Kõpu lighthousePhoto author: brand estonia

10 most famous lighthouses in Estonia

With over 3,700 km of coastline, Estonia is a seafaring nation. The lighthouses lining its Baltic shores are reminders of its nautical heritage.

Lighthouses dot the Baltic Sea's islands and beaches.

They were once essential to ensuring sailors made it home safely. Many of Estonia's lighthouses are still working, though boats now use more advanced methods to stay on route. Even so, they are picturesque reminders of technology from an earlier age.

Anyone who loves the sea will be delighted to know that Estonian lighthouses are located on some of the most stunning islands, peninsulas, and coastlines in the country. Some lighthouses can be ascended and offer panoramic views, while others can be admired from outside.

Each of Estonia's lighthouses has a story. For example, the 500-year-old Kõpu Lighthouse is the world’s third-oldest lighthouse in continual operation. At 42.7 m high, Tahkuna Lighthouse on Hiiumaa is Estonia’s tallest. Kiipsaare Lighthouse, in Vilsandi National Park, lists to the side like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Kihnu Lighthouse

Architecture and history

Built in England in 1864 and made of cast iron, Kihnu Lighthouse is one of the most unique and important lighthouses in Estonia! The tower has an...

Kihnu Lighthouse on Kihnu Island

Photo author: Priidu Saart, toolbox.estonia.ee

Pakri lighthouse

Architecture and history

This lighthouse is situated on the north-western tip of the Pakri peninsula on a high slate bluff marking the waters edge on a very important...

Pakri lighthouse

Photo author: Margus Kontus

Kõpu lighthouse

Architecture and history

The history of the oldest lighthouse not only in Estonia, but anywhere in the Baltic States and indeed on the Baltic Sea, stretches back 500 years,...

Photo author: Priidu Saart

Tahkuna Lighthouse

Architecture and history

Come and discover the tallest cast-iron lighthouse on the Estonian coast! Tahkuna Lighthouse, located on the Tahkuna Peninsula at the northern tip of...

Tahkuna Lighthouse

Photo author: Ivo Panasjuk

Ruhnu Lighthouse

Architecture and history

A lighthouse with a red metal cylindrical tower made in the Le Havre plant in France was erected on Håubjärre Hill, the highest spot on Ruhnu Island,...

Photo author: Ruhnu vallavalitsus

Ristna Lighthouse

Architecture and history

Ristna Lighthouse, located in the western part of the Kõpu Peninsula, is one of the most distinctive and historically significant structures on...

Ristna Lighthouse in Hiiumaa

Photo author: Ivo Panasjuk

Kiipsaare Lighthouse

Architecture and history

You can reach the Kiipsaare Lighthouse by following the 11 km-long Harilaiu hiking trail. The tower was originally built approximately 100 meters...

Vilsandi national Park Kiipsaare Lighthouse drone view

Photo author: Priidu Saart, toolbox.estonia.ee

Saxby Lighthouse

Architecture and history

Come and discover the pride of Vormsi Island – Saxby Lighthouse, built in 1864, with its 27-meter-high flashing light guiding the way to the...

Saxby Lighthouse and rocky beach

Photo author: Riina Simmer

Naissaar Lighthouse

Architecture and history

Naissaar Lighthouse has been one of the most important maritime landmarks for ships sailing in the Gulf of Finland throughout history. Already at the...

Naissaar Lighthouse in the distance

Photo author: Liilia Moroz, Wikimedia Commons

Vilsandi Lighthouse

Architecture and history

When visiting Vilsandi Island, you should definitely make your way to the lighthouse. After just 160 steps up the stairs, youll be treated to...

Vilsandi Lighthouse

Photo author: Marko Kullapere

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