Kehra

Kehra is a small town in eastern Harjumaa, situated on the Jägala River about 40 km south-east of Tallinn. With a population of roughly 2,800, it lies on the Tallinn–Narva railway and serves primarily as a commuter stop for the capital. The town's most significant landmark is the Kehra Paper Mill, a large industrial plant that has operated since the 1920s and remains the largest employer in the area — its chimney is visible from miles away across the flat forested landscape.

Despite its industrial core, Kehra is surrounded by the kind of nature that makes Harjumaa's eastern half appealing: pine forests, river valleys, and bogs. The Jägala River runs through the town, and walking trails follow its banks upstream toward the Jägala Falls. Kehra is also the closest railway stop to Aegviidu village, the southern gateway to Lahemaa National Park.

Kehra's best season is summer, when the nearby forests are full of bilberries and the river is suitable for swimming. Winters are cold and the town can feel bleak, though the frozen river creates dramatic ice formations near the weir at the northern edge of town.

By Plane

Tallinn Airport (TLL) is 45 km north-west — a 40-minute taxi ride (€35–45).

By Train

Kehra is on the Tallinn–Narva line. Elron trains from Balti Jaam (Tallinn) run roughly every 30–60 minutes; the journey takes 40 minutes. A one-way ticket costs about €3. The station is at the southern end of town.

By Car / Road

From Tallinn, take the E20 east, then turn south at the Kehra intersection — 40 km, about 35 minutes. Parking is free near the station and the town centre. Bus route 155 from Tallinn's Central Bus Station also serves Kehra (€3.50, 55 minutes).

Kehra is small enough to walk end-to-end in 25 minutes. The trail to Jägala Falls starts about 4 km from town — a 45-minute walk or 10-minute cycle. Bikes can be rented informally from the hostel.

• Jägala Waterfall (Jägala juga) — 7 km north-west of Kehra city centre, this 8-metre-high cascade is Estonia's highest natural waterfall. A viewing platform and walking trails surround it. Most impressive in spring (April–May) during snowmelt.

• Kehra Paper Mill — Estonia's oldest continuously operating paper mill (founded 1923). You can't go inside, but the imposing red-brick industrial architecture is a good photo subject from the bridge over the Jägala River.

• Kehra Railway Station — A modest early-20th-century wooden station building, typical of the smaller Estonian railway stations of the Tsarist era.

• Jägala River walking trail — A 4 km path along the river from the town to the waterfall, passing through pine groves and beaver ponds.

• Hike to Jägala Falls — The walking trail along the Jägala River is pleasant and mostly flat; allow 45 minutes each way.

• Berry and mushroom foraging — The forests around Kehra are rich in wild berries (July–August) and mushrooms (September–October). Local residents forage routinely.

• Cycling to Aegviidu — A 10 km cycling route south along minor roads from Kehra to Aegviidu, the southern access point for Lahemaa National Park hiking trails.

• Restaurant Paabu (town centre) — A simple Estonian pub-restaurant serving grilled meats, soups, and beer. Mains €6–10.
• Kehra Toidupub (near the station) — Small lunch café with a daily set meal (€4–5). Open weekdays only.
• Jägala Falls picnic — The waterfall area has picnic tables and fire pits; bring your own food.

The village pub serves A. Le Coq and Saku beers. Tea and coffee are available at the Toidupub.

• Kehra Nature Lodge — A simple guesthouse near the river with 4 rooms (doubles from €40). Shared bathroom.
• Aegviidu camping — 10 km south, there is a basic campsite at the Lahemaa southern trailhead with tent pitches (from €8) and a small shelter.

Kehra has a basic grocery shop (Coop) and a few kiosks. For any real shopping, head to Tallinn or Rakvere.

• Jägala Waterfall (7 km north-west, 15 min by car) — Estonia's highest natural cascade; at its most spectacular in spring.
• Aegviidu (10 km south, 12 min by car) — The southern entrance to Lahemaa National Park, with hiking trails into the forest and bog.
• Tallinn (40 km north-west, 40 min by train) — The medieval capital with its UNESCO-listed Old Town and vibrant cultural scene.
• Lahemaa National Park (15 km north, 15 min by car from Aegviidu) — Estonia's largest national park, with manor houses, coastal villages, and bog trails.