Rebala Heritage Nature Trails

What trace has one era or generation of people left behind?

The nature trails in Rebala’s heritage landscapes trace human-shaped landscapes over the past 3,000 years, where you can experience the impact of different generations’ activities on the surrounding landscape and natural environment as a whole.

Rebala Children’s moands offer glimpses of ancient human activities, old burial sites, and ancient fields.

On the nature trails of the Võerdla and Rebala quarry forest, you can see traces of the Soviet-era phosphorite mine and nature’s gradual recovery after mining ceased. On the Rebala side path, you can see (and occasionally smell) the Tallinn landfill built on the lands of the native farms of Rebala village, representing modern man’s environmental footprint.

Before you set off, remember…

  • The nature trails are located in the buffer zone of the Rebala Heritage Reserve;
  • The nature trails are meant for walking, cycling and horse riding (there is a motorcycle restriction zone;
  • Choose shoes according to the weather. After the snow melts, the track is accessible without rain boots; the soil is somewhat sandy in warm weather.
  • The nature trail of the Võerdla and Rebala quarry forest consists of two interconnected trails (marked in green and red). From the parking lot of the red Rebala trail, you can access the Children’s moands trail (yellow trail on the map);
  • The length of the Children’s moads trail is approximately 500m, Võerdla Quarry Forest Nature Trail (approx.) 4.2km, Rebala quarry forest nature trail approx. 4.5km. The Rebala trail can also be cut shorter;

The starting coordinates of the Võerdla quarry forest trail
The starting coordinates of the Rebala quarry forest nature trail and the Rebala Children’s moands trail

 

As you set off, beware...

  • There may be radiation on the disturbed ground, so do not take anything with you, and if you are tired, do not sit directly on the ground but on the benches made for this purpose or on the trunks of fallen trees;
  • Look in front of your feet (vipers live here);
  • It is forbidden to make a bonfire here because of the fire hazard;
  • Please take your own and other people’s trash with you when you leave;
  • The nature trail has video surveillance (many trail cameras to monitor wildlife).