|
 |
Altja is a little fishermen village on the Northern coast of Estonia. It is an example of the fishermen village and life style as it has been in the old days and as it is now, Altja is so-called living coastal village. Once there were many taverns in Altja. In the beginning of 19th century there were 3 of them. The first one (first mentioned 1875) was Paarma Tavern and it works to this day, now being called „Altja Mäekõrts“ (Tavern of Hill). People come by this seaside fishermen village in Lahemaa usually when they are on their road to Võsu or Käsmu or when they are visiting the nearby manor houses (Palmse, Vihula, Sagadi). When in Altja, people normally make a stop near the coastal tavern, in the middle of the village. When they have eaten their fill, people gladly get the kick on the village swing which makes gentle ones to scream. It happens much rearer that people go down the sea-sided gravel road, which takes you between the old net sheds.
• The cairn of luck - although we must admit that it is smaller than it's namesake in Käsmu beach, a pile of stones which stand near the net sheds, brings luck to those who throw a new stone into it. Those who wished to improve their life by throwing a stone, have carried all the fair-sized stones from the neighbourhood to the pile. Luckily, there is enough pebble and small stones on the seaside left. The one who throws a stone into the pile, is not allowed to tell one's wish to others or the wish will not come true. It is not wise to use great strength when throwing the stone, because it might bounce back to the thrower. Brides who dream of motherhood when throwing the stone, can use the opportunity and go behind the Stone of Baby (also The Big Rock) afterwards. • The Stone of Baby - local legend tells that all the children of Altja come from under this stone. Whoever wishes a brother or a sister can go and silently knock on it. • The fishermen village and huts - It takes a hour to look around in the little village of Altja, which dates back to 15th century. Yet an observant walker gains deep experiences both from the nature and from the coastal farmhouses, which at times remind gingerbread houses from fairyland. • Hiking paths: 
• Oandu hiking path is located in Lahemaa National Park near the the Sagadi-Altja road. This 5 km long path runs through the old forest. Stopping points beside the track tell the visitor about ancient forest, its inhabitants and the relics and history of the sea. In dampish places there are wooden paths to help the traveller and stairs have been built on the hillsides. During the winter there is a skiing path. Oandu hiking path is only 3 kilometres away from the Sagadi manor and is located near the Altja road. It takes few hours to complete the track. Click on a map.
• Track of Beavers is 1,5 km in the direction of Sagadi from Altja, on the shore of Altja river. It is less than a kilometre in length and it takes about half an hour to pass the track. There are also wooden paths and stairs where the land is too moist. This track introduces the Altja river, the valley of the river and the local nature, for example beavers and their life. The track is also named after beavers. Counting from the Oandu impounded lake, the river has gouged the valley which nowadays is more than 10 km long. Click on a map
|
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
