Saunja

Kangrukivi and Mikumardi give Saunja two clearly distinguishable focal points: on the one hand, there is a protected erratic boulder of scientific, archaeological, and landscape significance; on the other, a place where historical agriculture and nature experiences are directly connected. This picture is complemented by a sacred grove, a Baptist prayer house, and a farm history dating back to 1883. Saunja can thus be explored through specific cultural and natural themes rather than merely through a place name.

Kangrukivi: Erratic boulder with protected significance

Kangrukivi is protected both as a cultural monument and as a natural monument. The erratic boulder is located in Saunja village, on the asphalt peat storage area of Saunja Farm, 40 metres north of the farm building. This precise location makes the stone clearly identifiable within the settlement and distinguishes it from a landscape feature scattered freely across the area. Its significance extends beyond the visible rock: Kangrukivi is attributed scientific, archaeological, and landscape significance. For thematic orientation in Saunja, a natural monument, local history, and a research perspective come together here.

Historical sites in the village

The historical references include Hiielepik, Saunja’s protected sacred grove. It is marked on a historical plan of Saunja village from the period of Rummu Manor. Thus, Hiielepik is defined not only by its designation as a sacred grove, but also by its inclusion on a preserved historical plan of the village. Another prominent reference is the Rummu Baptist prayer house in Saunja küla. It is listed as an object of 20th-century architectural heritage, thereby providing a different emphasis from the nature-oriented Hiielepik.

The history of Mikumardi hereditary farm can also be dated precisely: the farm’s lands have been owned by the Ernesaks/Reimann family since 1883. This information concerns the ownership history of the lands and complements the architectural and landscape sites with a continuity of family ownership.

Mikumardi: Agriculture, games, and guided tours

The Mikumardi Adventure Park offers educational activities involving historical games in the countryside and former agricultural work. Mikumardi also offers guided tours of a real cowshed where milk is produced every day. These tours therefore have a clear agricultural focus and differ from the activities involving historical games and former fieldwork.

Nature excursions and water activities

Reimann Retked organises excursions in nature throughout the year. In summer, tours by sea kayak to small Estonian islands are also offered. Saunja has a kayak and canoe rental service. Those interested in nature, paddling, and maritime destinations will therefore find different types of offerings here: guided excursions, summer sea-kayak tours, and the listed kayak and canoe rental service.

For further travel orientation, you can also consider Kiiu, Muuksi, Kuusalu, Suurpea, Kolga, Viinistu, Nõmmeveski, and Joaveski.

To the higher-level travel overview: Kuusalu.