Maardu: Trails, Lake and Church History
Accommodation in Maardu
Maardu offers a range of options for nature and culture enthusiasts: Metsapark has trails of two different lengths, and there is also Maardu järv, along with specific themes from church and local history. This lets you get a sense of the destination based on what interests you most.
Maardu at a glance
- Maardu Metsapark has trails of 3 and 5 kilometers.
- The park has a low adventure course for children and an outdoor gym.
- The natural, publicly accessible Maardu järv is also known as Liivakandi järv and covers 161.8 hectares.
- Maardu Peaingel Miikaeli kirik was completed in 1998; its grounds feature a bell dating from 1902.
What activities does Maardu Metsapark offer?
The two trails are 3 and 5 kilometers long, respectively. You can choose a shorter or longer route; the difference is two kilometers. The trails are intended for walking, running, Nordic walking, and cycling. Cross-country skiing is also possible there in winters with abundant snowfall.
The park also has a low adventure course for children and an outdoor gym. These facilities offer different ways to be active in the park. Cross-country skiing is explicitly dependent on snowy winters; the other activities are listed as uses of the trails.
What makes Maardu järv special?
Maardu järv is a natural body of water that is open to the public. It is also called Liivakandi järv and covers 161.8 hectares. If you compare the area figure with the trail lengths in Metsapark, the numbers describe different things: the figures in kilometers refer to routes, while the figure in hectares refers to the lake’s area. Both provide concrete points of reference for Maardu’s nature attractions.
What stories do the church and bell tell?
Maardu Peaingel Miikaeli kirik was completed in 1998, built of red brick in the style of classical church architecture. The grounds feature a large bell dating from 1902. It came from Plaani kirik in Võrumaa and was brought to Maardu. The two years therefore refer to different histories: 1998 marks the church’s completion, while 1902 is the year of the bell.
Maardu’s autumn market also has a documented history: the tradition began in 2001, and in recent years the market has been called Etnolaat. This gives you a dated reference point for the city’s history without specifying a date for a future market.
What is known about the nature and cultural history trail?
Maardu’s nature and cultural history trail is intended to introduce residents and visitors to the city’s main sights and history. In 2022, its first section was walked: from Maardu järv via Kroodi oja to Maardu keemiakombinaat and back. This date records when the walk took place and helps explain the described section as part of the city’s history.
Maardu keemiakombinaat is cited as the reason Maardu emerged as an industrial city. Along with the trail’s planned focus on nature, sights, and history, this topic offers another perspective on Maardu alongside park trails, the lake, and church architecture.
Discover more destinations: Laagri, Kaberla, Harku, Keila, Sõitme, Padise, Tabasalu, Pedase.
FAQ
How long are the trails in Maardu Metsapark?
There are trails of 3 and 5 kilometers. They are suitable for walking, running, Nordic walking, and cycling; cross-country skiing is also possible in winters with abundant snowfall.
What is another name for Maardu järv?
The natural, publicly accessible lake is also known as Liivakandi järv. It covers 161.8 hectares.
Where does the bell on the church grounds come from?
The large bell, dating from 1902, was brought to Maardu from Plaani kirik in Võrumaa.
Which route was walked in 2022?
The first section of the nature and cultural history trail led from Maardu järv via Kroodi oja to Maardu keemiakombinaat and back.
Go to the regional travel overview: Harju.
