võttjas

Võttjas is a small settlement located in western Estonia, within the administrative boundaries of Lääne County. The locality falls under the jurisdiction of Lääne-Nigula Parish, one of the municipalities established following the 2017 administrative reform that merged several smaller rural districts. Võttjas is situated near the Baltic Sea coast, with the nearest sizable town being Haapsalu, approximately 30 kilometres to the south.

Historically, Võttjas has been part of the Baltic German and later Russian influences that shaped the region. The earliest documented mentions trace back to the late medieval period, when it served as an agricultural hub for surrounding villages. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the village remained primarily agrarian, with a modest population engaged in crop cultivation, dairy farming, and small-scale forestry.

In contemporary times, the population of Võttjas is relatively small, estimated at fewer than 200 residents, reflecting broader trends of rural depopulation in Estonia. Despite its limited size, the settlement maintains a small community centre and a historic Lutheran church that dates from the early 19th century. The surrounding landscape features typical Estonian coastal wetlands and pine forests, attracting nature enthusiasts and contributing to local eco-tourism. The village remains an example of Estonia’s rural heritage, preserving traditional lifestyles while integrating into modern administrative frameworks.