Silla: Old Railway Bridge and Reiu jõgi

At the Reiu jõgi, the landscape of Silla is defined by the river, riverside path, forest and a historic bridge. The old railway bridge in the village of Silla is the Sindi-Lodja arch bridge built in 1933. The bridge provides access to Raeküla and also offers a beautiful view. At the bridge, access to Raeküla, the view over the river and Silla’s historical connection to the area come together in one structure. The landscape of Silla is suitable for forest, water and nature recreation. The bridge is therefore both part of the local scenery and a link to Raeküla. Access to Raeküla is located at the structure, while the Reiu jõgi defines the riverside path, the navigable section and the protected habitat.

Reiu jõgi as a navigable waterway

From its mouth to the railway bridge, the Reiu jõgi is among the navigable inland waters. The railway bridge marks the end of this navigable section. From the Reiu Puhkekeskus on the Reiu jõgi, it is possible to travel by watercraft directly along the Reiu jõgi to Pärnu laht and then to the Pärnu jõgi.

The waterway and the riverside path represent different forms of movement along the Reiu jõgi. While the water connection leads from the Reiu Puhkekeskus via the river to Pärnu laht and onward to the Pärnu jõgi, the riverside path describes movement along the body of water with specified widths.

Bridge and riverside path

From the mouth to the railway bridge, the riverside path must be 10 m wide, and along the remaining section it must be 4 m wide. Along the entire riverside path, people must be able to move freely and without obstruction beside the body of water. The different dimensions thus organize the two path sections along the Reiu jõgi without dividing the riverside path into two separate paths. For orientation along the river, the bridge simultaneously marks the end of navigability and the transition to the rest of the riverside path.

River habitat and dune pine forest

The Reiu jõgi is also included on the list of bodies of water protected as habitats for salmonids. The term salmonids refers to fish from the salmon family. The protection therefore applies to the habitat of the body of water. In the vicinity of Silla lies the Reiu-Raeküla dune pine forest, which is considered a valuable urban recreational and sports area. The river and the forest represent two spatially distinct natural features: the protected habitat is associated with the Reiu jõgi, while the forest area is located in the vicinity of Silla.

Travel during construction

During construction of the Sindi-Lodja Bridge, bus routes 15, 26, 28 and 29 travelling towards Silla will temporarily stop at stops on Jõekalda tee.

Leisure activities at individual locations

Paintball is available at the Reiu Puhkekeskus by prior booking; at Holiday Home Joosep, swimming in the river and boating are possible.

For the higher-level travel overview: Paikuse.