Harju-Rätsepa Windmill

Harju-Rätsepa Windmill is one of Hiiumaa's largest historic post mills. Built in the second half of the 19th century, the windmill features a classic wooden structure, with vertical boarding covering its body and a wooden roof.

Windmills have shaped Hiiumaa's landscape for centuries. At the end of the 19th century, there could have been over 500 on the island, averaging one windmill for every two families. In terms of windmill abundance, Hiiumaa was one of the most notable regions in the Baltic States. According to folklore, there were so many on the island that there wasn't enough wind for all, leading to some being dismantled. Today, about 30 historic windmills remain in Hiiumaa.

In Harju village, two post mills have been preserved — the Harju-Rätsepa and Harju-Nõmme Windmills. Here, you can get a sense of the time when almost every village silhouette in Hiiumaa featured windmills, and grain was ground in village mills.

At Harju-Rätsepa Windmill, there is a swing, benches, and a table, and the location is perfect for a picnic.