Mätja: Cultural Traces and Routes

Since 1990, the village gatherings of Mätja and Tareste have taken place every five years. In Mätja küla there is a sacred stone from the 1st century BC; in addition, the cup-marked stone in Mätja küla has 36 cup marks. Several old and new stone fences are considered characteristic of Saaremaa. These points give Mätja a clearly recognisable cultural and historical profile without requiring a large collection or an extensive museum visit.

One particular point of reference is the Mätja-Tareste Seltsimaja. It is located in a former drying and grain-storage building of a collective farm; this building is being renovated. Its former use as an agricultural storage facility is therefore directly part of the history of the place. For your planning, it makes sense to consider the Seltsimaja as a separate cultural point of reference alongside the stones, village traditions and route details.

The offerings of the place extend beyond individual historical objects. The programme of the Mätja-Tareste Seltsimaja includes a mocktail and cocktail workshop. The village programme also includes the open sales stand “Avatud sahver”, offering agricultural products and handicrafts. This therefore includes both a specific community programme and regional products and craftwork.

The Mätja–Nihatu–Tagavere–Koigi section of Saaremaa’s long-distance hiking trail is 26 km long. The figure refers to this specified section and not generally to the entire hiking trail. If you want to assess a longer hike, this distinction is crucial for route planning.

Further information describes Mätja in different route contexts: A route description from Angla Windmill Hill leads towards Mätja küla. At Mätja, the route from the Mätja Tourist Farm first continues for 500 m to a junction. You should read this information as individual points of orientation and not automatically combine them into a single route.

Adu-Jaani Kodumajutus comprises three different types of buildings: a garden house, a guesthouse and a hunting lodge. The hunting lodge includes accommodation for up to six people, a sauna and a seminar room for up to 30 people.

For comparison with other destinations, you can also open Linnuse, Hiievälja, Oitme, Murika, Karja, Õeste, Meiuste and Leisi.

What does the 26 km figure refer to?

It refers to the Mätja–Nihatu–Tagavere–Koigi section of Saaremaa’s long-distance hiking trail.

Which building houses the Mätja-Tareste Seltsimaja?

The Seltsimaja is located in a former drying and grain-storage building of a collective farm; this building is being renovated.

When do the Tansiöhtad take place?

Except in June, July and December, the Tansiöhtad take place on the last Friday of every month in the village halls and community centres of Saaremaa. Once per season, they also take place on Muhu.

For the higher-level travel overview: Leisi.