Beacons of the Islands: Exploring Saaremaa & Hiiumaa Lighthouses

The lighthouses of the islands are more than guiding lights – they are iconic landmarks filled with stories, breathtaking views, and timeless charm.

Discover a journey where light has guided travelers for centuries. The lighthouses of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa are more than navigational towers – they are symbols of resilience, history, and island life. Along this route, you’ll experience dramatic coastlines, sweeping sea views, and tranquil island villages.

Climb historic towers for breathtaking panoramas and enjoy the slow rhythm of island living. From wild nature trails to cozy cafés by the sea, this route combines maritime heritage with unforgettable scenery.

What to expect on the route:

Main attractions: Kõpu Lighthouse, Ristna Lighthouse, Tahkuna Lighthouse, Sõrve Lighthouse, Kiipsaare Lighthouse, Vilsandi Lighthouse, Ruhnu Lighthouse
Distance: About 450 km
Duration: Stay at least three days — but don’t rush, you’re on island time.
Season: You can visit all year round, though from September to May certain places 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 the most and start the journey.
Suggested Starting Points
Green travel tips : Living in harmony with nature is a tradition on the islands, not a modern trend. We want our islands to remain just as green and clean centuries from now, and for every guest to leave the island as they found it. Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and Muhu are part of the UNESCO´s global ‘Man and the Biosphere’ programme.

Timeless Towers of Hiiumaa

Hiiumaa is truly the island of lighthouses, each telling its own story. The most famous is the Kõpu Lighthouse – the oldest in the Baltics and one of the oldest still operating in the world. Built in the 16th century, this towering giant rises above the island’s forests and has guided countless ships safely across the Baltic Sea for centuries.

At the island’s northern tip stands the Tahkuna Lighthouse, a delicate cast-iron structure brought from France and erected in the 19th century. It is the tallest lighthouse on Hiiumaa, offering visitors sweeping views across the open sea.

On the westernmost point you’ll find the Ristna Lighthouse, also built of iron. Its powerful light helped sailors navigate through treacherous conditions when storms and fog made the Baltic journey perilous.

Together, these three lighthouses form a fascinating route where history, engineering, and stunning seascapes meet. They are more than navigation aids – they are telling stories of sailors, storms, and the island’s resilience. Visiting them is a chance to step into centuries of maritime history and to see the Baltic Sea from a new perspective.

Kõpu Lighthouse is the oldest in the Baltics

Photo author: Tatiana Metsala

Iconic lighthouses of Saaremaa

Saaremaa’s lighthouses are beacons not only for sailors but also for travelers seeking unique experiences. One of the most iconic is the Sõrve Lighthouse, rising at the southern tip of the Sõrve Peninsula. The first lighthouse was built here in the 17th century, while the current concrete giant was completed in the 1960s. At 52 meters high, its light reaches over 40 kilometers across the sea, offering visitors sweeping views of the open waters and surrounding landscapes. Today, Sõrve remains both a vital navigation mark and one of Saaremaa’s most visited landmarks.

Equally remarkable is the Kiipsaare Lighthouse, located on the Harilaiu Peninsula within Vilsandi National Park. Built in 1933, the 27-meter tower is famous for its slightly leaning posture – gradually tilted over time by storms and the sea. Reaching Kiipsaare is an experience in itself, with a scenic walk through sandy beaches and juniper-covered meadows leading to the remote tower.

Together, these two lighthouses reflect the natural beauty and maritime heritage of Saaremaa. The power of Sõrve and the poetry of Kiipsaare tell stories of Baltic storms, seafarers’ journeys, and the island’s resilience against the force of the sea. Visiting them offers both breathtaking scenery and a timeless connection to the sea.

Breathtaking view of the Kiipsaare Lighthouse

Photo author: Priidu Saart

Remote Lighthouses of Vilsandi and Ruhnu

Even on the smaller islands there are lighthouses worth visiting – but to see them, you must first set out on a sea journey. This makes the experience all the more special, opening the way to places rarely reached.

The Vilsandi Lighthouse stands on the island at the heart of Vilsandi National Park. The first lighthouse was built here as early as 1809. For centuries it has guided ships safely past the dangerous shoals of the Baltic Sea. Today, Vilsandi attracts visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, rich birdlife, and stunning nature – arriving here feels like reaching the very edge of the world.

Further out in the Gulf of Riga rises the Ruhnu Lighthouse. This cast-iron tower, manufactured in France in the late 19th century and shipped to the island, is a true feat of engineering. Its red silhouette rises above the island’s forests, offering sweeping views of Ruhnu and the open sea. The lighthouse embodies both French craftsmanship and the enduring spirit of small island life.

Together, Vilsandi and Ruhnu lighthouses offer a rare experience – places where sea, history, and nature come together. The journey by boat is already part of the adventure, leading to towers that have stood the test of time while keeping alive the ancient stories of the Baltic Sea.