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Abja Rural Tourism

Map of attractions 

Abja map of attractions

While sightseeing, remember the Everyman’s rights

Abja-Paluoja

 

Abja-Paluoja is located on the southern edge of Halliste valley and historically it belonged to Halliste parish. First writings about Abja date back to 1504. It is believed that in 1853 the “crazy lord” Reinhold von Stackelberg from Abja manor was the first who started selling farmsteads and that the first buyer came from Mulgi farm.

 

Until the end of 19th century, Paluoja tavern was popular stopping place for flax load carriers who were heading from Tartu County to Pärnu. Abja was well known for its Autumn Fair, which was the biggest livestock fair in Estonia. Buyers came even from Riga and paid higher price than local butchers. Livestock was not only brought from Halliste, but also from elsewhere and after the trading, the cattle were herded thru Penuja to Latvia.

 

From 1890 onwards, the area was popular for craftsmen and tradesmen. New borough was called Abja-Paluoja, which was named after the Paluoja tavern and the Paluoja stream nearby. New railway connection was opened in 1897, which gave access to Viljandi, Pärnu and Valga. Thanks to this, the Abja-Paluoja area continued develop and to grow in size.

 

For centuries, the fields in Mulgimaa have been used for growing crops and farming; however the main wealth for Mulgi farmers came from growing flax. In 1914, a flax mill was opened in Abja-Vanamõisa, which was the first in Estonia. Also current Abja coat of arms is illustrated with blue flax flowers.

 

In 1925 Abja-Paluoja received borough rights; in 1945 it was named a borough and in 1993 was received a city status.

 

While taking a stroll in Abja, it is worth to visit the old bank building/post office built in 1929 by architect Kuusik, the Community Centre which was built in 1958 by architect Matteus, as well as High School structure built in 194o, with extension finished in 1964. City’s three parks, near High School, post office and kindergarten, offer beautiful picnic areas for both travelers and locals.

Source: NPO Institute of Mulgi Culture and Abja Parish

Abja-Paluoja post office​
The post office is an architectural monument and the most beautiful building in the city. The building was completed in 1929 based on the plans of architect E.J Kuusik, which at that time was designed to be a Bank.

This well proportioned building is characterized by high tile roof and simple lines. The grand Art Nouveau ovens have remained untouched and still have beautiful original glaze colored coating. 

Initially, the first level functioned as a Bank office and the bank director had a spacious apartment on the second floor, but after the war period, the second floor was turned into office space and apartments were added into the attic floor. Abja central park is located in front of the post office. 

Source: Abja Parish, National Registry of Cultural Monuments and NPO Institute of Mulgi Culture.

Abja-Paluoja museum
Abja-Paluoja museum was established in 1999. Museum showcases permanent exhibitions and also temporary exhibitions which are renewed every now and then. Museum showcases plethora of historical materials, such as mulgi culture, sports, library, flax mill, education, fire station, etc. The museum is located in the old Bank /Post Office building.   

Location: Posti street. 3, Abja–Paluoja, Viljandi county
Open:           Wed  15.00-18.00

                        Thu  11.00-14.00.

Contacts: +372 5392 6806

Source: mulgi.karksi.ee

Paluoja tavern and post station

Former Paluoja tavern is the oldest building in the city. It was named after the Paluoja stream which was flowing nearby.  Abja-Paluoja primary school started to operate in the building in 1919 and in 1933 the school was merged with Kaidi primary school. 

Source: Estonian Environment Information

Abja manor

Abja manor (Abia) was first mentioned in 1504. During the 17 century the manor belonged to von Fersen and after the Great Northern War it was owned by Carl Magnus von Posse. The manor and its land were owned by Carl Magnus von Posse’s sons until 1780, when it was given to their brother-in-law Friedrich Adolph von Stackelberg.  

