Hiiumaa, Estonia's second-largest island
This little green island is home to less than ten thousand people and is known for its seclusion, serenity, and strong sense of community.
Hiiumaa is completely dark unless the moon and stars are shining and completely silent unless the storm winds are howling.
Estonia's second-largest island is a little over 1000 square kilometers and home to fewer than ten thousand people. As part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hiiumaa has no light or noise pollution.
Hiiumaa is a huge spa for the soul — breathe fresh air while walking in the forest, let your thoughts wander while you steam in the sauna, or focus on work in a stunning setting for a remote home office.
Coastal adventures and activities at sea
As befits an island, almost everything you can do on Hiiumaa is related to the sea.
Make sure plan plenty of time for fishing, boating, seal watching, surfing, and relaxing on the beach, particularly long sandy ones like Tõrvanina, Luidja and Ristna. Ristna also happens to have the largest surfing waves in the Baltic Sea. Visitors from all over Europe trek there to go there for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wing foiling.
History lovers will want to stop by Hiiumaa's three lighthouses: Ristna and Tahkuna were designed and manufactured in France, while Kõpu Lighthouse dates back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest lighthouses in the world.
Photo author: Tatiana Metsala
Things to do on Hiiumaa
Photo author: Visit Estonia
Deserted beaches and pine-scented hiking trails
Nature lovers will love the picturesque Kassari Peninsula.
This is where Sääretirp, one of Estonia's most romantic places, is located. Long-distance hikers can take a well-marked 234-kilometer-long trail that starts from Heltermaa Harbor and makes a circular route around the island. Around the island, there are also several small tourist farms, holiday homes, and hotels, so there's no need to fly to Santiago for a pilgrimage!
The largest lavender cultivation in the vicinity, probably the northernmost Lavender Farm in the world, is in Hiiumaa. Around 20,000 lavender plants grow on almost a hectare on the rocky outskirts of the Kärdla meteorite crater, and most of the work is done by hand due to organic production.
Island cuisine and local events
Fish and lamb are island staples, as are delicious homemade juices, sparkling drinks, Hiiu bread, and more. Sit down to eat and enjoy a meal at Ungru, one of the island's most popular restaurants, or buy food from the local grocery store and make a picnic.
Hiiumaa may be small, but it's definitely not sleepy — there is always something interesting going on.
Hiiumaa's home café days and the pop-up glögg cafés in December attract thousands of Estonians from the mainland. Look out for farmers' markets, sports events, or concerts on the calendar year-round.
Photo author: Tatiana Metsala
How to get to Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa can be reached by car ferry.
Regular boats cover the route from Rohuküla Harbor on the mainland to Heltermaa on Hiiumaa. Soela Ferry sails from Triigi Harbor in Saaremaa to Sõru on Hiiumaa. Check schedules and purchase tickets in advance.
For a quick journey to Hiiumaa, you can take a 30-minute flight from Tallinn to Kärdla; you can book your flight tickets online.
Hiiumaa is also a popular sailing destination — you'll find a spot to dock in Kärdla's modern harbor or at other marinas on the island, including the new Kalana Harbour. Roograhu Harbor and Hiiumaa's other harbors welcome visitors arriving with smaller vessels.
Photo author: Priidu Saart
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Last updated
21.08.2026