A Leisurely Manor Tour

Baltic German landowners were once renowned for their hospitality. But what do today's manor owners and estate hosts offer their guests?

Anneliis Jool

Harju-, Rapla- ja Läänemaa DMO

Estonian manor culture developed in the Middle Ages, when manors were the centre of local life, both economically and culturally. The manors belonged mainly to the Baltic German nobility, who influenced the architecture, art and traditions of the region.

There are more than 1,000 historic manors in Estonia, many of which have been preserved and restored, representing different architectural styles such as Baroque, Classicism and Historicism. The manors were usually surrounded by large parks. The preserved or restored grand main buildings and farmhouses reflect the wealth and way of life of earlier times. Estonian manors were also important centres of education and innovation, with several schools and agricultural development. Today, manor houses offer the opportunity to explore history, enjoy cultural events and rest and relax.

What to expect along the way

Route highlights: Anija Manor, Habaja Distillery, Raikküla Manor, Maidla Nature Resort, Kernu Manor, Saare Manor, Käesalu Art Centre, Keila-Joa Castle.
Length of the journey: visiting all the locations, the route is approximately 380 km.
Duration: 2-3 days at a relaxed pace
Opening times: all year round, but during low season the sites may have shorter opening hours or be open by appointment only.
How to get there: by car or with organised transport and a driver.
Where to start: Tallinn

Sustainable choices:

carries and passes on cultural and historical heritage
takes visitors beyond the capital on less travelled routes
is open to visitors all year round and reduces pressure on the environment
the sites value thorough and thoughtful renovation of buildings, using both reuse and traditional techniques
seasonality is taken into account in food offerings and local produce is used wherever possible
visitors support entrepreneurship in sparsely populated areas

From Baltic German hospitality to modern tastes and manor comforts

Anija Manor, located just half an hour from Tallinn and with a 600-year history, welcomes visitors with a beautifully restored main building and an engaging permanent exhibition, which can be explored through audio guides and virtual reality. A walk along the 2-kilometre sensory trail in the manor park offers a calming start to the journey. The Anija Manor Café, with its romantic interior, combines local Estonian flavours with Mediterranean cuisine, while the handicrafts room is the perfect place to admire the work of local artisans.

A short drive away is the Habaja Distillery, where a 19th-century industrial building has been given new life as a family-run business. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy a glass of wine under the grapevines on the sunny side of the building, while in colder seasons the cosy candlelight indoors offers views of snowflakes falling outside the window. Pre-booked tours and tastings introduce the production process, pairing berry wines and artisan drinks with stone-oven pizzas.

The most luxurious stop on the route is Maidla Nature Resort, which offers peace, quiet and aesthetic pleasure on the grounds of the historic Maidla Manor. With advance booking, quests can enjoy the highly acclaimed cuisine of the SOO Restaurant at the Resort, which includes a tour of the manor. Luxury and tranquillity lovers can spend the night and settle into the experience in one of the private nature villas: Poku, Kaseke or Käbi.

Photo author: Karl Markus Antson

Living manor stories, post stations and aristocratic relaxation

Raikküla Manor in Rapla County is one of the most beautiful examples of Estonian classicist architecture. Here, you do not only admire the walls and chandeliers, but also hear stories about the people, customs and times. The owners of the manor passionately share their knowledge of the manor's culture, interior design and rare antique furniture on display in the manor’s castle hall. If the names Bach, Darwin and Bismarck spark your interest, surprising connections are revealed here.

A historic stopover is the Ruunawere Post Manor, from where greetings have been sent since the early 19th century. Here, you can actually write a postcard, put a stamp on it and feel the romance of slower travel. Afterwards, relaxation awaits in the spa and saunas, as well as in a cosy restaurant, where local flavours and a calm atmosphere help restore energy. If you are tired from the day or wish to stay longer, you can also stay overnight at the Post Manor Hotel.

The crowning glory at the end of the day is Kernu Manor, an elegant manor house on the shores of a beautiful lake. The Kellerspaa in the manor cellar offers a relaxing sauna and spa experience. In the summer you can explore the pond by boat or pedal boat, and in the winter season a cold water adventure awaits the bravest guests. Kernu is a place where time slows down – the perfect setting to wake up the next morning feeling like a guest of the manor.

Photo author: Anni-Vahter

Awakening creativity: art manors, coastal culture and a castle by a waterfall

The next part of the journey is dedicated to creation, nature and romantic architecture.

Käesalu Manor and Art Centre offer a unique blend of history and contemporary creativity. The 17th-century building, which is currently unrenovated, retains an authentic sense of the period: the columned main entrance, the flower-lined park and the peaceful atmosphere create the feeling of having arrived at an artist's country home. The gallery in the orangery offers exhibitions and creative workshops where even the casual visitor may discover a new perspective. It is likely that you will encounter the manor’s owner and hostess serving coffee, tending the flowerbeds or discussing art with guests.

During the spring and summer season, the mansion tour will take the explorer to the coast of West Estonia, to the Noarootsi peninsula. Saare Manor, which opens its doors during warmer months, has a modest elegance that makes it an ideal summer retreat. With locally sourced food in the café and the option to stay overnight in the guest house , it feels like you are visiting a distant relative. The Lyckholm Museum, housed in the former horse stables, opens the door to the multi-layered history of Noarootsi by showcasing tools used in the household.

The tour ends at Keila-Joa Castle, which is beautifully situated beside the rapids of the Keila River and the Keila Waterfall. The neo-Gothic building and the surrounding park resemble a scene from a romantic novel. The historic exhibition hall takes the traveller back in time and the SchlossFall Boutique Hotel offers luxurious accommodation, combining old world elegance with modern comfort. The Keila Waterfall and walks in the park offer a quiet and contemplative end to this cultural journey through Estonia’s manor estates.

Photo author: Wilhelmina Varik

Discover the most enchanting manors – at your own pace, in your own rhythm.

Forget the usual sights and treat yourself to a special journey that combines history, elegance and experiences. Taste, sleep, create and enjoy – each stop is a discovery in itself. Set off on your manor journey today.