Märjamaa – Culture, Nature and Travel Planning

• The Märjamaa Järtad Landscape Protection Area is located directly beside the small town of Märjamaa.
• It consists of the two karst lake depressions Eesmine, also called Esimene, and Tagajärta, also called tagumine järta.
• The name Märjamaa was first mentioned in 1364; the small town began to develop in the second half of the 19th century.
• Long-distance bus routes operate in the municipality, serving Tallinn, Pärnu, Tartu and Haapsalu.

The town’s most important connection with nature is the Märjamaa Järtad Landscape Protection Area. Its two karst lake depressions each have several names: Eesmine is also called Esimene, and Tagajärta is also called tagumine järta. These names are useful when planning a trip if you would like to explore the landscape and its regional context in greater detail.

Märjamaa offers several points of interest for a cultural trip. Märjamaa Maarja Church was built in the first third of the 14th century. In the Middle Ages, it was the strongest fortified church in western Estonia and is one of the few churches to have survived completely intact to this day. This makes it possible to examine the local history over a long period through a single building.

The development of the small town is also part of its historical character. The opening of the Rapla–Virtsu railway line at the beginning of the 1930s accelerated Märjamaa’s development. Varbola Jaanilinn is also located in the wider regional surroundings. The castle complex is considered the largest castle complex in historic Estonia and was never conquered by an enemy. An excursion into the wider area therefore adds a cultural and historical perspective to the town, without suggesting that both destinations should be treated as part of one walking tour.

Kino Helk has been operating in its current building since 1 January 1967. In 2015, it received new technology enabling 3D films to be shown. As a modern cinema in Märjamaa, it offers film experiences and thus a different form of cultural programme from the church, landscape protection area or historic castle complex.

Another option is the Märjamaa Folk festival. It was founded in 2006 to preserve folk culture and present the cultures of other countries. At Märjamaa Folk, visitors can take part in workshops on making handicrafts; the festival also includes a craft market. The programme of Märjamaa Suvefest 2026 also included a heritage and forest walk to the village of Naistevalla, starting in front of Märjamaa Rahvamaja. If you would like to include events in your trip, you should distinguish between offerings described as permanent and a specific annual programme.

Long-distance bus routes operate in Märjamaa municipality, connecting it not only with Tallinn and Pärnu but also with Tartu and Haapsalu. Connections to Tallinn and Pärnu are also available from the Orgita ristmiku peatus stop. This is relevant when looking for accommodation if you want to organise your arrival not only around attractions but also around the available transport connections.

For further comparisons within the broader travel area, you can also include Kastna, Kuusiku, Rappel, Kõrbja, Käru and Saunaküla in your further travel planning.

What is the Märjamaa Järtad Landscape Protection Area?

Märjamaa Järtad is located directly beside the small town of Märjamaa and consists of the two karst lake depressions Eesmine, also called Esimene, and Tagajärta, also called tagumine järta.

Which historic church is there in Märjamaa?

Märjamaa Maarja Church was built in the first third of the 14th century. In the Middle Ages, it was the strongest fortified church in western Estonia and has survived completely intact to this day.

What is part of Märjamaa Folk?

The festival was founded in 2006. Märjamaa Folk includes workshops on making handicrafts and a craft market; the festival also focuses on folk culture and the cultures of other countries.

What bus connections are available in Märjamaa?

Long-distance bus routes in the municipality connect Märjamaa, among other places, with Tallinn, Pärnu, Tartu and Haapsalu. Connections to Tallinn and Pärnu are available from the Orgita ristmiku peatus stop.

To the wider travel overview: Rapla.