Apparently, the transaction of the deed was not fully fair and one of the von Posse brothers, Gustav von Posse, took the matter to court in 1799. Von Posse family won the court case and was granted with 38 000 silver rubles, as well as to receive 7 male serfs in the ages of 16 to 26. (Serfs who occupied a plot of land were required to work for the Lord of the Manor who owned that land).        

Also the Abja peasants/ farmers were not happy with the new lord and in 1798 they complained their bad life in the Voltveti tavern to the owner of the Rencēni manor, who happened to be the brother of Õisu manor lord Friedrich von Sivers. He sent the land magistrate authorities to check the situation in Abja manor. Peasants were not so much complaining about the Friedrich Adolph von Stackelberg, but more for the manor seneschal Lofrenz Wissor. (Seneschal-an agent or steward in charge of a lord's estate).          

Peasant Lepa Jaak admitted that during 7 days, he had been 9 times brutally beaten by the seneschal and another peasant, Sado Märt, declared that during 8 days he had been whipped 5 times. Abja manor seneschal rejected the allegation and stated that he acted according to instructions received from the lord Friedrich Adolph von Stackelberg.

Shocked by the confessions of the peasants and the brutality, the land magistrate authorities appointed the Friedrich Adolf von Stackelberg with a fine worth 500 rubles. Outraged landlord complained to the emperor, which resulted in cancellation of the penalty and removal of von Sivers from his position. Despite his cruel character, Friedrich Adolph von Stackelberg was the one who built Abja manor to its full glory.  

Original manor was modest, with wooden roof and with outside walls plastered. The new manor house was two storey building and with tiled roof. One-by-one new buildings were constructed, which together with the main manor house formed a symmetric ensemble.         

Between the barn and the stable, a colonnade was built where in the middle was a 4-pillar gate. Straight from the gate, a several kilometers long beautiful alley headed towards Halliste Holy Anna church and family’s burial place a.k.a Solitude in Halliste cemetery.

In addition to the barn and the stable, estate had many other buildings, such as servant house, livestock building, beer refinery/kitchen, 2 watermills, 1 windmill, granary and menagerie- place where cruel lord held wild animals for entertaining his guests.  

Abja manor garden was designed by gardener Johann Friedrich Semisch from Germany. The park was filled with different flowers and plants, and was designed to run along the valley, where several ponds with islands and boat piers were located. In addition, two pavilions were constructed, one in 1813 which was called the Japan temple and other was called the New temple.           

After the death of the cruel lord, his son Georg Gotthard Baron Stackelberg inherited the manor in 1824 and after him, Reinhold (Roman) Johan Woldemar Baron Stackelberg owned the manor from 1844 to 1878.

Abja manor started to rent out farms in 1836 and selling farmsteads in 1843. Abja manor belonged to Stackelberg family until the expropriation and in 1923 when Charles von Stackelberg was evicted from the manor house, locals refused to help the bailiff in the process, which showed their upmost respect for the last lord.      

After the expropriation, manor has house several schools: local school and a Home Economics School in 1930. After the II World War it functioned as an Orphanage, during which the oldest building got second storey in 1950. In 1990’s Border Cordon functioned from the premises and today it is private property.            

Location: Põlde village, Abja parish, Viljandi county

E-mail: info[at]abjamois.ee

Homepage: http://www.abjamois.ee 

Source: NPO Institute of Mulgi Culture and National Registry of Cultural Monuments

Abja-Vanamõisa flax mill

The village was first mentioned after the Livonian war in 1583. In 1914 based on guidance of engineer Mats Kissa, a flax mill was built to Abja-Vanamõisa. It was the first flax mill in Russian Empire which used warm water and flax soaking technique.   

In 1922 the factory was expanded and different departments were built for cleaning and spinning the flax. The mill finally closed its operation in 1990.

Nowadays, Abja-Vanamõisa flax mill is private property and is undergoing renovation.

