

Varbola and Keava hillforts

Varbola Hillfort, in present-day Märjamaa Parish, was among the most substantial fortified sites in medieval Estonia and probably flourished particularly during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Its broad earthworks and enclosed area reflect the defensive needs of a wealthy and organised local community. Keava Hillfort, near the later settlement of Keava, is another important fortified site. Together they illustrate the political landscape of Estonia before and during the Northern Crusades.

Medieval parishes and the Livonian period

After the conquest and Christianisation of northern Estonia in the thirteenth century, the area was incorporated into the political structures of medieval Livonia. Parish churches and rural estates became important centres of administration, worship and landholding. The historic parishes of Rapla, Hageri, Juuru, Märjamaa and Vigala helped shape settlement patterns that remain recognisable today. Medieval routes linked inland communities with Tallinn and other regional markets.

Manor estates and agricultural society

From the late medieval period into the nineteenth century, manor estates organised much of the region's agricultural production and administration. Estates including Tohisoo, Maidla, Ingliste and Vana-Vigala controlled farms, forests and labour, while manor parks and estate buildings altered the appearance of the countryside. Estonian-speaking peasants formed the majority of the rural population, and the gradual changes in landholding during the nineteenth century laid foundations for later national and social transformation.

Religious and national change in the nineteenth century

The nineteenth century brought expanding literacy, parish education and the growth of Estonian national consciousness, alongside the administrative and cultural pressures of the Russian Empire. Lutheran churches remained prominent landmarks, while village societies, choirs and schools strengthened local communal life. The countryside was also affected by estate reforms and improvements in roads and communications. These developments connected Rapla County's rural communities to wider cultural movements in Estonia.

Railways, glass and paper industry

Improved transport in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries changed the county's relationship with Tallinn and other parts of Estonia. Railway connections supported the growth of settlements and the movement of agricultural goods and timber. Kohila became associated with paper manufacture, while Järvakandi developed a major glassmaking tradition during the twentieth century. These industries diversified an economy that had previously depended strongly on farming, forestry and manor-based agriculture.

Twentieth-century administrative transformation

Rapla became an important local centre during the twentieth century, particularly as Estonia's administrative and transport systems were reorganised. The county experienced the upheavals of independence, Soviet rule and the restoration of Estonian independence, with collectivised agriculture and industrial employment leaving a visible legacy in villages and towns. Contemporary Rapla County was re-established as an administrative county in the 1990s and is now defined by municipalities, rural communities and small urban centres.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Rapla County, Estonia

Discover Rapla County with Evendo: a 100% free app offering detailed guides on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more to make your trip unforgettable.

  • Detailed guides on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
  • Booking capabilities for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
  • Rich information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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Explore Rapla County like never before with Evendo, the free travel guide app that offers comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • History of Rapla County and travel essentials
  • Easy-to-use navigation and 'Near Me' feature for quick access to nearby places
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience
  • 100% free to use with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Welcome to Rapla County, Estonia, a hidden gem brimming with stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Make the most of your trip with Evendo, the ultimate app-based travel guide designed to provide you with everything you need. From detailed descriptions of famous landmarks like the Rapla Church and Kehtna Manor to hidden gems like the Mahtra Peasant Museum, Evendo has you covered.

Fancy dining at some of the best local restaurants? Discover culinary delights at places like Pargi Resto or the cozy Kehtna Mõisa Köök. With Evendo, you can easily locate and book hotels, tours, and activities, ensuring your trip is seamless and enjoyable. Navigate through the county with ease using our 'Near Me' feature, which shows you nearby attractions, restaurants, and shops, all with rich information including images, maps, and local tips.

Evendo is your one-stop solution for experiencing Rapla County like a local. Whether you're visiting for its natural beauty, historical sites, or vibrant local culture, our app provides curated local tips and travel essentials to enhance your adventure. Download Evendo today and start exploring Rapla County and beyond!

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