High(light)s of the islands

A journey through Estonia’s most captivating islands!

You are invited on a scenic island-hopping adventure through Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. You’ll travel from one unique destination to the next, experiencing windmills and meteorite craters, medieval castles and ancient churches, rugged cliffs and peaceful peninsulas.

The journey begins on Muhu and Saaremaa, where traditions meet wild nature. Explore historic villages, walk along dramatic coastal cliffs, and climb the tallest lighthouse in the country. Then continue to Hiiumaa, a quieter island known for its unspoiled beauty, leaning lighthouses, cultural spaces, and endless sea views.

Each stop on the route has been carefully chosen to offer something special - whether it’s history, nature, or exciting activities. Allow yourself enough time to cover 404 km, three islands, and 13 stops - this self-guided tour gives you the freedom to discover the best of the islands at your own pace.

Stops on Saaremaa/Muhu

1. Koguva village and Muhu Museum

2. Angla Windmill Mount

3. Kaali Field of meteorite craters

4. Kuressaare Episcopal Castle

5. Sõrve Lighthouse

6. St. Michael’s Church in Kihelkonna

7. Harilaiu peninsula and Kiipsaare Lighthouse

8. Panga cliff

Stops on Hiiumaa

9. Kõpu Lighthouse

10. Viscosa Cultural Factory

11. Windtower Experience Centre

12. Sääretirp

13. Suuremõisa castle

1. Koguva village and Muhu Museum

Koguva village on Muhu Island is one of Estonia's best-preserved traditional villages, showcasing authentic 19th-century farm architecture with stone fences and wooden buildings. The Muhu Museum, located within the village, offers a glimpse into rural life through several historic structures like Tooma Farm which is the birthplace of writer Juhan Smuul, featuring original farm buildings and equipment. Välja Farm displays traditional Muhu textiles and handicrafts and Art Stable hosts exhibitions and includes a small souvenir shop. Visitors can explore the village's narrow lanes and dry-stone walls, experiencing the serene atmosphere of this historic coastal settlement.

Activities and attractions on your way to Angla Windmill Mount, Kaali Field of meteorite craters and Kuressaare Episcopal Castle:

Muhu ostrich farm

Hiievälja archery track

Places to eat:

Mia Köök

Sassimaja pub

From Muhu museum to Angla windmills is 45 km.

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2. Angla Windmill Mount

Angla Windmill Mount is a unique heritage site featuring five historic windmills, including four traditional post mills and a Dutch-style tower mill from 1927. Situated on the island's windiest hilltop, this area once housed nine windmills serving local farms. Today, visitors can explore the interiors of the restored mills, observe milling demonstrations, and learn about traditional crafts at the adjacent heritage center. The site also offers a café, workshops, and seasonal activities for all ages.

From Angla Windmill Mount to Kaali meteorite crater is 20 km.

3. Kaali Field of meteorite craters

Kaali Field of meteorite craters is a rare geological site formed by a meteorite impact approximately 7,500 years ago. The largest crater, now a serene lake, measures 110 meters in diameter and 22 meters deep. Surrounding it are eight smaller craters, all within a 1 km radius. Archaeological findings suggest the site was used for rituals, with a stone wall built around the main crater during the Late Bronze Age. Visitors can explore the craters, visit the nearby museum, and enjoy local cuisine at the adjacent tavern. The site is open year-round and is easily accessible from Kuressaare.

From Kaali to Kuressaare Episcopal Castle is 19.7 km.

4. Kuressaare Episcopal Castle

Kuressaare Episcopal Castle , is the best-preserved medieval fortress in the Baltic region. Built in the late 14th century, this Gothic-style castle features a square layout with a central courtyard, surrounded by sturdy limestone walls and defensive towers. Today, it houses the Saaremaa Museum, offering exhibitions on local history, culture, and nature. Visitors can explore the castle's chapel, climb its towers for panoramic views, and participate in various cultural events held in the courtyard.

