Name of hiking trip: HÄRGLA TRIP
Rough length of hiking trip: 7 km
Location: Härgla, Juuru (Härküla) bog, Mahtra Nature Reserve, Juuru parish, Rapla county

We will hike in the forest of Raudsepamägi, overgrown with oaks, visit Annimägi, which boasts a variety of oaks, lime-trees and spruces, and head to Lambasemägi, mainly covered in oaks and spruces. All three swamp islands have retained the wild fairy-tale-like woodland. While Lambasmägi forest is more lightsome and has more forest meadows, forest lands of other two swamp islands is thicker. The name of Lambasmägi itself speaks about sheep (Lambasmäe in Estonian means: „sheep hill“), so, we may suppose that a long ago sheep may have been shepherded here. The old oak trees growing everywhere give the divine unearthly aura. Thus, in a western part of Raudsepamägi they even create an oak grove resembling a sacred oak grove. Both swamp islands, named Annimägi and Raudsepamägi, seem to be located at the end of the world, with the river Atla and boggy forest on one, and a flat Juuru (Härküla) moor on the other side. Due to the moor and its openness one will have a feeling of being at the back of beyond. Sightseers are offered to have a look at the Tammekala (Oak’s Fish) oak, whose shape resembles a big open-mouth fish, and two Annimägi oaks named a Hip Rotator and a Head Spinner, both aged up to 200 years. The name Annimägi also refers to a possibility of some sacred oak grove which used to exist there. At least all Anni-named places on the territory of Estonia tend to have a touch of holy, sacrifices used to be brought there and they were regarded to be sacred (in english ‘anni’ means gift, giveaway). So, Annimägi might have had the similar history. Probably, offerings to wood spirits or fairies would be the right thing to do in the place. Wilderness of the places and sheer beauty can take anyone’s breath away. It must be something mysterious, fantastic, ancient and preserved intact. Some secret code that can be personally decoded by establishing close connection with surrounding nature, trying to spell it. In early spring (from the end of April till mid-May) the Raudsepamägi hill is totally covered in lungwort blossoms. The plant is quite rare, these days it is not easily found in every forest, it only grows in damp groves. There is no other plant which could be equally beautiful in spring. In the course of trekking adventure, we will retell you local legends, speak about the history of ancient Estonians, the mythology and traditions. While travelling from Raudsepamägi to Annimägi, we will admire stunning views of Juuru (Härküla) bog. In the mushroom season forests on the swamp islands are full of porcinis, and plenty of cranberries can be harvested twice a year – from April to May and from August to November. The menu of lunch break in Annimägi includes hot tea boiled from plants grown in the Estonian countryside, freshly baked scones, and chocolate for dessert. At the end of hiking day you can order a rich supper from organic products which is served in Lau village. Supper costs 10 euro. Supper and a choice of dishes should be pre-ordered 3 days before. In addition, there is an opportunity to go to a smoke sauna and stay in the village for a night. An archaic looking smoke sauna is located near an idyllically peaceful pond, reflecting back the look, feel and smell of how people lived in the olden days. It plays the main role in time traveling (Ajamatkad), in bringing us back to our past.

Summer season 01.05-30.10

Winter season 01.12-01.03

recommended maximum amount of participators in hiking trip – 8 persons

prices start from 25 euros depending on how many people participate in this trip. in case of bigger groups, please ask for special price. special prices can ask also those hikers, who come from other parts of Estonia, it means, from outside of Tallinn, and who come on to repeated trip or on to two or more different trips. prices include trekking with guide there and back and transport to and from trekking area. hiking tours last 5-8 hours, meals, drink and stops for break included.

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