Lahemaa Reserve

The beginning of the tour runs along the St. Petersburg highway. We pass the area of Lasnamäe, the settlement of Iru, Lake Maardu, Jõeläthme, where the burial grounds laid before Christ, the waterfall of Yagala are preserved. We enter the village of Kiyu and enter the residential tower of the 16th century - this is the smallest settlement in Estonia, now used as a restaurant. Lahemaa National Park is the oldest national park in Estonia, founded in 1971, most of which is occupied by natural landscapes. Lahemaa is the richest boulder-rich place in Northern Europe brought here by a glacier. On the territory of the reserve there is the Viru swamp, along which a trail 3.5 km long is laid. On both sides there is a magnificent view of small lakes with islets. You can try the swamp water to taste, as well as admire the natural beauty from the observation deck. A certain place in the culture and landscape is occupied by estates, which began in the early 13th century. We will visit the estates of Palmse and Sagadi. Palmse Manor was built in 1782-1785 on the former territory of the monastery of St. Michael and belonged to the genus von der Palen.

In the master’s house and utility rooms, the atmosphere of that time is preserved. In addition to the main building, the manor ensemble includes more than 20 buildings and buildings, and also, behind the main building lies the English-style forest park founded in the first half of the 19th century. Sagadi Manor is the pearl of Lahemaa. It was first mentioned in written sources in 1469. In the premises of the main building, painted ceilings and furniture of the 19th century were restored. For a long time belonged to the Fock family. Now in the estate is located the Museum of the Forest. Then our way goes to the fishing village of Altya, which is located on the coast of the Gulf of Verga, where in ancient times in the harbor was conducted active trade, mainly with the Finns. There is a collection of village fishing architecture. The way to Käsma runs through the village of Vyzu, which was formed in the 19th century as a country place rich in sandy beaches.

The history of Käsmu is very rich - it is a picturesque beach, and a century-old forest, and huge boulders. Käsmu Nautical School is the first in Estonia, it opened in 1884 and trained captains of long-distance navigation. In the 19th century, sailboats began to be built in Käsmu, and the population from Vyzu to Käsmu has long been engaged in navigation and fishing. A visit to the Maritime Museum is expected to be very interesting, as it is run by a real “sea wolf”. The road back runs through the most beautiful places, which are so rich in the territory of Estonia.