Rae: Discover Nature, Trails and History

Rae appeals to travelers who want to combine nature observation, trails and history in one stay. The destination offers a wide variety of starting points for this: Paraspõllu Nature Reserve covers 476 hectares, natural monuments and historic sites are the focus in Jüri, while Lagedi has its own distinctive character with trails, a museum and river landscapes. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Rae, it is therefore worth deciding first which excursions you want to take and then choosing the location that best suits your travel plans.

Nature among bogs, parks and old trees

Paraspõllu Nature Reserve lies on the border between the municipalities of Rae and Raasiku. Lowland bog is the predominant habitat type there. Those who appreciate landscapes with a strong natural character will find an important focal point of the destination here. The Kurna Manor Park in the village of Kurna is another attraction: the protected park covers 10.9 hectares.

Individual natural monuments also add variety to the surroundings. Vaskjala Oak is designated as a protected individual natural monument. Lehmja Oak Grove, a protected forest area covering 12 hectares, is also located in Jüri. In Lagedi, Külma-Talu Park lies at the confluence of the Pirita and Leivajõgi rivers. It was created by the artist Ott Kangilaski on the former estate of Voldemar Päts, the younger brother of Konstantin Päts. Elulille Garden is designed as a permaculture garden following the pattern of the Flower of Life; rare plants can be viewed there.

Trails, bridges and active days

For walks and bike rides, Lagedi offers a lit pedestrian and cycling connection between the center and the railway stops. This connection also includes a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Pirita River. Those who like to plan their trip around outdoor activity can also note the 6.6-kilometer Suuresta Hiking Trail in the immediate vicinity of the destination. It begins at the Suuresta Golf clubhouse and runs around Mädajärv.

The recreational and central area of Vaida has a low ropes course and a village swing. For further planning of hiking, health and ski trails in Rae Parish, the municipality's information page on the trails provides the relevant information. There you will also find details on the condition of the ski trails and the snow depth on Jüri's health trails. This makes it possible to take different priorities for active days into account depending on the time of year, without limiting the itinerary to just one type of excursion.

History and special experiences

Jüri offers several historical points of interest. Jüri Church stands on a medieval foundation and is a pseudogothic church. Its churchyard contains unique stone crosses. A monument erected in Jüri in 1978 also commemorates the site where Estonia's first known iron-smelting furnace was discovered.

In Lagedi, the Museum of the Estonian Struggle for Liberty provides an overview of 20th-century military history. Its thematic scope ranges from the land and naval battles of the Estonian War of Independence to the Cold War period. The museum also offers a T-34/85 tank driving experience with a professional team. This makes it possible to combine cultural and historical sightseeing with an unusual experience in one travel itinerary.

Choosing accommodation according to your travel plans

When searching for a holiday apartment in Rae, you can use the focus of your trip as a guide. For days spent in nature, Paraspõllu, the parks and the protected tree sites are interesting points of reference. Those planning trails, cycling connections and travel by public transport should take Lagedi and its connection to the railway stops into account. Jüri and Lagedi offer different themes for those interested in cultural history.

Lilleoru can also be included in your plans: Lilleoru is accessible from Tallinn by bus 105. Alternatively, buses 130 and 138 run to the Ellaku stop; from there, Lilleoru is about a 20-minute walk away. If you would like to include this excursion, you can factor the connection in when choosing your accommodation and planning your days.

For further orientation within the destination, you can also explore Aruvalla and Peetri. This leaves room to include additional places in your personal travel selection alongside the natural and cultural highlights.

For the general travel overview: Harju.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Kõue Parish, Pala, Kose, Harku Parish, Saue, Kahala.