THE DUGOUT BOAT CULTURE IN SOOMAA

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For centuries, locals have carved dugout canoes called haabjas from thick aspens growing in the floodplain forests. In the past, a one-log boat was the only means of transport during high water along the lower course of the Halliste and Raudna rivers. People used them to fetch firewood, care for livestock, transport hay, or travel to the dairy or mill. Dugouts were also used for fishing and hunting.

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Building a dugout canoe is a complex skill and has been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. To keep the tradition alive, new craftsmen are continuously trained, and visitors can learn about the building process. For that purpose dugout canoe workshops are held in Saarisoo during summer. In 2023–2024, a new dugout canoe was completed in Soomaa Holiday Village under the guidance of Aivar Ruukel, with Tarvo Mägi as the boatbuilder.