Lodja

Lodja karjamõis Manor was founded in 1786, belonged to Voltaveti Manor and existed until the beginning of the 20th century. The main building of Lodja Post Station was completed on 17 September 1800. It is considered Estonia’s first stone post station building based on a standard design; the building complex is protected as a heritage site. The sculpture “Tööline” is also located in the village of Lodja. It is classified as a historical monument and dates to the 1950s. The permanent Lodja capercaillie habitat includes two lek sites, Lodja 1 and Lodja 2. The “Katku lõkkekoht” campfire site is on the edge of protected Katkusoo, also known as Rüütli raba.

The history of the manor and the post station offer two distinct points of reference in time. The stated dates for Lodja karjamõis Manor range from its founding in 1786 to its existence until the beginning of the 20th century. Its belonging to Voltaveti Manor is also part of its history. The post station offers a different perspective: its main building was completed as early as 17 September 1800 and is regarded as Estonia’s first stone post station building based on a standard design. The heritage protection of the building complex is a separate feature, while the special classification applies to the main building.

Another cultural and historical point of interest is the sculpture “Tööline” in the village of Lodja. It is classified as a historical monument and dates to the 1950s. Together, the manor and post station provide an overview of different kinds of heritage: a manor with a recorded founding year, an early post station building and a sculpture from the 1950s. If you are interested in history and monuments, you can use these details as a starting point for exploring Lodja.

The permanent Lodja capercaillie habitat is more specifically defined by two named lek sites: Lodja 1 and Lodja 2. Beyond its local significance, the habitat also serves as an important stepping-stone biotope. It lies between the capercaillie populations of Kikepera-Soomaa and Luitemaa and the population in North Livonia. Thus, both the specific features of the habitat and its role in connecting these populations are part of Lodja’s natural setting.

Another natural feature is Katkusoo, also known as Rüütli raba. The “Katku lõkkekoht” campfire site is on its edge. The site is therefore associated with a specifically named protected area, while the capercaillie habitat is characterized by its two lek sites and its function as a stepping-stone biotope. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you are more interested in the connections between capercaillie populations or in the site on the edge of Katkusoo.

Take the Uulu–Valga road. Turn off before the Lodja Inn and follow the signs to Sigaste and the Raja farm’s mini-zoo. From there, signs point to the Katku campfire site. This route description gives several landmarks in the order you will encounter them.

For a broader comparison of places to visit, you can also explore Laiksaare, Marina, Tõlla and Kilingi-Nõmme.

When was Lodja karjamõis Manor founded?

The manor was founded in 1786. It belonged to Voltaveti Manor and existed until the beginning of the 20th century.

What is known about the Lodja capercaillie habitat?

The permanent habitat includes the two lek sites Lodja 1 and Lodja 2. It is considered an important stepping-stone biotope between the populations of Kikepera-Soomaa and Luitemaa and the population in North Livonia.

How do you get to the Katku campfire site?

Take the Uulu–Valga road, turn off before the Lodja Inn and follow the signs to Sigaste and the Raja farm’s mini-zoo. From there, signs lead to the Katku campfire site.

For the broader travel overview: Saarde.