Altja

Altja is a historic beach and fishing village in the Estonian community in Vihula Lääne -Viru county. It is situated on the Baltic coast in a natural landscape in the national park Lahemaa. The village now has 28 inhabitants (as of 2006).

The story of Altja goes back to the 15th century. The place is today with its historic fishing culture is a popular tourist destination. A thatched historic Krug ( Altja Kõrts ) offers traditional Estonian dishes. On a promontory, the old net sheds and barns of fishermen can be seen, which were renovated in 1973/74. In the vicinity there are numerous hiking trails.

In June 2005 the Estonian President Arnold Rüütel and the German Federal President Horst Köhler jointly celebrated the Midsummer Festival in Altja.