Source: NPO Institute of Mulgi Culture, Estonian Agricultural Museum and Wikipedia

Abja-Peraküla

Abja-Peraküla village area was until II World War the best example of Mulgi culture, everyday life and household architecture.  

Ruukle talu in Abja-Peraküla was famous for its spacious log building covered with yellow planks. That building was built by Henn Mõrd for hosting theater performances. Henn got the idea from his son Märt Mõrd who was working in Viljandi as a journalist, directed theatre plays and was a cofounder of Viljandi theatre “Ugala”. 

Before the I World War, during summer season he and his theatre group performed various plays in Ruukle, and the theatre house was popular for hosting parties for local organizations. In addition, Ruukle functioned at that time as Abja-Peraküla cultural centre.

Source: NPO Institute of Mulgi Culture

Atika sacrificial stone

Atika ancient sacrificial stone is located in the woods of Tammekänno farm. In the past this grand stone was located on the field of Tammekänno and was visible from far away.

The sacrificial stone is table-shaped, 2.5meters (m) long and 1.5m wide. Another 1.2m long and 0.6m wide stone has been placed next to it, so that together they make up approximately 7m2 chamber floor. It is assumed that those two flat stones were the actual sacrificial stones which were used in rituals. In front of those stones lay another 1.2m long, 0.75m wide and 0.45m thick stone, which sat on smaller rocks so that the light was shining thru from beneath.            

In the ancient times, the local villagers brought offerings to the stone – usually a rye of new crop, to assure that the crop would grow well also in the next year. Farmers, who did not bring any offerings, were warned that their fields will be bare and fruitless.

Source: S.Vainlo book „Mulgimaa Charm and Pain“ (MTÜ Kodukuru, 2011)

Laatre village and old railway station

Laatre village and local manor (Moysekyll) were first mentioned in 1504. It's located in a pocket bordered by Latvia in the south, west and east. Ruhja-Laatre road runs thru the village.

Laatre station and the stylish station building were opened in 1926 on the route between Abja and Mõisaküla. The building is still in good condition and can be easily found. The railway connection was closed in 1973. 

Laatre School was built in 1939 and during the 1970’s this white, grand building still functioned as a local school, which was finally closed in 1973. The building has been empty for over 30 years, but the roof and walls are still in good conditions. The school building and the land is now private property.

In addition to Laatre railway station, visitors can take a look at the manor ruins, manor park and the boulder which marks the birthplace of August Kitzberg.     

Source: NPO Institute of Mulgi Culture, Laatre village and Wikipedia  

Memorial stone for Jaan Jung

Jaan Jung (18. 11. 1835– 26. 06. 1900) was participant in national movements, archeologist and passionate history enthusiast. During 1857-1896 was teacher in Kaidi School in Abja parish.

He was actively participating in various Estonia’s national societies, for instance he was a board member in Estonian Literary Society and in Estonian Alexander School, and he cooperated with “Eesti Posimees” and “Sakala” newspapers.

Jaan Jung was the first to translate into Estonian “The Livonian Chronicle of Henry” written by Henry of Latvia (Henricus de Lettis). He also published three volumes of “The Ancient Sciences of the People of Estonia”. His memorial stone is located near the Penuja road in Abja parish.

Source: mulgi.karksi.ee, wikipedia and Eesti Entsüklopeedia

Losu spruce a.k.a “Grove spruce”

Losu spruce is located near Usse farmstead in Räägu village. Tree has a girth of 263 cm and height of 25 m (records from 1998, Estonia’s Ancient Trees).

Sacred Grove

In the past, every village had its own sacred grove where they went to pray and to give offerings to the gods (Heavenly Father, Taara,​ etc.). Villagers gathered around the grove, played bagpipes and sang together.

People always brought some offerings to the grove: rye of new crop, fresh cow milk and meat. Offerings were often placed to a wooden chest (Uku chest/Uku vakk), which was tied to the sacred grove. According to our ancestors, it was prohibited to harm the tree in any way, it was not allowed to use swearwords and animals were not allowed to come near the sacred grove.        

