Hiiumaa Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do in Hiiumaa, Estonia including cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, hiking and biking routes, local food and drink, where to stay, transportation options, and more travel tips.
- Introduction to Hiiumaa
- List of Places to Visit in Hiiumaa
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Hiiumaa
- Best Things to Do in Hiiumaa: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Hiiumaa
- Food and Drink Scene of Hiiumaa
- Where to Stay in Hiiumaa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Hiiumaa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Hiiumaa
- Best Time to Visit Hiiumaa
- Do’s and Don’ts of Hiiumaa
- Safety and Health in Hiiumaa
- Getting to Hiiumaa: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Hiiumaa
- Where to Go Next from Hiiumaa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is the second-largest island in Estonia, located in the Baltic Sea. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, offering scenic views and a unique landscape, including stunning beaches, forests, and marshlands. It is also perfect for cultural excursions, with its numerous museums and historical buildings.
List of Places to Visit in Hiiumaa
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Hiiumaa Museum- located in Kärdla, showcasing the history and culture of Hiiumaa.
- Suuremõisa Castle- an impressive 18th-century castle, featuring a massive park and gardens.
- Kõpu Lighthouse- landmark lighthouse, built in 1531, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- St. John’s Church- a medieval church known for its unique wooden clock.
Natural Attractions of Hiiumaa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Kõpu Nature Reserve- a vast area of forest and wilderness unique in Estonia, where you can experience the beauty of nature with hiking and biking trails.
- Metsamaa Nature Reserve- marshland, surrounded by forests, and home to numerous rare bird species.
- Ristna Cape- westernmost point in Estonia, where you can enjoy the stunning sea views.
- Kõpu Peninsula- featuring hiking trails, historic windmills, and fantastic seaside views.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Hiiumaa
- Kõpu Peninsula Hiking Trail- 13 km walking trail featuring stunning views and natural surroundings.
- Kassari Island Nature Trail- 2.5km trail through the sandy beaches and pine forests of Kassari Island.
- Kõpu Mountain Biking Trail- 16 km mountain biking adventure with beautiful views of the Hiiumaa coast.
Best Things to Do in Hiiumaa: Activities and Tours
- Visit Kärdla- the capital of Hiiumaa, with a charming town center and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops.
- Participate in Sea Kayaking Tours- Explore the beautiful coastline of Hiiumaa by sea and explore hidden bays and beaches.
- Attend Hiiumaa Folk Music Festival- a multicultural celebration of music, dance, and traditional crafts.
- Try Hiiumaa Sauna Culture- experience the local customs and traditions of sauna with a traditional sauna experience.
Week-Long Itinerary for Hiiumaa
Day 1- Arrive, explore Kärdla and visit the Hiiumaa Museum.
Day 2- Visit the impressive Suuremõisa Castle and enjoy a relaxing walk in the nearby park.
Day 3- Take a sea kayaking tour and explore the beautiful coast of Hiiumaa.
Day 4- Go hiking in Kõpu Nature Reserve and enjoy the stunning views of the area.
Day 5- Visit the historic Kõpu Lighthouse and go mountain biking on Kõpu Mountain Biking Trail.
Day 6- Visit Ristna Cape and enjoy the beautiful seaside views.
Day 7- Experience the local sauna culture and try the traditional sauna experience.
Food and Drink Scene of Hiiumaa
Must-Try Dishes
- Hiiu Leib- traditional Hiiumaa bread, made from rye flour and hops.
- Võrukaelad- a local dish featuring small pies filled with meat or vegetables.
- Kohuke- a sweet snack made from curd cheese and chocolate.
Local Beverages
- Hiiumaa Beer - produced by Hiiumaa Brewery, featuring a range of unique flavors.
- Blackcurrant Wine- a sweet wine made from local blackcurrants.
Where to Stay in Hiiumaa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Padu Hotell- located in Kärdla, offering comfortable and modern rooms at reasonable prices.
- Hiiumaa Ametikooli Hotel- located in Kärdla, offering budget-friendly rooms in a peaceful area.
- Admiralty Guesthouse- located in the beautiful Suuremõisa Castle, featuring spacious, luxurious rooms.
What to Buy in Hiiumaa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Handicrafts- locally made crafts, including textiles, ceramics, and woodwork.
- Hiiumaa Honey- locally produced honey, available throughout the island’s small shops.
- Hiiumaa Beer- take home a unique souvenir- Hiiumaa Brewery’s beer.
Local Culture and Customs of Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa has its customs and traditions, including the local sauna culture, traditional music, and dance. The island also has its language- Hiiumaa’s own dialect of Estonian.
Best Time to Visit Hiiumaa
The best time to visit Hiiumaa is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny, and the island is in full bloom. July and August can be the busiest months, so make sure to book your accommodation and activities in advance.
Do’s and Don’ts of Hiiumaa
Do:
- Respect the local customs and traditions of Hiiumaa.
- Explore the natural beauty of the island with hikes, bike tours, and other outdoor activities.
Don’t:
- Do not litter in the natural and public areas of Hiiumaa.
- Do not disturb the rare wildlife species in nature reserves.
Safety and Health in Hiiumaa
Safety in Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is a safe and peaceful island with a low crime rate. However, it’s always best to take the usual precautions and keep an eye on your belongings.
Health in Hiiumaa
Make sure you have health insurance before traveling to Hiiumaa. Medical services are available in Kärdla, but for serious health issues, it’s best to visit Estonia’s mainland.
Getting to Hiiumaa: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Hiiumaa
The nearest airport to Hiiumaa is Tallinn Airport, located 151 km from the island. From there, you can take a bus to Rohuküla port and catch a ferry to Hiiumaa.
Bus Stations Near Hiiumaa
Buses run regularly from Tallinn and other major cities in Estonia to Kärdla, the capital of Hiiumaa.
Other Options
You can also travel to Hiiumaa by car or bike. A car ferry operates between Rohuküla port and Heltermaa port on Hiiumaa.
How to Get Around in Hiiumaa
The best way to get around in Hiiumaa is by car or bike. You can rent a car in Kärdla or from the ferry port. Bikes are available for hire in Kärdla, and there are several bike trails around the island.
Where to Go Next from Hiiumaa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
From Hiiumaa, you can explore the nearby Estonian mainland, including the capital city Tallinn, Pärnu, and Tartu.
Conclusion
Hiiumaa is an exciting and unique destination, offering an unbeatable combination of nature, culture, and history. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be sure to make the most of your adventure on this beautiful Baltic island.
