Kohila: Wood-fired Ceramics, Historic Sites and Discovery Trails

Kohila combines contemporary ceramic art with historic sites and discovery trails. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can plan their stay here around different interests: culture related to the Kohila Symposium, excursions to archaeological and religious sites, or shorter routes that can be covered on foot or by bicycle.

Wood-fired ceramics as a distinctive aspect of Kohila

The Kohila Symposium is an international residency for wood-fired ceramics and takes place in Kohila. Every year, up to 11 artists are invited to Kohila for three weeks. During this time, they create new works through wood firing, collaborate and share their experiences. This places an art form at the centre of Kohila that is closely connected with the location and a specific working process.

For your travel planning, this theme offers a clear cultural focus. If you are interested in ceramics, craft techniques and exchange between artists, you can explore Kohila specifically from this perspective. The Symposium adds a contemporary dimension to the area’s historic destinations.

Historic sites in the surrounding area

In the wider surroundings of Kohila, the Angerja vasallinnus is protected as an architectural monument. Sections of the stone walls and remains of the basement level have survived. The site therefore represents a history that can still be read today in its visible structural remains. Loone linnus, also known as Lohu Jaanilinn, is also located in the surrounding area. The archaeological hillfort received a new bridge and an information board in 2022; the site is also suitable for a picnic.

Another highlight is the Angerja Issanda Taevaminemise Kirik. It was consecrated on 28 January 1901 and is one of the few Estonian Apostolic Orthodox churches with a newly painted iconostasis comprising all the holy icons. Those interested in religious architecture and ecclesiastical art will find an independent destination here alongside the castles and hillforts.

Trails, environmental education and different day plans

The discovery trails named in the Kohila region include “Kapa Kohila lood”. The shorter discovery trails can be covered on foot or by bicycle. This leaves room for travel planning that incorporates not only individual historic destinations, but also exercise and exploration. When choosing your accommodation, consider whether you want to focus your days more on culture, trails or excursions to the sites in the wider surrounding area.

The Kohila Keskkonnahariduse Keskus offers environmental education activities for children, young people and adults in Raplamaa as well as in southern and western Harjumaa. This aspect is particularly interesting for families who wish to include an environmental education programme in their travel plans alongside history and art.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans

A holiday apartment in Kohila is a suitable option if you want to combine the location’s various themes. Culture enthusiasts can focus on the Kohila Symposium and the Angerja Church, while other days of the trip can be devoted to the discovery trails, historic sites or the environmental education centre.

The TOHI Distillery also adds its own distinctive touch: its gin distillery is located in the historic vodka kitchen of Tohisoo Manor. This destination complements the cultural focus with an insight into the present-day use of a historic building.

Compare other destinations

For further travel planning, you can also visit the pages for Urge and Lohu. This allows you to compare different destinations before deciding on your accommodation and the focus of your trip.

To the overarching travel overview: Kohila.