Kohila Travel Guide

City Small Estonian town in Raplamaa County

Between Tallinn and Rapla, Kohila reveals manor grounds, a 19th-century paper mill and forest trails. Visitors come for quiet walks, cycling through pine stands, and small industrial museums that map local history.

Costs
$50-80 per day (comfortable budget)
Close to Tallinn so expect commuter-town prices but still affordable.
Safety
Very safe and orderly
Very safe; normal European small-town precautions apply.
Best Time
May-September (best for outdoors)
Warm, long summer days and bloom of countryside.
Time
Weather
Population
3,355
Infrastructure & Convenience
Good train connections to Tallinn, walkable center, basic services and shops.
Popularity
Quiet local destination favored by Estonian day-trippers and commuters.
Known For
Kohila Manor, rail commuter links, Raplamaa countryside, cycling routes, small manufacturing history, local parks, village festivals, timber and rural landscapes
Kohila is a commuter town about 35-40 km southwest of Tallinn with a regular rail link to the capital.

Why Visit Kohila? #

A small Estonian town where manor heritage meets peatland countryside and easy access to nature. Kohila Manor anchors local history while nearby bog trails and mixed forests invite mushroom foraging, birdwatching and long walks. Food lovers can sample hearty Estonian rye bread and foraged mushroom dishes in village cafés, and simple railway-era architecture gives the place a nostalgic, rural charm. It’s a relaxed base for exploring Raplamaa’s landscapes.

Top Things to Do in Kohila

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Kohila Manor (Kohila mõis) - Restored manor house and park presenting local history and occasional cultural events.
  • Former Kohila paper-mill area - Industrial-era complex by the river, now with walking paths and atmospheric historic buildings.
  • Kohila Church - Local parish church with a simple interior and regular community services and gatherings.
Hidden Gems
  • Kohila riverside trails - Riverside walking paths perfect for short hikes and birdwatching near the town center.
  • Local carpentry workshops - Family-run workshops crafting wooden goods reflecting regional woodworking skills and techniques.
  • Small-town cafés along Pärnu road - Quiet cafés serving Estonian pastries and coffees frequented by residents and commuters.
Day Trips
  • Rapla - County town with a notable church, shops, and weekend markets a short drive away.
  • Keila-Joa Manor and waterfall - Historic manor and waterfall within driving distance, offering landscaped grounds and river views.

Best Time to Visit Kohila #

The best time to visit Kohila is late spring through early autumn (May-September) for mild weather and extended daylight. Winters are cold and snowy, limiting outdoor activities.

Winter
December - February · -8-1 °C / 18-34 °F
Cold, snowy and often grey; good if you like quiet villages, cross-country skiing nearby, and stark, photogenic winter landscapes and solitude.
Spring
March - May · 0-14 °C / 32-57 °F
Rapid thaw and blooming countryside; unpredictable weather - pack layers, but enjoy fewer tourists, birdsong, and peaceful awakening nature trails.
Summer
June - August · 13-23 °C / 55-73 °F
Warm, long days with lots of green; best for cycling, swimming in lakes, and village festivals - mosquitoes can be present near wetlands.

Best Time to Visit Kohila #

Climate

Kohila'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 (710 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
MayJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
-37°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7° -2°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
3.9 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 (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-8° -2°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
3.6 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 -4°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

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

May

May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
16.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 19°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
3.1 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. The wettest month with 80 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
17.5h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 20°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
15.3h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

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

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
3.3 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 (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
3.6 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 -1°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.4h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.9h daylight

How to Get to Kohila

Kohila is on the Tallinn-Rapla regional corridor in Estonia and is easiest reached via Tallinn Airport (TLL) with a short onward rail or bus trip. Elron regional trains provide a fast, frequent and inexpensive connection straight to Kohila.

By Air

Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL): Tallinn’s airport is the main international gateway for Kohila. From TLL take bus 2 or 2A (or the city shuttle) to Tallinn city centre (Viru); the trip takes about 20-30 minutes and a single Tallinn public transport ticket is typically €2 (buy via the QR‑ticket app or contactless payment where accepted). Taxis to central Tallinn take ~15-20 minutes and cost around €10-20.

Riga (RIX): Riga International is a larger regional alternative for some international itineraries; transfer by bus or train to Tallinn from Riga is possible but takes several hours, so most travellers use TLL for fastest access to Kohila.

By Train & Bus

Train: Kohila has a railway station on Elron’s Tallinn-Rapla-Viljandi line. Trains run from Tallinn’s Balti jaam to Kohila in roughly 35-45 minutes; single fares are around €2-€3 (Elron prices vary by route and ticket type). This is the straightest public‑transport option from Tallinn.

Bus: Regional buses (operated by local companies) also serve Kohila from Tallinn and Rapla. Bus trips take roughly 35-60 minutes depending on route; fares typically range from about €2-€5. Check state and local timetables (e.g., TPilet or local operator sites) for up‑to‑date departures.

How to Get Around Kohila #

Kohila is compact and easy to explore on foot; the main services and parks are close together. Many residents use cars for trips outside town. Regional bus routes link Kohila with Rapla and Tallinn; services run several times a day but check timetables. Taxis exist but are limited, and cycling is a practical option for short distances.

Where to Stay in Kohila #

Budget
Kohila / Rapla - €20-50/night
Kohila itself has only a few guesthouses; budget travellers often stay in Rapla or Tallinn for more options and transport links.
Mid-Range
Tallinn (from Kohila by train) - €50-120/night
Most comfortable mid-range hotels are in Tallinn - Kohila is a short train ride away; better amenities and dining there.
Luxury
Tallinn centre - €120+/night
Kohila has no luxury hotels; head to Tallinn for luxury boutique or international hotels and full services.

Where to Eat in Kohila #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Kohila's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Thai
Sushi
Burger

Nightlife in Kohila #

Nightlife is minimal in Kohila. Evenings are typically quiet, with locals gathering in small cafés or pubs rather than nightlife districts. For bars, live music or late-night options, head to nearby Rapla or Tallinn where the scene is much larger.

Shopping in Kohila #

Shopping options in Kohila are basic: small grocery stores, kiosks and a few local shops meeting everyday needs. For wider retail choices, big supermarkets and specialty stores can be found in Rapla or Tallinn. If you’re after Estonian crafts or design goods, travel to larger towns where boutiques and markets are concentrated.

Nearby Cities #