Things to do & places to visit in Hiiu County, Estonia

Hiiu County #10 destination in Estonia 2023. The average rating score is 4.21 based on 229 traveler reviews, of 41 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Tallinn, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 4:26.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Elamuskeskus Tuuletorn (4 reviews)
- Mandatory at least once in a year but maybe more
Friday: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers

Amidst the lovely junipers and wonderful quiet of Hiiumaa, we proudly announce that we have completed an impressive and unique experience centre called the Windtower. And we are not joking this time! The island of Hiiumaa, that came with the wind, is an opportunity for each of our new and old friends to sense the magic. Be quiet, listen for a moment and notice: the winds of Hiiumaa will share their secrets with you. Our tower will speak to you in the real wind language, wishing to show you the best of Hiiumaa, all in one, and to send you on a journey to discover the island further. See more..
5.0 Hiiumaa Pärimusait (2 reviews)
- concert visit
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

very cozy and beautiful small cafe-concert about sea and traditions. Great place to spend time! Small cafe with great coffee and local food. See more..
5.0 Hiiumaa Museum Kassari Exhibition House (1 review)
- Экспозиционное здание Хийумааского музея в Кассари
Monuments & Statues

The museum was established by avid historian and school teacher, Volli Maeumbaed, who became its first director. The museum continues to operate in the same building, which was initially the administrators’ house at the Kassari Manor and later a schoolhouse.There are items dating from the Tsarist, Estonian, and Soviet periods related to maritime history, as well as the history of agriculture and the manors. There is also much to see outside – a lifeboat from the Estonia, the Kassari school flagpole, manor’s lawn roller. A ship’s anchor pulled from the Orjaku harbour is also interesting. You can rest your feet in the square in front of the museum under a large oak tree – here you are in the heart of the old Kassari Manor. See more..
5.0 Kukka Boulder (1 review)
- Загадка
Geologic Formations
Такие места всегда загадочны. Как он тут оказался, что происходило вокруг? Даже просто его найти уже интересно See more..
5.0 Kuriste Church (1 review)
Churches & Cathedrals

The Estonian Orthodox Hiiumaa Church of the Birth of the Mother of our Lord in the Village of Kuriste was completed in 1873. The historicist-style stone church was established on the island in the course of the conversion movement. The stones were brought from Riga. Icons and liturgical textiles from the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries are on display. The former priest's house is located next to the stone church. The church is the only orthodox church to have survived in Hiiumaa, where services also take place. See more..
5.0 Soera Farm Museum (1 review)
- Great national dish, welcome hosts
Speciality Museums
The history of Sooaare farm, that was itsoirignal name, dates back at least for 200 years. The oldest part of the cottage-cum threshing barn originates from the first half of XIX century, it's a threshing barn room with soilfloor and people used to live there and also dry crop in the autumn. Living room with chambers was built in the second half of XIX century.Smoke sauna, paargu or better known as summer kitchen, storehouse, cellar, coach house and victualler (former cowshed) are all part of the Farm Museum. There are also remains of an old dug well. In all buildings there are expositions of archaic tools and commodities.Soera was a typical XIX century Hiiu household. See more..
5.0 Vanajoe Valley Trail (1 review)
- Nice calming walk
Hiking Trails

This trail forms part of Tihu landscape reserve and winds along the banks of the prettiest river on the island of Hiiumaa and the tops of its valley, which are as much as six metres high in places. It doesn't take a long time to get from one end of the trail to the other, but it is quite up-and-down, providing physical exercise as well as an interesting learning experience. The trail is 1 km long and fully marked. It does not cross through areas of water. See more..
4.5 Kopu Lighthouse (39 reviews)
- World's second oldest Lighthouse still working
Lighthouses

The history of the lighthouse began over 500 years ago when a landmark was needed by the Hanseatic League in the first place, as their merchants were complaining about ships disappearing in the Baltic Sea. The highest hill (68 m) of Hiiumaa, the Tornimagi, became the location of the lighthouse.In 1531 a massive stone tower was erected.Interesting to know:• Kopu is the third oldest constantly active lighthouse worldwide• In 1660 iron stairs were constructed on the outer wall of the tower.• In 1810 a staircase was built inside the tower See more..
4.5 Tahkuna Lighthouse (28 reviews)
- Amazing view! Best of the Hiiumaa lighthouses.
Lighthouses

