RMK will move Lahemaa visitor centre to Sagadi manor

The State Forest Management Centre (RMK) will relocate the Lahemaa National Park visitor centre from Palmse manor to Sagadi manor, ERR reports. The renovation will temporarily close Sagadi’s hotel and restaurant from March 31, 2027, and 22 jobs will be cut.

RMK board member Kristjan Tõnisson said the visitor centre would add to the activities at the Sagadi manor complex and make it a larger attraction. RMK plans to seek an outside operator for the hotel and restaurant after the renovation.

Staff were informed of the planned changes in March this year. Formal redundancy notices have not yet been issued and are due to be given by the end of 2026. RMK said it would offer counselling and support, and help employees look for new work where possible. Tõnisson said RMK hoped the future operator would offer jobs to current staff when the hotel and restaurant reopen.

The rest of the manor complex will continue operating during construction. The forest museum, manor house, nature school and outdoor grounds, including the park, garden and greenhouse, will remain open to visitors.

The reconstruction project is being prepared and is due to be completed by the end of this year. RMK plans to issue a construction tender in early 2027, with work starting in spring. The new visitor centre is expected to open in spring 2028.