The Lehmja oak forest, or Lehmja tammik in Estonian, is a historic oak grove located near the town of Jüri, about 12 kilometers from Tallinn. Covering 12 hectares, it is the largest and one of the rarest old-growth oak forests near the capital, providing easy access to nature for city residents. The forest is a diverse and rich ecosystem, with its oaks averaging around 130 years of age, though the oldest, a towering tree known as “the Prophet” is over 374 years old.
Lehmja tammik is steeped in centuries-old folklore. A famous local legend tells of a wedding party that was cursed and turned into oak trees as punishment for dancing on the grass. Walking through Lehmja tammik feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The gnarled, twisted forms of many ancient oaks lend the forest a mysterious, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
