Altja Tavern
Altja Tavern
4
About
Altja was first mentioned in written records in 1465 and is a typical seaside village, with all of its houses stretching along one street. The Uustalu and Toomarahva farms at Altja are typical coastal farms and have been restored by Lahemaa National Park. On the point at Altja you can see the fishing net sheds which were reconstructed on the basis of old photographs and the memories of the villagers. The village also has its own swing and tavern, where you can try local dishes.
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4.0
48 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
26
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Beatriz M
Düsseldorf, Germany5,677 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I visited the village during an organized daytrip to Lahemaa national park. In this constellation, we only stayed for around 30 min in the village, walking around the beach (full of rocks and algae, probably it is nicer in summer) and in the only street of the village. It was nice to see the water well functioning. Otherwise there isn't much to see, I had higher expectations.
Written 12 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nuttnick
Helsinki, Finland97 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
Worth a visit. This old fishing village has still lots of authentic houses and the path around the village that leads by the sandy beach impressed with stunning views. Plus point for having a restaurant that sells traditional food and beverages as well as coffee and cake in an authentic shed.
Written 30 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jincognito
Gainesville, FL642 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
It is a small, pretty village. The cluster of fisherman's huts I see in photos is about 1/2 mile's walk off the road. The path then loops around to make a rather longer circle. Where the huts are there is a crafts shop (carefully not spoiling the atmosphere), and the rocky coast (tough for fishermen?). You can park opposite the restaurant and go on this walk. Also look for the village swing (maximum 6 adults).
Written 18 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcus D
Tartu, Estonia1,214 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
The 4 most visually recognised kõrts are: Kolu, Hargla, Viitna and Altja.
This the smallest of the quartet and the most attractive.
The building style for these typically Estonian version of a 'public house' incorporates several common features, some of which are not compatible with EU Food Health and Safety regulations: single storey, as few windows as possible (I know one in the south that has none), earthen floor, trestle tables, and wooden benches. And home-style cooking (no pre-cooked, mass produced frozen foods). On my first visit in 2003, the earthen floor trestle tables and wooden benches were still there.
It is a mistake to equate Estonian cuisine with fast-food. Estonian cuisine uses fresh produce and long-cooking times. Traditional Estonia cuisine is incompatible with both deep-fat fryers and microwave ovens. The fish at Ahja will be locally caught - if not at Altja (which used to have a sizeable fishing-fleet) then somewhere along the northern coast in the locality.
On a hot summer's day, don't have the cooked meal of the day, have the Kama (if it's not on the menu ask for it). This is the traditional summer fare for the field workers, and is I can assure you both filling and cooling. Recipe: Cold keefir (fermented soured milk) is mixed with a spoonful of kama (a powdered mix of fried pulses) and a spoonful of sugar (purists use salt instead of sugar). Heavenly! A glass of keefir is as pleasant to drink on a hot summer's day as iced tea.
Viitna kõrts is just 20 minutes by car away.
This the smallest of the quartet and the most attractive.
The building style for these typically Estonian version of a 'public house' incorporates several common features, some of which are not compatible with EU Food Health and Safety regulations: single storey, as few windows as possible (I know one in the south that has none), earthen floor, trestle tables, and wooden benches. And home-style cooking (no pre-cooked, mass produced frozen foods). On my first visit in 2003, the earthen floor trestle tables and wooden benches were still there.
It is a mistake to equate Estonian cuisine with fast-food. Estonian cuisine uses fresh produce and long-cooking times. Traditional Estonia cuisine is incompatible with both deep-fat fryers and microwave ovens. The fish at Ahja will be locally caught - if not at Altja (which used to have a sizeable fishing-fleet) then somewhere along the northern coast in the locality.
On a hot summer's day, don't have the cooked meal of the day, have the Kama (if it's not on the menu ask for it). This is the traditional summer fare for the field workers, and is I can assure you both filling and cooling. Recipe: Cold keefir (fermented soured milk) is mixed with a spoonful of kama (a powdered mix of fried pulses) and a spoonful of sugar (purists use salt instead of sugar). Heavenly! A glass of keefir is as pleasant to drink on a hot summer's day as iced tea.
Viitna kõrts is just 20 minutes by car away.
Written 24 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elroijan
Tartu26 contributions
Jul 2018
Instead of saying hello, girl on the counter said that at leat 1 hour will go if you get your drink or snacks, I can say - the worst experience in the whole world, I have been there at least 5 times in 25 years, don't go there, I write it also in estonian
Maailma kõige halvem kogemus ja suhtumine, õppige kurat kuskilt või pange oma söökla kinni, ärge võtke tööle inimesi, kel pole isegi algharidust käitumiseks, või on omanik nii õpteanud, ei imesta!
Maailma kõige halvem kogemus ja suhtumine, õppige kurat kuskilt või pange oma söökla kinni, ärge võtke tööle inimesi, kel pole isegi algharidust käitumiseks, või on omanik nii õpteanud, ei imesta!
Written 15 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan G
Hasselt, Belgium152 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
Altja is a beautiful village to explore , full of old (restored) loghouses by the coast . There is a short hiking trail (3km) starting from the Toomarahva Loghouse , but you can easily make a detour that takes you deeper into the woods surrounding the village along Altja river . It's a pity that the Altja tavern was closed when I visited Altja , so there was nothing left to relax after my hike . Bring your own food and drinks , it's a good place to have a picknick when the weather allows it .
Written 10 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kata M
14 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Nice fisherman village... with grate view and amazing sightseeing. If you want too see the real estonia you have too visit
Written 4 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Satu H
Tampere, Finland1,331 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
Small Place, beautiful historical area. The restaurant is unique - a old log house and the food is excellent! Traditional Estonian food - it was really good!
The midsummer party is a big thing there!
The midsummer party is a big thing there!
Written 20 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg F
Auckland Central, New Zealand1,167 contributions
Sept 2019
This little fishing village of Altja is definitely worth the visit when passing through Laheemaa Nation Park. From the Car park where the restaurant is located, its an easy 15-20 minute walk to the Altja Tavern. If you're lucky, there will be a few colorful boats pulled ashore in front of the tavern. Along the path from the car park, you will pass several authentic houses in the old fishing village. Complete you trip with a good meal at the restaurant by the carpark. Very enjoyable overall experience in the area.
Written 14 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
linskitours
Harpenden, UK600 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We were advised at Palmse to include this area in our Lahemaa Tour and were very glad we did. Apart from the fishermans cottages there is walk you can make up to Vergi where there is a small penninsula out into the Baltic. A small yacht club has been built here. The views at this point are lovely but in May it was the wildlife that was stunning. We stood a swans flew directly overhead their wings methodically beating. Skua, Cormerants and many others abond. No one else anywhere!
Written 20 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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