Saunaküla: Nature, Lake and Village History

Lake Estonia is located in the Saunaküla area. The main road running through the village begins in Kaerepere and leads to the meadows and the Estonia recreation area with its lake and Estonia Hill. The local roads in Saunaküla and Kaerepere lead to the Tallinn–Türi highway, which lies a few kilometres from the village boundary.

The Kaerepere–Saunaküla–Kumma route is designated as an educational trail focusing on natural and cultural history. In Saunaküla, landscape observation, regional history and orientation along the local roads therefore come together.

The Estonia Hills—Eesmägi, Keskmägi and Tagasoomägi—are low rises amid meadows. Through human activity and ongoing maintenance, these meadows developed into species-rich wooded meadows; the three rises are listed as locally significant nature conservation sites.

The surrounding area includes extensive nature-rich spaces with lightly used coniferous and mixed forests of varying ages, as well as meadows and several clear-cuts. The oaks at Tammiku Farm are also mentioned as valuable natural features. Those who want to focus their trip planning on open landscapes, forest formations and a lake will find several different natural points of interest here rather than just one destination.

The educational trail between Kaerepere, Saunaküla and Kumma focuses on natural and cultural history. For arrival and navigation, the main road from Kaerepere to the meadows and the Estonia recreation area, as well as the connection to the Tallinn–Türi highway, are also relevant.

The Estonia recreation areas near Saunaküla are among the recreational areas listed in Kehtna Municipality for summer sports activities and swimming. In addition, the shooting range of the Valtu Hunting Club is open in summer on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. by prior arrangement with the instructor. Hunting-shooting competitions, training sessions and other events are held there.

Saunaküla is said to have originated from families who were relocated from the older villages of Kumma and Kaerepere as land use expanded westward and northward. Landless saunas, which served as accommodation for workers at Valtu Manor, probably gave Saunaküla its name.

Historic farm households in Saunaküla earned additional income through crafts, especially woodworking and wagon-making. Communal village life included joint spring clean-up work and celebrating Jüripäev. In addition, eight summer gatherings of current and former village residents have already been held in Saunaküla at five-year intervals.

Jahimaja has a fireplace room, a spacious sauna and a kitchen. The rooms provide overnight accommodation for 20 people. Birthdays, weddings, conferences, meetings, seminars and other events can also be held there; seating is available for around 40 people or more.

When looking for a hotel or other accommodation in Saunaküla, it is worth clearly prioritising your own interests: Should the lake and the Estonia recreation area be the main focus, are you more interested in the educational trail on natural and cultural history, or are you planning a stay for several people with event requirements? To compare Saunaküla with other places, you can also view Kõrbja, Kuusiku, Rappel, Käru, Kastna and Märjamaa.

What kind of landscape surrounds Saunaküla?

The surrounding area contains nature-rich coniferous and mixed forests, meadows and several clear-cuts. The natural features mentioned also include the low rises of Eesmägi, Keskmägi and Tagasoomägi, as well as the oaks at Tammiku Farm.

Where is Lake Estonia located?

Lake Estonia is located in the Saunaküla area. The main road running through Saunaküla leads to the meadows and the Estonia recreation area with its lake and Estonia Hill.

Is there a themed route?

Yes. The Kaerepere–Saunaküla–Kumma route is designated as an educational trail focusing on natural and cultural history.

What summer activities are mentioned at the Estonia recreation area?

The Estonia recreation areas near Saunaküla are among the recreational areas listed in Kehtna Municipality for summer sports activities and swimming.

When is the Valtu Hunting Club shooting range open?

In summer, the shooting range is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. by prior arrangement with the instructor.

What rooms and overnight accommodation does Jahimaja offer?

Jahimaja has a fireplace room, a spacious sauna and a kitchen. The rooms provide overnight accommodation for 20 people; seating for events is available for around 40 people or more.

To the higher-level travel overview: Rapla.