This blog post was written by our student ambassador Ana, who is a student of the semiotics programme at the University of Tartu.

 It’s springtime once again in Estonia! The sun is shining, the weather is warmer, and the days are longer. An ideal time to take a little break from all the studying and preparing for the thesis defence, and go explore more of Estonia’s beautiful and breathtaking places. In this blog, I will write about popular places in West Harjumaa—Keila, Laulasmaa and Keila-Joa, to be precise. I will highlight their attractions, beauty, and explain why they are worth visiting. So, to all of you looking for an ideal getaway from stressful studies or a relaxing field trip in nature, I hope this blog will be inspiring and show that the Harjumaa region is more than just Tallinn and Lahemaa National Park. 

Keila 

Keila is a small city with big charm, located only 25 kilometres from Tallinn. It is easily accessible by train or bus. Although it’s small compared to Tartu and Tallinn, Keila has lots to offer in terms of culture and nature. The Harjumaa Museum, which represents the history, tradition, and culture of the Harjumaa region through various exhibitions, is located in Keila. Keila Kultuurikeskus is also a great place to visit to learn more about Keila’s lively spirit. Saint Michael’s Church is a very beautiful building as well, for those seeking peace and time for prayer. Keila also features a water park and a health centre, offering fun and recreational activities. Regarding nature, the city park, with many unique plants, trees, and a fountain, is an ideal place for a stroll, relaxation, and simply enjoying a beautiful day. During the summertime, small children often use the fountain as a swimming place. Taime Park is another breathtaking park in Keila, much bigger than the city park. The river flows through the park, giving it a more special vibe, and its vintage bridges and closeness to the forest make it a true nature utopia. Keila terviserajad are very popular among sports lovers and those who want to stay active, as the long forest trails are ideal for running, hiking, or cycling. During the winter and snowy period, people and children go skiing, cross-country skiing, and sledging on the small hill near the hiking trails. For those who love shopping, the newly opened Keila Keskus is a perfect place. An interesting fact about Keila is that the city is becoming an unofficial capital of retail stores, as there are many shops and malls in this small city. I live in Keila, and it’s a true joy and a pleasure to live in this majestic city. 

Laulasmaa 

Laulasmaa is a small village located 20 kilometres from Keila. It’s the most stunning, beautiful, fairytale-like place! The village has a large school, where I work as a teacher, two stores, one very important and influential centre, a breathtaking forest, and a mesmerising beach. When I first came to Laulasmaa last summer, it was for a job interview at Laulasmaa School, my current workplace. Before that, I didn’t even know the place existed, to be honest. After I finished the interview, I took a walk to Laulasmaa Beach, and I was simply amazed by the beauty of Lahepere Bay and the serene sounds of wind and birds. The sandy beach, with trees and bushes, is a perfect shelter for everyone who loves the sun and clear skies. Another wonder of Laulasmaa is its forest, which is very similar to fairytale forests. If you are ever visiting Laulasmaa, I highly recommend taking a walk through this wonderland of tall trees, bushes, and sand. In the heart of the forest lies the most important monument of Laulasmaa: the Arvo Pärt Centre. A cultural centre with unique architecture, dedicated to the one and only Arvo Pärt and his greatest works and accomplishments. Laulasmaa truly has something for everyone!

Keila-Joa 

Another gem of Western Harjumaa, Keila-Joa, is a small place not far from Laulasmaa. Just to clear up any confusion, Keila and Keila-Joa are not the same place, even though they share a similar name. Keila is a city, often referred to in Estonian as Keila linn, while Keila-Joa is a smaller place named after a river. Keila-Joa is most famous for its waterfall and castle, both located in Keila-Joa Park. I walked from Laulasmaa to Keila-Joa, which was about 8 kilometres. The majestic waterfall completely took my breath away. It felt like a true miracle of nature. The waterfall is 6 metres tall and is one of the most popular and visited tourist attractions in Estonia. The hiking trails and forest paths around the park are also great and ideal for exploring further or enjoying a nice picnic. The entrance to the castle is paid, but it is definitely worth it, as the castle is a true masterpiece of art, history, and culture. Now you know more about some of the most iconic places in West Harjumaa, and I truly hope you will visit some of them, as they are real treasures of both nature and culture