Activities and attractions on your way to Sõrve lighthouse:

Saare KEK Museum

Family-friendly Activity Centre Thule Koda in Kuressaare

Mändjala beach

Grab a bite:

Places to eat at Kuressaare

Resto Särg

Salme sai cafe

From Saaremaa museum to Sõrve Lighthouse is 52,3 km.

5. Sõrve Lighthouse

Sõrve Lighthouse , located at the southern tip of Saaremaa Island, is Estonia’s tallest lighthouse at 52 meters. Built in 1960, this black-and-white concrete tower stands where the Gulf of Riga meets the Baltic Sea. Visitors can climb 248 steps to a viewing platform offering panoramic views—on clear days, even Latvia is visible. The adjacent Sõrve Visitor Centre features exhibitions on Estonia’s maritime history and its most significant lighthouses.

Activities and attractions on your way to Kihelkonna church:

Ohessaare cliff

Heritage Route

Lambakogu

Places to eat on the road:

Ohessaare Windmill Summer Cafe

Lümanda söögimaja

Pilguse Residency

From Sõrve lighthouse to Kihelkonna church is 61 km.

6. St. Michael’s Church in Kihelkonna

St. Michael's Church in Kihelkonna, is one of Estonia’s oldest medieval churches, built around 1250 by the Livonian Order and the Bishopric of Ösel-Wiek. Its whitewashed Gothic interior features high vaulted ceilings and a 1591 altarpiece depicting the Last Supper. The 1604 pulpit and 1805 organ are among the oldest in the country. Outside stands Estonia’s only free-standing bell tower, built in 1638. The tower of Kihelkonna church was initially used also as lighthouse.

From St. Michael's Church in Kihelkonna to Harilaiu peninsula and Kiipsaare Lighthouse is 23,7 km.

7. Harilaiu peninsula and Kiipsaare Lighthouse

Harilaiu peninsula, located in Saaremaa's Vilsandi National Park, offers a unique coastal hiking experience. The 11 km trail leads through diverse landscapes—dunes, juniper groves, and rocky shores—culminating at the Kiipsaare Lighthouse. Built in 1933, this 26-meter-tall lighthouse now stands offshore due to coastal erosion, earning it the nickname "Leaning Tower of Saaremaa". The trail is accessible year-round.

Activities and attractions on your way to Panga cliff:

Pidula wakepark

Pidula forell

Odalätsi springs

From Kiipsaare lighthouse to Panga cliff is 54,4 km.

8. Panga cliff

Panga cliff , located on Saaremaa's northern coast, is the island's highest coastal cliff, reaching up to 21.3 meters and stretching approximately 2.5 kilometers. This striking limestone formation offers panoramic views of the Baltic Sea and is especially captivating during sunrise and sunset. The area features hiking trails along the cliff edge and through nearby forests, making it a favorite spot for picnics and bird watching. Additionally, Panga Cliff holds cultural significance, historically serving as a site for ancient rituals.

Now you will be headed to Triigi harbour and on your way we suggest to visit Tuhkana beach.

From one island to the other/ Triigi-Sõru ferry

Second largest island of Estonia, Hiiumaa awaits you! Embark on a sea voyage from one island to another. The ferry from Saaremaa (Triigi Harbour) to Hiiumaa (Sõru Harbour) takes about an hour. It’s the perfect amount of time to take in the sea breeze and stop the time. The higher the sun goes, the more frequently the ferries between Saaremaa and Hiiumaa start running. While in early summer the ferry operates a few times a day, in July you can travel between the islands up to four times a day. You can find the exact schedules and ticket purchase options on the Kihnu Veeteede website.

Activities and attractions on your way to Kõpu Lighthouse: Sõru museum, Vanajõe valley study trail, Ristna Visitor Centre, Ristna Maritime Department Store, Sea Garbage Museum, Ristna Lighthouse, Ristna beach  and the kissing stop – find it, take a picture and be sure to tag #visithiiumaa. 

