population: 0.019 million

extension: 4.67 square kilometers

Museums

A great museum to visit near Rapla is the Estonian Open Air Museum, located in Tallinn (about 40 km away). It showcases traditional Estonian rural life and architecture. Another option is the Estonian National Museum in Tartu (about 140 km away), which has a vast collection of artifacts related to Estonian cultural history. If you're interested in more specialized museums, you might also enjoy the Kumu Art Museum or the Estonian Health Care Museum, both in Tallinn.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Rapla and Estonia include:

1. Black bread (must leib): A traditional Estonian rye bread that is dense, dark, and slightly sweet.

2. Smoked fish (suitsetatud kala): Estonia has a long coastline, so smoked fish is a common and delicious dish. The most popular types are Baltic herring, eel, and salmon.

3. Sauerkraut stew (hapukapsasupp): A hearty soup made with sauerkraut, potatoes, pork, and sometimes barley or beans.

4. Blood sausage (verivorst): A type of sausage made with blood, barley, and spices. It's often served with lingonberry jam.

5. Potato salad (kartulisalat): A side dish made with boiled potatoes, sour cream, mayonnaise, and sometimes pickles or carrots.

6. Roast pork (seapraad): A classic Estonian main dish, usually served with potatoes and sauerkraut.

7. Cranberry kissell (jõhvika kissell): A sweet and tangy dessert made with cranberries, sugar, and starch. It's often served with whipped cream.

8. Kama: A traditional Estonian flour mixture made from roasted barley, rye, and peas. It's often mixed with milk or yogurt and eaten for breakfast or as a snack.

Activities

Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Rapla and its surroundings include:

1. Hiking in the beautiful Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve, which has several well-marked trails for different skill levels.

2. Visiting the ruins of the historical Keava stronghold, which is located in a scenic spot on the banks of the Keila River.

3. Swimming or boating in the Soodla Reservoir, which is a popular spot for water sports and picnics.

4. Attending cultural events such as concerts and theater performances at the Rapla Culture Center, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

5. Exploring the local food scene by visiting farmers markets and cafes that offer traditional Estonian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.