Municipalities
Lavassaare is the smallest municipality in Pärnu County. The history of Lavassaare began in 1919 from the founding of the peat industry, which was established to utilize the local swamp massif. In addition to the industrial buildings and housing for the officials, the settlement consisted of wooden barracks built for housing the workers. Due to the remoteness and natural isolation, during the war and after the war, a prison camp existed here.
After the year 1950, a new era of development started in the peat industry and in the settlement. There was a need for better and more contemporary industrial buildings and better living conditions for qualified and experienced employees.In the reconstruction plan of the Lavassaare Peat Industry, the establishment of a new settlement 1.5 km from the former settlement was foreseen. Today, in the middle of bogs on a swamp island 31 m above sea level, a settlement with comfortable dwelling houses has been built which is the home for around 600 residents.
The development and the activities of the parish today are still connected with the peat industry and other areas related to it. The largest industrial enterprises are Tootsi Turvas AS and Biolan Baltic OÜ. In view of preservation and revitalization of Lavassaare, as well as of the contribution to its harmonious development, a non-profit organization has been created named Rabamaastik. A Peat Museum is under development and culture is promoted by the community center and the library, as well as by a non-profit organization, Lavassaare Cultural Society.
The Estonian Museum Railway located in Lavassaare contains its own steam train exhibit, the largest in the Baltic’s and one of the largest in Europe.The museum has on display historic rolling stock and in a house located nearby are contained the exhibition rooms. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy a steam train ride between the museum and Lavassaare. Special excitement is offered by a hand trolley ride, or even a picnic on the train.
