Tuhala: Karst Landscape, Springs and Hiking Trails

Tuhala represents an unusual combination of karst landscape, underground waterways, short hiking trails and a history that goes back a long way. Those planning a trip to Tuhala can combine nature observation, active days and cultural discoveries. The different experiences will help you choose the right surroundings when looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home.

Karst, Water and Special Landscape Forms

The Tuhala karst area includes typical karst features such as turloughs, sinkholes, swallow holes, limestone surfaces, springs, caves and underground waterways. It covers 188 hectares and displays the various forms within a compact area. The Tuhala River is a striking connection between water and the underground: the river is 26 kilometres long, six of which flow through three underground river branches.

Ämmaauk is a 25-metre-long and 3.5-metre-deep swallow hole. At normal water levels, the Tuhala River disappears underground there. Tuhala Witch's Well is a temporary spring in the Nabala-Tuhala Nature Reserve and lies on the underground river of the Tuhala karst area. During spring flooding, up to 100 litres of water per second can emerge from the spring. The 58-metre-long Virulase Cave is connected to Tuhala Witch's Well by underground passages.

Hiking with Varied Impressions

The Tuhala ümbruse matkarada hiking trail is ideal for exploring the area on foot. It is 2.5 kilometres long, intended for walking and equipped with 20 sights or points of interest. Information boards and rest areas accompany the marked route. Guided hikes with a nature guide are offered year-round around Tuhala Nõiakaev and the karst area.

When planning your visit, you should take the water level into account. The Tuhala hiking trail is easiest to walk when Tuhala Witch's Well is not overflowing; during flooding, the caves may be seven metres underwater. The visitor site at Tuhala Witch's Well has parking for 40 cars and public toilets. This information makes day planning easier without limiting the natural area to a single type of visit.

Church, Old Roads and Living History

Tuhala also offers specific points of cultural interest. EELK Tuhala Kaarli kirik was built in 1775–1777 on the orders of Count Karl von Mellin. The pulpit altar is considered the most important sight and unique among Estonia's churches. A memorial stone at the site of Tuhala School commemorates the school that stood there from 1639 to 1768.

Heinasoo lies between Tuhala Church and the manor park and is known as the site of Estonia's oldest known corduroy road, dating from the 3rd or 4th century. Settlement in the Tuhala region can be demonstrably traced back more than 3,000 years. The landscape also includes Tuhala Manor Park, a protected park in the village of Tuhala. Kataveski hiiekadakas is designated as a sacred juniper.

More Destinations for Trip Planning

The Polli Zoo is located in the immediate vicinity of Tuhala Nõiakaev, on the grounds of Polli Farm. There, visitors can see and touch various animals and birds, visit the stable and barn, and go pony riding. Tuhala Kultuuritalu is home to a cosy farmstead surrounded by the greenery of the village of Tuhala, where music, nature and people come together. This makes it possible to take different day-trip ideas into account when choosing accommodation: nature and water, a walk with information points, cultural history or a visit to the farm grounds.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Tuhala, the focus of your travel decision may be on the desired pace of experiences. Those who primarily want to discover the karst area and trails can orient themselves towards the natural attractions. For days focused on culture, the church, manor park, memorial stone and long settlement history come to the fore.

More places for orientation: Charlottenhof, Tabasalu, Sõitme, Saku, Vikipalu, Järveküla, Rae, Pärispea.

For the overarching travel overview: Harju.