Source: S.Vainlo book „Mulgimaa Charm and Pain“(MTÜ Kodukuru, 2011) and Estonian Environment Information

Põlde stone graves

The Põlde village old stone graves are located farther away from the road and it may be more difficult to find the area. You can read more about “stone graves” under Abjaku village stone graves section. 

Source: National Registry of Cultural Monuments

Penuja manor and the oak tree

Thru ought the history, Penuja manor (Penneküll) has been in the possession of various owners. Peeter Widriks bought the manor in 1870 with 20 800 rubles, who became one of the first manor owners of Estonian nationality.

At the current state, the main manor house is in ruins and also the surrounding building is in bad condition. Only Penuja Manor Park with the Penuja oak has remained from the former glory days. The oak tree has a girth of 449cm and height of 28m. Penuja surrounding area is historically very rich, it has several grave stone/burial places and various spots related to folktales.

Source: NPO Institute of Mulgi Culture and National Registry of Cultural Monuments

The European White Elm of Öövesti a.k.a. Sacrificial Elm

The European White Elm (Ulmus laevis) in growing in Saate village, people mistakenly think that it is a Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra), but in fact it is not.

The tree has received its name after the Öövesti farmstead. It is an old sacrificial tree, with a girth of 4m 72cm and height of 19m. There are many legends and folktales connected with the sacrificial elm.   

Source: S.Vainlo book „Mulgimaa Charm and Pain“(MTÜ Kodukuru, 2011)

Abjaku stone graves

An ancient stone graves lies on a field between Pärnu and Sarja roads, it is presumed to date back to 1211. First Estonian archeologist Jaan Jung examined the area and believed that it was a burial place during the Henry of Latvia (Henricus de Lettis) times, when the Latvians invaded areas in Estonia and killed people on their way.    

When the Latvians left after looting, those Estonians who had survived followed their ancestors’ burial traditions; they burned the bodies and then buried the bones of their fellow citizens under pile of stones.  

Stone graves

In the ancient times, our ancestors had a tradition of burning their deceased ones and placing stones on their ashes and bones. They believed that the burning would free the spirit from the body and it can fly to the underworld - Toonela. These places are nowadays called Stone Graves.   

​

People went to stone graves to visiting their ancestors and to get their guidance and help. It was a sacred place for everyone, because their ancestors had passed away from here in their white clothes to the underworld Toonela. Why in white? Because with black clothes the sprits would have had to wait behind the Toonela gates until their clothes had faded white, only then they would have granted the access to the spirit world.      

​

Source: Salme Vainlo “Mulgimaa Võlu ja Valu” (MTÜ Kodukuru, 2011). 

Aliste hill

Aliste hill is located approximately 1 km north from Penuja and is currently covered with growing forest. The hill can be accessed by steadily rising curvy pathway and Penuja stream runs nearby in its ancient bed. According to folk myth, after the acceptance of the Christianity, the first Aliste chapel stood on the hill. The chapel was dedicated to Holy Anna. Monks of Catholic church often built chapels to sacred places of our ancestors.     

Aliste hill was once very sacred place, where people were performing rituals and asked help from the ancient god – Taara. Ancestors danced and sang together around big bonfire. It is believed that the fire belief/religion was the oldest belief of our ancestors. They thought that the sparks of fire were the spirits of their loved ones who had passed away. According to their belief, the sacred fire purified the sole, the body and protected them from all evil.  

Source: S.Vainlo book „Mulgimaa Charm and Pain“ (MTÜ Kodukuru, 2011) and Estonian Guide

Hendrikhansu „Hell“outcrop

Heading approximately 7km from Abja towards Mõisaküla, a sign at the Laatre cross points towards Hendrikhansu outcrop. Continuing from there 5km towards Vana-Kariste, another road sign directs you to turn right and after 500m you would reach Hendrikhansu outcrop.    

