Kehra Travel Guide

City Estonian town near Tallinn on the Jägala River

Kehra perches on the Jägala River and serves commuters and nature lovers alike; stop for riverside walks, short hikes to nearby waterfalls, and straightforward Estonian café fare before heading into the forest.

Main image
Costs
$40-65 per day
Affordable local prices; near enough to Tallinn for day trips.
Safety
Safe and commuter-friendly
Safe; typical quiet commuter town environment.
Best Time
May-September
Pleasant weather for riverside walks and nearby nature trails.
Time
Weather
Population
2,694
Infrastructure & Convenience
Good rail connection to Tallinn, basic town centre, limited tourist signage in English.
Popularity
Primarily a local commuter and nature-visitor spot, not a tourist magnet.
Known For
Commuter-town to Tallinn, Jägala river scenery, pulp and paper industry history, local parks, cycling routes, proximity to national forests
Kehra lies about 30 km east of Tallinn and has a direct commuter train, making it an easy day-trip from the capital.

Why Visit Kehra? #

Just a short train ride from Tallinn, Kehra offers easy access to Estonia’s capital while sitting amid forests and the Jägala River valley for peaceful walks and birdwatching. The town’s industrial-heritage sites and community cultural house host local events and markets, and nearby woodland trails connect to larger national parks. It’s a practical stop for travelers who want countryside hiking by day and quick nightlife or museums in Tallinn by evening.

Top Things to Do in Kehra

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Kehra Manor Park - Parkland surrounding the historic manor offering shaded walks and seasonal plantings.
  • Kehra Railway Station area - Historic station neighbourhood linking Kehra to Tallinn with nearby cafés and shops.
  • Local Sports Centre - Community sports complex hosting events, pool facilities and weekend activities.
Hidden Gems
  • Kehra Community Workshops - Local craft workshops where woodworkers and artists display and sell their work.
  • Nearby Forest Trails - Well-marked paths through pine and mixed forests ideal for hiking and cycling.
  • Small Farm Markets - Weekend markets selling eggs, preserves and seasonal produce from local farms.
Day Trips
  • Tallinn Old Town - Medieval UNESCO-listed centre with cobbled streets, towers and museums about thirty minutes away.
  • Jägala Waterfall - Accessible waterfall on the Jägala River, popular for short nature visits and photos.

Best Time to Visit Kehra #

Kehra is best from late spring to early autumn for outdoor activities and long daylight. Winters are cold with snow and short days, so pack warm clothing.

Winter
December - February · -6 to -1°C (21 to 30°F)
Cold, snowy winters with short daylight; good for brisk walks along the Jägala river, but prepare for icy paths often.
Spring/Autumn
March - May & September - November · 0 to 8°C (32 to 46°F)
Cool, changeable seasons with damp mornings and sudden sun; layers and waterproofs make commuting and short hikes comfortable and enjoyable.
Summer
June - August · 15 to 22°C (59 to 72°F)
Mild summers bring long daylight and pleasant temperatures; perfect for biking, river walks, and weekend escapes to nearby Tallinn too.

Best Time to Visit Kehra #

Climate

Kehra's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -8°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (691 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
MayJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
-28°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-8° -3°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.7h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-9° -2°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.3h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
16°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
16.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
20°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
18.2h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
17.5h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 83 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 20°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
15.3h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.4h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° -1°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.9h daylight

How to Get to Kehra

Kehra is a short commuter rail ride from Tallinn and is easily reached by Elron trains; Tallinn Airport (TLL) is the main international gateway. Frequent commuter trains make Kehra convenient for day trips to and from the capital.

By Air

Tallinn Airport (TLL): Tallinn is the main international gateway for Kehra. From TLL take bus or train to Tallinn city centre (≈20-25 min, ≈€2-3) then catch an Elron commuter train towards Tapa-Kehra station is on this Tallinn-Tapa line (≈20-30 minutes from Tallinn city centre). Journey time from the airport to Kehra is generally under 1.5 hours; total fare Tallinn→Kehra is modest (typically a couple of euros for commuter services).

Tartu / regional options: Tartu is a regional alternative for arrivals in eastern Estonia, but for Kehra Tallinn remains the most convenient international entry point.

By Train & Bus

Train: Kehra has an Elron railway station on the Tallinn-Tapa line with frequent commuter trains to Tallinn (≈20-30 minutes) and further connections. Tickets can be bought onboard or via the Elron app; local commuter fares are low (often €1-3).

Bus: Local buses cover nearby villages and supplement train services; use local county timetables for schedules. Buses are handy for destinations not directly served by rail.

How to Get Around Kehra #

Kehra is within commuting distance of Tallinn and is served by Estonia’s regional trains, making day trips to the capital straightforward; check Elron timetables for departures. The town itself is very walkable and compact. Local buses and taxis are available but limited; if you plan to explore beyond Kehra, a car increases flexibility. Train fares to Tallinn are generally inexpensive, especially with local passes or discounts.

Where to Stay in Kehra #

Budget
Town centre - €25-60/night
Mostly small guesthouses and private rentals; budget hotel options are limited. Many visitors base in Tallinn and take day trips to Kehra.
Mid-Range
Near centre - €60-110/night
A couple of modest hotels and renovated guesthouses offer comfortable rooms. Mid-range choices are limited; book in advance for weekends and holiday periods.
Luxury
No local luxury - Tallinn recommended
No luxury hotels in Kehra. For upscale stays, choose Tallinn with its wider selection of boutique and high-end hotels, a short drive away.

Where to Eat in Kehra #

Nightlife in Kehra #

Nightlife in Kehra is quiet and local: cafés, small bars and community events make up most evening activities. There are no major clubs or late-night venues in town. For a livelier evening or diverse entertainment options, take the train to Tallinn.

Shopping in Kehra #

Shopping in Kehra is focused on everyday needs with supermarkets, bakeries and a few independent stores. There are not many specialty outlets in town. For a wider range of shops, brands and services, Tallinn is an easy train ride away.

Nearby Cities #