Koljaku: Nature, Trails and Historic Cultural Landscape

Koljaku is a destination for travelers who want to combine experiences in nature with the history of the landscape. Forests, historic trails, a distinctive gorge and traces of former farmsteads give the place a multifaceted character. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you would like to focus on hiking, local history or quiet nature observation.

Forests, a Spring and Hiking Trails

In the forests around the Koljaku rest area, mushrooms and berries are abundant in autumn. Those who choose this season for their trip can experience the landscape through a particularly characteristic natural aspect. In the vicinity of Koljaku, the Laevapõhja spring flows through a deep, ship-shaped gorge. On old maps and in local usage, it is also called Aisadam or Ahisadam. Its unusual name and distinctive landform make this landscape feature a subject in its own right for exploring the surrounding area.

A hiking trail initially passes through the primeval forests of the former Oandu–Koljaku nature reserve and follows the prehistoric Seljaku Trail. The area's historic designation thus remains part of the landscape narrative, just like the trail itself. For planning a longer hike, the 18-kilometre Võsu–Nõmmeveski trail is also relevant. It lies in Lahemaa National Park and leads from the Võsu campsite to Nõmmeveski.

Historical Traces in Koljaku

The cemetery of the Lemuselja farm in Koljaku is listed as a historic monument under number 22307. The farm family established the cemetery next to their home in 1915. Six concrete grave boxes and several bases of former grave markers have survived. These details make the site interesting for visitors who are interested not only in grand buildings but also in small-scale evidence of rural history.

The historic cultural landscape of Koljaku includes the former manors of Lemuselja, Laviku and Sae belonging to Palmse Manor, as well as Ligedama in the territory of Sagadi Manor. Within the village boundaries there was also the Koljaku forester's post of Palmse Manor. The history of the Palmse parish house also reaches far back: it was ceremonially inaugurated on 30 September 1896 and burned down on 14 July 1941.

Further historical connections lead to the watercourse and former transport routes. The Võsu River, also known as Wesenbeck, flowed through historic Koljaku; the Lavike and Sae farms stood on its banks. In 1711, Lawwiko Jürri, who lived from approximately 1644 to 1723, operated the Laviku mill together with his wife Kay. The road over Koljaku Hill was removed in the winter of 1931–1932. In the summer of 1932, the new section of road was reinforced with fieldstones and fitted with concrete posts along the roadside.

Choose More Nature Experiences

A wildlife observation tour in Alutaguse and Lahemaa National Park focuses on lynx, brown bears and wolves. It appeals to travelers who want to place the wildlife of the Estonian landscape at the center of their trip alongside its historical traces.

Find more destinations in this selection at Eisma, Ilumäe, Võsu, Eru, Palmse, Lahe and Rutja.

For the overview of the wider region: Vihula.