This 67m wide and 6.9m high outcrop is a creation of Mother Nature, in specific, by water springs. One calligraphic monogram on the wall of the outcrop dates back to 1800. According to a legend, this was the place where Old Nick (Vanapagan) lived and did his tricks.

Source: Viljandi Tourist Information Centre brochure: Viljandi 2012.

Lopa outcrop

Lopa outcrop is located in Atika village, near Pöögle (also called Lopa) stream. Lopa outcrop a.k.a “Lopa Hell” is formed of ruddy-brown sandstone and is one of the longest, most interesting natural caves in Estonia. Thanks to the writer August Kitzberg,​ the outcrop has connection with Estonian literature. Specifically, Lopa farm was featured in his book “The God of Kauka” (“Kauka jumal”).

Source: Estonian Environment Information and Environmental Board

Lüütre valley reserve

Lüütre valley reserve with its beautiful outcrops is located near Lüütre stream in Sarja village. Reserve is 8 hectares in size and was formed in 1990.

Lüütre reserve has two grand outcrops, first of which can be accessed from Valga-Uulu road and the other from Abja-Paluoja – Sarja road. The biggest outcrop is 55m long and up to 6m high. Outcrop has low cave, which hides water springs.    

Lüütre reserve is ideal for nature enthusiasts. Forest is full of various plant species, e.g. Lesser Butterfly-orchid, Dutchman's Pipe, Toothwort, as well as of different mushrooms during autumn season. Birdwatchers could enjoy observing colorful kingfisher and other reserve animals.      

Source: NPO Institute of Mulgi Culture and Environment Information

Paudi farmstead

Paudi farmstead is located approximately 4,5 km from Abja-Paluoja towards Sarja, on the right-hand side. In this ancient farmstead you have the opportunity to see old forest tools and explore how those were used in everyday life. Farmstead has an exciting hiking trail where you can find several cultural heritage sites and learn more about the beautiful nature of Mulgimaa.

Location: Veskimäe village, Abja parish, Viljandi County.

Contacts: +372 562 5464 or +372 5376 1728

E-mail: ojapera[at]hot.ee

Penuja Orthodox Church

The church building started in 1871, but since the church did not have enough money to buy the land next to the road, the church was built next to the swamp. That is the reason why the entrance to it is from the swamp side (R. Paju).

Penuja All Saints Church was inaugurated on 12th of July 1873. The housing for the priests, for the priests’ aids and the orthodox parish school building were also finished at the same time. The former school is now Penuja Community Centre.   

Source: NPO Institute of Mulgi Culture and Environment Information

Vaida outcrop and the cave

Vaida outcrop is 6km from Abja along the Kilingi-Nõmme road and 800m from the main road on the Anniennu farm property. Since the cave is relatively high and dry, it is not necessary to have specific clothes for visiting it. The outcrop is marked with a sign.

Vaida outcrop has been known for a long time and according to folktales, during the war periods it had sheltered many locals and even Carl XII the King of Sweden had stayed there. Similarly to Hendrikhansu outcrop, another Old Nick (Vanapagan) lived and did his tricks in this area.           

Source: Environment Information

Sarja village

About 90% of Sarja village area is covered with forest. It has good blueberry and mushroom forests, and is full of game (moose, deer, wild boar, bear, lynx, etc.) and other wild animals. Since Sarja has many streams and ditches, local beavers are actively managing their surrounding areas. It is estimated that there are approximately two beavers per villager.  

Enu and Tiru streams which are passing thru the village, both run to the Hendrikhansu stream. By the Hendrikhansu farm, the latter stream has been turned into a lake, which is located near the infamous Hendrikhansu “Hell” outcrop. Similarly to Lüütre reserve, also here it is possible to spot the colorful kingfishers.    

Source:National Registry of Cultural Monuments and NPO Insitute of Mulgi Culture

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