Top 20 Lakes around Keila
Best lakes around Keila are not prominently featured directly within the town, which is known for the scenic Keila River and its impressive waterfall. The Keila Waterfall, Estonia's third largest, stands 6 meters high and spans 60–70 meters wide. The surrounding Keila-Joa Park offers a 2.1 km nature trail along the riverbanks, suitable for families. While specific natural lakes in Keila are not highlighted, the wider Estonian region provides various water bodies for recreation.
Best lakes around Keila
- The most popular lakes is Plothen Ponds, a lake that features a wonderful pond landscape unique to Thuringia. Visitors can swim in some ponds and enjoy bird watching.
- Another must-see spot is 1000 Ponds Circular Trail, a trail in a charming lake landscape. This route offers different possible lengths and is well signposted.
- Visitors also love Stilt House on Hausteich (Touringen Stamp Point No. 352), a man-made monument. This stilt house serves as a museum and is suitable for children.
- Keila is known for riverine landscapes and the significant Keila Waterfall. The region offers a variety of water-based activities in nearby areas.
- The lakes around Keila are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 245 photos and over 570 upvotes contributing to the guide.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Plothen Ponds
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you can swim in some ponds (e.g. Hausteich)
very nice for bird watching
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1000 Ponds Circular Trail
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Saale Tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Stilt House on Hausteich (Touringen Stamp Point No. 352)
Highlight • Monument
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Burgkhammer Dam – View of Burgk Castle
Highlight • Monument
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Tips from the Community
A beautiful stilt house on the pond in Plothen 🤩.
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In the land of 1000 ponds there are also 1000 things to discover... What a beautiful landscape.
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A beautiful circular route in a charming lake landscape.
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The circular route is very beautiful and well signposted. But you can also spontaneously take a different route; there are many good paths here and it is almost impossible to get lost. There are a few places to sit and rest at the first large pond with the stilt house, but there are a few at the other ponds.
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The nickname "Land of 1000 Ponds" is not a coincidence, as there used to be around 1,600 ponds in this area. Today there are around 600. The ponds are so-called sky ponds, i.e. they are fed by rainwater. They were laid out in a cascade shape and were partly connected by canals. For the time, the facility was a masterpiece. Source:https://vogtland-zauber.de/entdeckungen-wandern-plothener-teiche/
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You can hike around the pond area on a nature trail for around 7 kilometers on a circular route. There are numerous display and topic boards along the way. Source:https://vogtland-zauber.de/entdecken-wandern-plothener-teiche/
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The 43-meter-high tower is made of a steel and wood construction. The curved wood construction makes it architecturally interesting. You have to pay an entrance fee and climb 192 steps to get the great panoramic view. The Saale Tower is open until nightfall.
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The view is also worthwhile in every season 😃👍🏼
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main water attractions in Keila?
Keila is primarily known for the scenic Keila River and the impressive Keila Waterfall. The waterfall is Estonia's third most powerful, standing 6 meters high and spanning 60–70 meters wide. The surrounding Keila-Joa Park offers a beautiful natural setting along the riverbanks.
Are there natural lakes directly within Keila?
Natural lakes are not prominently featured directly within the town of Keila. The region is more recognized for its riverine landscapes, particularly the Keila River and its waterfall. However, the wider Estonian region offers various water bodies for recreation within reasonable proximity.
What kind of natural features can I explore in Keila-Joa Park?
Keila-Joa Park features a 2.1 km nature trail along the Keila River, complete with stairs and suspension bridges. Visitors can explore the park's natural objects, including the impressive Keila Waterfall, and enjoy the riverbanks. The park is suitable for families and offers benches for resting.
Where can I find unique lake experiences near Keila?
For unique lake experiences, consider visiting Rummu Quarry, a flooded former limestone quarry with crystal-clear water popular for swimming, paddleboarding, and scuba diving. Another option is Loosalu Bog Lake in Rapla County, Estonia's largest bog lake, which is part of a nature trail and suitable for a dip.
What water-based activities are popular in the Keila region and nearby Estonian lakes?
While the Keila River is great for enjoying the waterfall and nature trails, nearby Estonian lakes and rivers offer a wider range of activities. These include swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and year-round fishing. Many waterways are calm, making them ideal for families and all skill levels. Rummu Quarry is particularly popular for swimming, paddleboarding, and even scuba diving.
Are there hiking trails around the water bodies in Keila?
Yes, the Keila-Joa Park, surrounding the Keila Waterfall, offers a 2.1 km nature trail along the riverbanks. This trail includes stairs and suspension bridges, providing an engaging walk through the natural and historical aspects of the park. Loosalu Bog Lake also features a nature trail.
Is Keila-Joa Park suitable for families?
Yes, Keila-Joa Park is well-suited for families. The 2.1 km nature trail is manageable, and there are benches for resting. The park's natural beauty and the impressive waterfall make it an enjoyable outing for all ages.
Are there historical sites near the Keila Waterfall?
Yes, the area around the Keila Waterfall is part of the Keila-Joa Park, which features the historical Keila-Joa Manor. The manor now operates as a hotel, restaurant, and museum, adding a cultural dimension to your visit alongside the natural attractions.
What is the best time to visit the Keila Waterfall and surrounding areas?
The Keila Waterfall and Keila-Joa Park can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and autumn offer vibrant colors and pleasant temperatures for hiking. In winter, the frozen waterfall can be a spectacular sight. Summer is ideal for enjoying the park's trails and potentially combining it with water activities at nearby lakes.
Can I go wild swimming near Keila?
While direct wild swimming spots in Keila's river are not explicitly highlighted, nearby water bodies like Rummu Quarry and Loosalu Bog Lake are known for their clear waters and are popular spots for swimming. Rummu, in particular, offers a unique wild swimming experience with its underwater ruins.
Where can I find more information about active holidays on Estonia's lakes and rivers?
For more details on active holidays, including kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding on Estonia's various lakes and rivers, you can visit Visit Estonia's guide to active holidays. They often provide information on service providers for equipment and guidance.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Keila-Joa Park area?
Visitors highly appreciate the stunning Keila Waterfall, the scenic nature trail along the river, and the historical charm of the Keila-Joa Manor. The park's family-friendly atmosphere and the opportunity for a peaceful walk in nature are also frequently praised.
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