Name of hiking trip: MAHTRA TRIP
Rough length of hiking trip: 8 km
Location: Mahtra bog, Mahtra Nature Reserve, Mahtra village, Juuru parish, Rapla county

We will visit eight swamp islands located in Mahtra bog, of which the most breathtaking and wildest are Hiilevõhma, Kullivõhma, Päävavõhma and Haavapuna mägi. On the way, there are also Ussivõhma, Pangevõhma, Niinevõhma and a smaller Kullivõhma veeretis. Mahtra bog is an outstanding example of lowland with amazingly beautiful swamp islands which are picturesque from inside (they are covered with old trees and groves) and outside alike. All the swamp islands here are covered with platyfyllous groves, mainly consisting of old aspens and lime-trees, with single spruces or pines here and there. When passing them, one may feel the mysterious fairy-tale atmosphere as if fairies still lived there, behind the screen created by the Estonian mythological deity – Sooema (in english: Mother of Bog). All those swamp islands are clearly visible at a long distance on the flat landscape of Mahtra bog and catch the sight of onlookers with fabulous views. The overall landscape strikes with strong positive notes. Probably, at the time of Jürioo (St.George’s Night) Uprising (one of the main historical events in Estonian history) the swamp islands were places of assembly for rioters. Maybe, not all of them, but some groups of islands for certain. A few kilometres from here to the north began an event of great importance for Estonians – Jüriöö (St.George’s Night) Uprising. In the course of trekking adventure, we will retell you local legends, speak about the history of ancient Estonians, the mythology and traditions. In the season of cupped flowers, from the end of spring till mid-summer you can come across a lot of cupped plants both on bogs and swamp islands. In the mushroom season there are lots of red-capped scaber stalks and brown-capped boletus mushrooms, the top mushroom swamp islands are undoubtedly Ussivõhma and Haavapuna mägi. While moving in the wood and across the bogs we will learn different forest and bog plants. The menu of lunch break in Kullivõhma 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 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

for an exact price consult with a service provider. hiking tours last 5-8 hours, meals, drink and stops for break included.

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