Our Lahemaa Stories and Places: Vergi Peninsula
The Vergi Peninsula is a place where the sea, forest, and old coastal villages form a cohesive whole. The most famous settlement here is Võsu – a beloved resort with a long sandy beach and summer cottages. On the other side of the peninsula lies one of our most visited old fishing villages, Altja. Between them are smaller coastal villages – Lobi, Lahe, Koolimäe, Natturi, Pedassaare, Pihlaspea, and Vergi – which are worth exploring by turning off the main road.
What were once fishing villages have now become more like holiday spots. The interior of the peninsula is covered with forests, while the coastline is characterized by bays, peninsulas, rocky beaches, and small islands. For centuries, the sea has provided livelihoods for people here and shaped both village life and the landscape.
Five Interesting Facts About Vergi Peninsula
- Võsu was discovered by holidaymakers in the 1870s, and during the Soviet era, it became Estonia’s largest resort.
- In the 18th and 19th centuries, Vergi was an important center for Finnish fish trade.
- Pedassaare is home to Estonia’s oldest pines, and the area is also linked to old shipbuilding and maritime history.
- Near Natturi Peninsula are the tiny Älvi and Loodukse islands.
- Altja’s fishing huts have become one of Lahemaa’s most recognizable symbols.
What to Do on Vergi Peninsula?
- Walk along the beach and village of Võsu. In addition to the long sandy beach, it’s worth exploring Võsu’s summer architecture.
- Discover seven coastal villages. Lahe, Koolimäe, Lobi, Natturi, Pedassaare, Pihlaspea, and Vergi each offer different views of coastal village life and nature.
- Go hiking. The Ojakivi hiking trail (5 km) leads through forests to a large boulder, while the Altja nature and cultural trail (3 km) introduces both coastal nature and the old fishing village. The area is also traversed by the Oandu-Ikla hiking trail and the Metsa hiking trail.
- Stop by the harbors. Both Võsu and Vergi small harbors are nice places for a seaside stop.
A Local Guide Tells
Local guide Ulvi Koov recommends taking time to explore the small coastal villages on Vergi Peninsula.
“Vergi Peninsula has seven coastal villages by the sea. There is no single major attraction that you must reach. Rather, the value lies in the entire journey – in the forested paths, small villages, beaches, and stories that unfold when you take the time to look around.”
According to Ulvi, the history of these villages has been written by the sea. Fishing, trade, boat building, and sailing have left their mark on both the villages and the people. Nowadays, more and more people come here seeking peace, walking on the beach and forest paths, and discovering small places that are often not mentioned on larger tourism maps.
“Vergi Peninsula does not loudly call for attention. It invites you to slow down. Perhaps that is its greatest value.”
Today’s Vergi Peninsula
While Võsu is the liveliest place on the peninsula in summer, life in the smaller coastal villages flows at a calmer pace. Here you can find holiday homes and accommodations, the RMK Võsu camping area, and the Lepispea caravan park. Most dining options are in Võsu, but local food can also be enjoyed in Altja and Vergi.
Vergi harbor remains an important place in the village and one of Lahemaa’s gateways to the sea. The restaurant at Vergi harbor, Wirkes, run by hostess Kelli Suigusaar, says that for them, Lahemaa primarily means local life and flavors.
“We are present in Vergi village year-round and try to tell the story of this area through food. We use as much as possible of what grows and ripens right here – fish and forest products, garden produce, and products from local small producers. Food is one of the simplest ways to get to know a place: what is eaten here says a lot about how life is lived here.”
Exploring Vergi Peninsula should be done at a leisurely pace. Turn off the main road, walk along the beach or forest path, look into small harbors and villages, and take time for the sea. Here lies the quieter side of Lahemaa, whose stories unfold best for those who do not rush.
