Hargla: Churches, Historic Routes and Koiva Excursions

Hargla appeals to travellers who want to combine traces of history with active excursions. The present-day stone Hargla Church was consecrated in 1821 and acquired its current appearance after extensive renovations between 1872 and 1874. The cemetery also contains notable structures, along with a historic village square and paths that recall the former narrow-gauge railway between Valka and Ape. This creates a varied mix of local history, culture and activity for planning your trip.

Church and Cemetery as Cultural and Historical Destinations

Hargla Church reflects several construction phases. Its consecration in 1821 marks the creation of the present-day stone church building; the renovation from 1872 to 1874 subsequently shaped its current appearance. Those interested in church art and regional architectural history can include this part of Hargla in their daily itinerary without getting to know the place solely through a single building.

The cemetery offers two further historical highlights. The gate chapel was built in the mid-19th century. In Estonian cemetery culture, such a structure is considered unusual, but not unique. The Baroque chapel of the Wassermann family, by contrast, dates back to 1781. Together, the two chapels illustrate different periods and forms of design. Hargla developed as a former parish centre around the church and the vicarage in Harjel; this historical connection adds another cultural and historical layer to the village landscape.

Inn and Village Square

The inn is also part of Hargla’s history. The first records of it date from 1667. The present-day inn was probably built in the first half of the 19th century in the Classical style on a fieldstone foundation. This cautious dating is itself part of its history and distinguishes the present-day building from the early records concerning the site or the inn.

For hikers, Hargla village square provides a practical stopping point: a fire pit, a covered table and a toilet are available there. This can provide a useful break during a day trip. If you are travelling with children, you can combine time outdoors here with the cultural and historical impressions of the village, without making the entire day consist solely of sightseeing.

Historic Railway Route and Excursions on the Koiva

The “Green Railways Ape–Valka/Valga” route follows the former narrow-gauge railway between Valka and Ape, which operated from 1900 to 1970. Its signposted route runs via Kallikula, Hargla, Taheva, Korkuna, Laanemetsa, Koikula and Žuldiņas to Valka/Valga. Historical materials can be viewed along the way. This makes the route particularly suitable for travellers who want to combine experiences in the landscape with the history of a former railway connection. The route offers a different focus from a simple tour of the village and can be considered as a separate excursion destination depending on your travel plans.

The Koiva River offers a second option. SUP boards, kayaks and canoes are available for excursions. You can undertake these activities independently or with a hiking guide. The excursions take place in the historic Hargla parish, which belongs to the Vana-Võromaa cultural landscape region. The old Võro-speaking culture and its dialect features can still be felt there today. This allows you to combine time on the water with an insight into the regional culture.

Hargla as a Starting Point for Planning Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Hargla, you can therefore first determine the kind of daily rhythm you want. If churches, cemetery buildings and the historic inn are the main focus, a culture-oriented itinerary is a good fit. If, on the other hand, you want to include the “Green Railways Ape–Valka/Valga” route or an excursion on the Koiva, these experiences should be incorporated into your travel plans early on. For additional travel ideas, you can also visit Korkuna and Taheva. This way, you choose your accommodation not only based on the place name, but also on the experiences that should shape your stay.

Back to the overarching travel overview: Taheva.