Kiraste: Nature and Farm Culture with Literary Connections

Kiraste offers several distinct points of interest for planning a trip: the literary history surrounding Mats Mõtslane, the protection of bog and forest ecosystems, and the history and activities of Viruna Farm. These topics offer different perspectives on the place: a biographical trail leads to a writer born there, an ecological one to the protection of habitats, and another to farm history and activities. When planning your trip, you can prioritize these themes according to your own interests.

Literary history: Mats Mõtslane

The writer and teacher Mats Mõtslane, whose birth name was Mart Kiirats, was born on January 6, 1884, at Endriko-Jaani Farm in the village of Kiraste. At the time, the village belonged to Tõstamaa Municipality. Mõtslane’s novel “Liblika lend” was published in 1927. Thus, a biographical place of birth and the date of a later work stand side by side: his birth anchors Mõtslane in Kiraste, while the publication year places the novel in time. For literature enthusiasts, this offers a concrete connection to the history of the place.

Nature conservation and habitats

The Palatu Special Protection Area is intended to protect and restore bog and forest ecosystems, as well as natural communities. The habitats of protected species are also among its conservation objectives. The area’s natural character thus encompasses a range of habitats and links their preservation with their restoration. If you take nature into account when choosing a destination, you can also explore Kiraste through this ecological focus.

Viruna Farm: building history and farm cuisine

Viruna Farm was built on the ruins of a hunting lodge dating from the 17th century. The date refers to the hunting lodge; the farm was built on its ruins. The building history can therefore be seen as two successive layers: the former hunting lodge and the farm built on its ruins. Natural farm food is served at Viruna Farm, with lamb as the main course. As dishes may change, it is advisable to check the current menu before visiting. This allows you to consider the culinary side of your trip separately from the literary history and nature conservation.

Activities and local stories

Viruna Farm organizes trips to the oak circles around the farm. If you plan to take part, confirm that the activity is available before your trip. Visitors can also participate in farm work; this requires a prior arrangement. If you would like to help out, arrange your participation in advance. The farm also presents life as it was around 1,000 years ago. Program details may change, so it is advisable to check them in advance.

The local world of stories offers another cultural perspective: Mart Vahtel, also colloquially known as “Viruna parun,” knows many stories about ghosts, trolls, living trees, and other inhabitants of the bog. These topics differ from Mõtslane’s dated biography and his novel: here, the focus is on stories about the beings of the bog.

Canoe and bog hiking offer

Viruna Farm’s canoe and bog hiking offer is called “Puhastusreis Naistepuumetsa randa” and is located in Kiraste küla, Pärnu linn, Pärnu maakond. It provides a distinct active option alongside the farm’s history and agriculture. Route conditions may vary; check them before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Seliste, Ermistu, Tõstamaa.

Return to the main travel overview: Tõstamaa.