From Sõru harbour to Kõpu Lighthouse is 40,8 km.

9. Kõpu Lighthouse

Kõpu Lighthouse is one of the oldest continuously operating lighthouses in the world, having been in use since its completion in 1531. Situated atop the island's highest point, the lighthouse stands 36 meters tall, with its light reaching 102.6 meters above sea level—the highest coastal light on the Baltic Sea.

Today, visitors can climb the narrow stairs to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The lighthouse also houses a small exhibition detailing its history and significance in maritime navigation. Kõpu Lighthouse remains a symbol of Hiiumaa and a testament to Estonia's rich maritime heritage.

Activities and attractions on your way to Viscosa Culture Factory:

Rebastemäe hiking trail

Luidja beach and camping area

Places to eat on the road:

Kalana ÄÄR

Meite Möte tavern

From Kõpu lighthouse to Viscosa Culture Factory is 24 km.

10. Viscosa Cultural Factory

Viscosa Cultural Factory in Kõrgessaare, is a vibrant cultural hub set within a restored 20th-century industrial complex. Once a silk and fish factory, it now hosts concerts, theatre performances, art exhibitions, festivals and offers guided tours. The venue features a black-box theatre, open-air stages, and the Art Café serving locally inspired dishes. Accommodations are available at the nearby Utoopia nr 9 hostel. In 2025, all exhibitions are free to visit.

Activities and attractions on your way to Windtower Experience Centre.

Veskimäe Sheep Therapy

Mihkli Farm Museum

Tahkuna Lighthouse

Artesian wells in Kärdla - perfect opportunity to stop and get some spring water, don’t forget to take a picture and tag #visithiiumaa

Places to eat on the road:

Utoopia nr 9 and Art Cafe

Kärdla offers an excellent selection of dining options.

While moving around Kärdla, you’ll find all the necessary food items at COOP stores, Selver, and Rimi.

From Viscosa Culture Factory to Windtower Experience Centre is 39 km.

11. Windtower Experience Centre

The Windtower Experience Centre in Käina, Hiiumaa, is a modern family-friendly attraction that combines interactive exhibits, cultural insights, and recreational activities. Spanning five floors, the center offers immersive experiences showcasing Hiiumaa's underwater world, coastal life, and local legends.

A highlight is the 20-meter-high indoor climbing wall—the tallest in the Baltics—featuring 11 routes suitable for climbers aged 7 and up. The center also houses a cozy café, RUUDI, Bowling alley, seminar rooms, and facilities for children.

Activities and attractions on your way to Sääretirp:

Käina Karting Track

Vaemla Wool Factory

Places to have a bite:

Ruudi

Lest & lammas

From Windtower Experience Centre to Sääretirp is 11,8 km.

12. Sääretirp

Sääretirp is a narrow 2 km-long peninsula extending into the sea from Kassari Island in Hiiumaa. The trail leads through juniper groves and pebble beaches, offering panoramic views and a sense of walking on water. In spring, the area is adorned with blooming sea kale and brier flowers. Facilities include a parking area, rest spots, and a nearby campsite. You can find several pebble towers, that visitors have built. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers seeking Hiiumaa's serene coastal beauty.

Places to have a bite on your way:

iiUmekk

Cafe Ruudi

Lest & Lammas

Activities and attractions on your way to Suuremõisa Castle:

Vaemla Wool Factory

 Hiiu Õlle Koda

From Sääretirp to Suuremõisa castle is 16,7 km.

13. Suuremõisa castle

Suuremõisa Castle is one of Estonia's most impressive Baroque manor complexes. Built between 1755 and 1760 by Countess Ebba Margaretha von Stenbock, the manor features elegant architecture, a historic cherry garden, and a vast English-style park. Today, it houses a museum with audioguides, educational institutions, and hosts various cultural events. You can explore the beautifully restored interiors, stroll through the gardens, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this historic estate.