A journey through the highlights of Estonia’s islands
Walk between windmills, climb lighthouses, and take in expansive sea views on Estonia's three largest islands: Muhu, Saaremaa, and Hiiumaa.
Every village tells a story, every windmill has a soul
This journey begins on Muhu and continues to Saaremaa. Each stop on this route has been carefully chosen to reveal a different side of Estonia's island life – from history and local crafts to untouched nature and authentic coastal culture.
In Muhu, ancient stone fences line the roads, and time seems to pause. Wander through historic fishing villages and taste local flavors. Feel the connection between land and sea, the connection that defines island life.
Cross the causeway to Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island, known for its medieval heritage and wild nature. Walk along dramatic coastal cliffs, explore serene pine forests, and climb to the top of Estonia’s tallest lighthouse for sweeping views over the Baltic Sea.
Then continue your journey to Hiiumaa – a quieter, wilder island shaped by the wind and waves. Known for its lighthouses and creative cultural spaces, Hiiumaa invites you to slow your step and enjoy the silence that Estonian islands offer.
What to expect on the route
- Main attractions: Koguva Village, Angla Windmill Mount, Kaali Meteorite Crater, Kuressaare Castle, Sõrve Lighthouse, Panga Cliff, Kõpu Lighthouse, Viscosa Cultural Factory, Sääretirp Peninsula.
- Distance: Approx. 400 km
- Duration: Discover the islands at your own pace; we recommend spending at least three days there.
- Season: All year round, but from September to May, some attractions may need to be booked in advance.
- How to get here: Visit the islands by car, bus, plane, yacht, or bicycle. Choose the option you prefer and get started!
- Suggested starting point: This depends on how you're traveling, but one way is to take the ferry from Virtsu Harbor on the mainland to Kuivastu Harbor on Muhu Island. There is a bridge that connects Muhu and Saaremaa. Then, take the ferry from Triigi Harbor on Saaremaa to Söru Harbor on Hiiumaa.
- Sustainable travel tips: Living in harmony with nature is a tradition on the islands, not a modern trend. We want our islands to remain green and clean for centuries to come, and we hope every guest leaves them in the same condition as they found them. Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and Muhu are part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program.
Photo author: Valmar Voolaid
Nature and heritage go hand in hand
Saaremaa and Muhu Island
The journey begins on Muhu, the third-largest of Estonia’s islands and the gateway to Saaremaa. Muhu’s charm lies in its authenticity, and the best place to feel it is at the Muhu Museum in Koguva, one of the best-preserved villages in Estonia.
From there, cross the bridge and head to Saaremaa's Angla Windmill Mount, a postcard-perfect symbol of Saaremaa’s rural soul. The five wooden windmills hark back to the time when wind was the island’s most reliable source of energy.
From there, head toward one of the island’s most extraordinary natural wonders, Kaali Meteorite Crater. Around 7500 years ago, a meteorite struck this quiet landscape, leaving behind a deep, mysterious crater surrounded by myths and legends.
In Kuressaare, the island’s capital, history takes center stage. The magnificent Kuressaare Castle, dating back to the 14th century, is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the Baltic region.
The next stop is Sõrve Lighthouse, standing tall at the very tip of the island. Once a strategic lookout, today it offers one of the most dramatic views of the Baltic Sea. From here, you can almost feel like you're standing at the edge of the world.
Further north lies St. Michael's Church in Kihelkonna, one of Saaremaa’s oldest stone churches, where centuries of faith and craftsmanship echo through its simple interior. Close by, the Harilaid Islet opens up into windswept landscapes and quiet coastal trails, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and solitude seekers.
End your Saaremaa adventure at Panga Cliff, the island’s highest coastal bluff. Rising over 20 meters above the sea, it’s a breathtaking spot for sunsets.
Together, Saaremaa and Muhu reveal the essence of Estonia’s islands. A world where history, nature, and slow living intertwine to create experiences that stay with you long after you've left the shore.
Photo author: Priidu Saart
Wild shores and a steadfast creative spirit
Hiiumaa
The ferry will carry you to Hiiumaa, Estonia’s second-largest island, as you wave goodbye to Saaremaa. This island is shaped by winds, waves, and the islanders' creativity. Hiiumaa is an island where stories travel slowly, and visitors should do likewise.
One of Hiiumaa’s most iconic landmarks is Kõpu Lighthouse, rising proudly above forests on the island’s western tip. Built more than 500 years ago, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating lighthouses in the world.
A completely different energy awaits in Viscosa Cultural Factory, a former industrial complex that has found a new life as a creative hub. It brings together artists, designers, and musicians in a space where bold ideas prop up the old concrete walls.
The Windtower Experience Centre in Käina exemplifies Hiiumaa's playful spirit. Interactive exhibits tell the story of the island’s unique geography and wildlife. From there, take a trip to Sääretirp, a narrow strip of land reaching gracefully into the sea and one of the island’s most photographed places.
End your journey at Suuremõisa Castle, an elegant baroque estate built in the 18th century. Its pastel façade, grand staircases, and peaceful park offer a peek into the island’s noble history.
Hiiumaa’s charm lies in its simplicity. It’s an island that invites you to slow down, explore, and find inspiration in the rhythm of the sea and the warmth of local life.
Photo author: Priidu Saart
Travel on island time
Visit Estonia for timeless traditions that meet the untamed rhythm of the sea, and the scent of junipers fills the air. The coastline invites you to slow down and breathe. Take your time to follow island rhythms, and discover why Saaremaa, Muhu, and Hiiumaa are Estonia’s most timeless treasures.
Get inspired
Last updated
28.11.2025