Märjamaa between Nature Reserve, Culture and Activities

Märjamaa combines natural surroundings, medieval architectural heritage and diverse opportunities for active or culture-oriented days of holiday. The town lies between Pärnu and Tallinn, making it an interesting destination for anyone who enjoys spending their days combining landscapes, local history and shared leisure activities.

Natural Surroundings and Location

Märjamaa borough is located in the Märjamaa Nature Reserve, established in 2019. Its land area is 728.3 hectares. This setting shapes the character of the town and makes the natural environment an important aspect of travel planning. In connection with the karst areas of Märjamaa, the RMK Penijõe–Aegviidu–Kauksi hiking route, also known as Penijõe–Varbola, is also mentioned.

The road network is relevant for travel orientation: the Tallinn–Pärnu–Ikla road and the Tartu–Paide–Haapsalu road cross in Märjamaa. After its opening in the early 1930s, the former Rapla–Virtsu railway gave additional impetus to the development of the town. It forms part of Märjamaa’s historical development and is now classified as a former railway connection.

Church and Local History

The name Märjamaa was first mentioned in 1364 in connection with the priest Gerlacus de Castella, also known as Gerlich von Costelen. At that time, he served the Meriama parish. The town of Märjamaa began to develop in the second half of the 19th century. Those interested in the town’s developed identity will therefore find several historical points of reference here.

In the first third of the 14th century, a stone church dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built in Märjamaa. Märjamaa Church is a single-nave Gothic church with high vaults, a tall triumphal arch and thick stone walls. It is considered the strongest fortified church in western Estonia. The Märjamaa railway station building at Jaama tn 5 is also part of the town’s history and is listed as an architectural monument.

Culture and Active Days of Holiday

Helk Cinema is located in the centre of Märjamaa borough. The cinema has been housed in the current building since 1 January 1967; following extensive renovations, it reopened to visitors on 23 January 2009. Märjamaa Rahvamaja is the largest cultural centre in Märjamaa Parish. It has a cinema and conference room with 111 seats, as well as a concert hall with 270 seats. Rahvamaja is also accessible to people with special needs and disabilities.

For physical activity, Märjamaa Valla Spordikeskus has a climbing wall for adults and children. Next to the centre is a beach volleyball court open to everyone. There is also a 12-hole disc golf course next to the stadium. Märjamaa Ujula offers opportunities to relax in the water. This makes it possible to give different weight to cultural activities, sports and quieter periods when planning your stay.

Choosing the Right Type of Accommodation

When looking for a holiday apartment in Märjamaa, you can base your choice on how you would like to spend your days. Those who want to combine nature and local history can focus on the nature reserve, the karst areas and the church. For culture-oriented days, the cinema, Rahvamaja and architectural monument are the main attractions. Those travelling with children or with varied interests can also consider the climbing wall, beach volleyball, disc golf and water activities. The choice of accommodation should therefore primarily match which of these themes you want to shape your trip.

For further travel planning, links also lead to Haimre, Mõraste and Varbola. To compare other destinations in the same broader selection, you can also view Järvakandi Vald, Rapla, Käru, Vigala and Kehtna Parish.

To the broader travel overview: Rapla.