Koljaku

The Lemuselja farmstead cemetery in Koljaku is designated as a historic monument under number 22307. The farmstead family established it in 1915 beside their home. Six concrete grave surrounds and several bases of former grave markers remain there. These remains offer a tangible way to trace the history of the farmstead.

There is also a longer hiking option in Lahemaa National Park: the Võsu–Nõmmeveski hiking trail is 18 kilometres long and runs from the Võsu campsite to Nõmmeveski. Another route description first leads through the primeval forests of the former Oandu–Koljaku Nature Reserve along the prehistoric Seljaku Trail. The descriptions refer to different trails and should not be understood as one and the same route.

Near Koljaku, the Laevapõhja spring flows through a deep, ship-shaped ravine. On old maps and in local folklore, it is also called Aisadam or Ahisadam. These different names refer to this distinctive landform; they are useful points of reference when exploring the landscape and its traditional place names.

The forests around the Koljaku rest area are rich in mushrooms and berries in autumn. Visitors who want to pay particular attention to nature at this time of year will find a distinct seasonal feature here. The described trail through the primeval forests of the former Oandu–Koljaku Nature Reserve offers a different focus: it is connected to the prehistoric Seljaku Trail.

The 18-kilometre Võsu–Nõmmeveski hiking trail, by contrast, is described by its length and endpoints: it runs through Lahemaa National Park from the Võsu campsite to Nõmmeveski. If you are comparing hiking routes, you can consider its fixed distance and two named points of reference without conflating it with the Seljaku Trail.

Koljaku’s historic cultural landscape includes the former Lemuselja, Laviku, and Sae manor farms of Palmse Manor, as well as Ligedama in the territory of Sagadi Manor. The Koljaku forest ranger’s post of Palmse Manor was also located within the village boundaries. These associations show that the area’s traditional place references are connected both with Palmse Manor and with the territory of Sagadi Manor.

The Võsu River, also known as Wesenbeck, was part of historic Koljaku. The Lavike and Sae farmsteads stood on its banks. Another tangible trace of earlier land use is the Laviku mill: in 1711, Lawwiko Jürri, who lived from around 1644 to 1723, ran it together with his wife Kay. The year, approximate lifespan, and their joint work are all part of the mill’s history.

Changes to the transport routes are also documented with precise dates. The road over Koljaku Hill was dismantled in the winter of 1931–1932. In the summer of 1932, the new section of road was paved with fieldstones and fitted with cement posts along the roadside. The Palmse parish hall in Koljaku was ceremonially opened on 30 September 1896 and burned down on 14 July 1941.

Alongside forest trails, wildlife-watching tours are also described for nature enthusiasts. The tour in Alutaguse and Lahemaa National Park focuses on lynx, brown bears, and wolves. This offers a nature-focused activity distinct from hiking or exploring historic places and farmstead traces.

If you would like to compare other places, you can also find information about Ilumäe, Eru, Palmse, Võsu, Lahe, Eisma and Rutja.

What remains at the Lemuselja farmstead cemetery?

Six concrete grave surrounds and several bases of former grave markers remain. The farmstead family established the cemetery beside their home in 1915.

How long is the Võsu–Nõmmeveski hiking trail?

The hiking trail in Lahemaa National Park is 18 kilometres long. It runs from the Võsu campsite to Nõmmeveski.

Which animals are the focus of the wildlife-watching tour?

The tour in Alutaguse and Lahemaa National Park focuses on lynx, brown bears, and wolves.

For the broader travel overview: Vihula.