Lööra: Name history, garden culture and blackcurrants

When choosing accommodation, the experiences that shape a trip often matter too. In Lööra, a place-name history documented over several centuries and offerings related to garden culture and blackcurrants come together with regional nature destinations. Võtikmetsa mini-houses are one specific accommodation option; other offerings range from tastings to activities on a farm.

A place name with changing forms

The place name Lõõra has been recorded in several historical forms. The earliest spelling mentioned here is Löhr, from 1675. Löhra Moisa appears in 1696, Lehra in 1726 and Lõra in 1796. Later forms include Lera, from 1871, and Lõõra, from 1922. This sequence shows the variety of recorded forms of the name. For travelers interested in culture, the place name itself offers an introduction to the history of the area, without requiring a particular building or event to take center stage.

Garden culture in neighboring Karla

The Sadevälja collection garden is located in the neighboring village of Karla. More than 1,000 plant species and varieties grow there. Tõnise Puukool also offers guided tours in Karla. The two attractions have different focuses: Sadevälja showcases the diversity of its plant collection, while Tõnise Puukool offers a guided tour of a tree nursery. Those interested in plants can therefore explore a range of garden-related themes in the neighboring village.

A past event also offers a glimpse of the area: a cross-country riding competition called DERBY was held at Võtikmetsa talu in the village of Lööra, Kose Municipality. Admission to the event was free for spectators. This describes a specific competition, not a recurring program; the location and event details thus complement the garden offerings with another glimpse of activities in the area.

Stay and dine at Võtikmetsa

Võtikmetsa mini-houses consist of two houses. There are barbecue facilities outdoors, and swimming is also available at the mini-houses. Breakfast and dinner can be arranged by prior order. If you plan to eat there, keep in mind that meals must be ordered in advance. This means that your stay can include both the two houses and specific dining and activity options at the accommodation.

Võtikmetsa Puhketalu particularly appeals to garden enthusiasts with tours of its blackcurrant plantation. It also offers tastings of products from the plantation and lawn-tractor races. Visits must be booked in advance. Products from the plantation are sold, though availability may vary by season. On request, Puhketalu can also offer a restaurant experience in its reception hall.

The café at Võtikmetsa talu also puts blackcurrants in the spotlight: it serves dishes made with local ingredients, featuring the berries. The selection may vary. The culinary offerings are therefore distinct: blackcurrants feature in the café’s dishes, while plantation visits and tastings offer a more direct connection to the products. Booking in advance is a practical part of planning a visit to Puhketalu.

Nature destinations in the wider region

Those planning a trip beyond Lööra will find two different ways to experience nature in the wider region. Paunküla Reservoir is located in Kose Municipality. With an area of 4.2 km², it is Estonia’s second-largest reservoir. The RMK hiking trail network also runs through the Paunküla Hills: it is 12 kilometers long in total and passes between lakes, eskers and bog pools. The reservoir’s area and the trail network’s total length offer two different points of reference—one for a body of water, the other for a hiking landscape with varied landforms.

Discover more destinations: Rae, Järveküla, Charlottenhof, Tuhala, Saku, Kaberneeme, Vikipalu, Pedase

For the broader travel overview: Harju.