Karst and regional history give Tuhala two distinct points of interest: water that disappears underground in places, and traces ranging from early settlement to the history of the church. The 2.5-kilometre hiking trail offers a specific walking option; water levels are also part of planning your visit.
Karst Landscape and Water
The Tuhala Karst Area covers 188 hectares and displays all the typical karst formations within a small area. These include turloughs, sinkholes, swallow holes, limestone pavements, springs, caves and underground watercourses. The Tuhala River is 26 kilometres long; six kilometres of it flow through three underground river channels. At normal water levels, the Tuhala River disappears underground through Ă„mmaauk. This swallow hole is 25 metres long and 3.5 metres deep.
Tuhala Witch's Well is an intermittent spring in the Nabala-Tuhala Nature Reserve, located on the underground river of the Tuhala Karst Area. During spring floods, up to 100 litres of water per second can flow from the spring; the actual volume varies with flood conditions. The 58-metre-long Virulase Cave is connected to Tuhala Witch's Well by underground passages. Access conditions may vary depending on water levels.
Hiking Trail and Water Levels
The Tuhala ĂĽmbruse matkarada hiking trail is 2.5 kilometres long and intended for walking. Twenty sights or points of interest are marked along the trail. The route is signposted, with information boards and rest areas along the way. The hiking experience therefore includes both a specific route length and designated points of interest.
Water levels are important when planning your visit: the Tuhala hiking trail is easiest to walk when Tuhala Witch's Well is not overflowing. During floods, the caves may be seven metres underwater. Guided walks with a nature guide are offered year-round around Tuhala Nõiakaev and the karst area. Arrange the specific details before your trip.
A community notice from September 2025 states that the visitor site at Tuhala Witch's Well has parking for 40 cars and public toilets. As parking capacity and visitor facilities may change, check these details before your trip.
Church, School and Cultural Landscape
Tuhala Kaarli kirik was built between 1775 and 1777 on the commission of Count Karl von Mellin. Its pulpit altar is considered the church's most important attraction and is unique among Estonian churches. A memorial stone at the site of Tuhala School commemorates the school that stood there from 1639 to 1768.
Heinasoo lies between Tuhala Church and the manor park. It is known as the site of Estonia's oldest known corduroy road, dating from the 3rd or 4th century. Settlement in the Tuhala region also dates back more than 3,000 years. Tuhala Manor Park is a protected park in Tuhala village; Kataveski hiiekadakas is designated as a sacred juniper.
Another Excursion Highlight
Polli Zoo is located on the grounds of Polli Farm, close to Tuhala Nõiakaev. There, you can see and touch various animals and birds; the stable and barn are also open to visitors, and pony rides are available. This adds a distinct visitor attraction to the karst and cultural heritage highlights.
If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Tuhala, first decide what you want to focus on: would you most like to experience the karst and hiking trail, explore the church and regional history, or also visit the animals and birds at Polli Farm?
Discover more destinations: Saku, Maardu, Saula, Lööra, Pedase, Sõitme, Kaberla, Saue
For the regional travel overview: Harju.