Tahkuna Lighthouse is situated on the north end of Hiiumaa. The construction of the cast iron lighthouse began in 1873. The lighthouse is assembled of cast iron parts of so-called Gordon system. System is based on prefabricated details, that are easy to transport. That's the reason why this high tower was rather easy to build. Interesting to know:• Czaric Russia bought the lighthouse from the world exhibition of Paris in 1871.• It's the highest lighthouse in Estonia - 42,7 m above the sea level. See more..
4.5 The Memorial to the Victims of the Estonia Disaster (21 reviews)
- 28.09.1994
Monuments & Statues

Bronze bell – a ship’s or soul bell that starts ringing by itself in a strong wind. With the movement of its cross-shaped pendulum in a storm, it seems a bring a message from the sea – a bell tower in a way … symbolically. The incline of the monument has a visual and emotional impact and should also call to mind the last moments of the ship. Tender details are also added to the bronze bell – four child faces on each of the main points of the compass. See more..
4.5 Ristna Lighthouse (15 reviews)
- Great views
Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Lighthouses

The Ristna Lighthouse is located on the Ristna northern cape, which is relatively close to the Kopu Lighthouse, which is built on a rise in the middle of bogs and is therefore often concealed by fog. This was also the reason that the Ristna Lighthouse was built. It was ordered from France in 1873 and started working in 1874. A 7-pood copper bell was also installed in the lighthouse. See more..
4.5 Kassari Chapel (12 reviews)
- Idyllic hidden gem
Churches & Cathedrals

Kassari chapel is a building with romantic appearance that is the only functioning thatched-roof stone church in Estonia. Reputedly it dates back to 18th century because on the inner wall of the chapel there is a year 1801 that is associated with big repair. In the graveyard there are the graves of many famous people - the ancestors of the poets M. Under and D. Vaarandi; the actor Olev Eskola; familiar from V.Panso book "The Funny Person" Lepa Anna. Familiar from art, literature and folk tales the name of Villem Tamm, whom J. Koler used as a model for Christ when painting his work "Come to me" in Kaarli church. See more..
4.5 Hiiumaa Military Museum (12 reviews)
- Interesting
Military Museums

The museum managed by the Hiiumaa Military History Society is located in Tahkuna. The crown jewel of the exposition is the BB-316 cannon barrel from the Tahkuna Kukeraba battery. The museum exposition covers Hiiumaa’s coastal defence structures, armaments, and ammunition. In a barracks atmosphere, visitors can examine surveillance and communications equipment. There is a reconstruction of a border strip in the yard.The armament collection is still modest. In the diesel house, there is a generator ready to start up. Simple fuel drums also comprise a collection: a riveted drum from the beginning of the last century, from the German Wehrmacht and Finnish Lentojoukut, as well as a Russian armament oil drum. See more..
4.5 Hiiu Vill (7 reviews)
- Nice little mill
Factory Tours

Small but interesting wool mill. Went there to pass the time and we where positively surprised. It's free of charge! See more..
4.5 Saaretirp Cape (5 reviews)
- Great place to visit.
Geologic Formations • Scenic Walking Areas

Wonderful place to visit especially if you like to watch birds and wild horses. I was lucky enough to see there traveling geese, swans and other birds just above my had. Nice surprise was also to meet wild horses passing by 3 m away. During the autumn season this is great place to visit! See more..
4.5 Ratsepa Post Mill (2 reviews)
- Мельница-столбовка
Historic Sites

A post mill with a classic wooden structure. The base of the mill is made of rocks without binder. The mill has a board roof covering and its body has horizontal boarding. It was built in the second half of the 19th century. Two post mills have been preserved in Harju village (Nomme and Ratsepa). See more..
4.0 Kaina Church Ruins (11 reviews)
- History on each step
Churches & Cathedrals

The ruins are located in the heart of the locality Kaina. The church was built at the turn of the 15th - 16th century. The Gothic church in Kaina seated 600 persons and was the biggest church on Hiiumaa. The church was destroyed in 1941. Several tombstones as well as the sun cross above the entrance are protected as art monuments. A fire in the church destroyed many art treasures: the altar of the Virgin Mary, Saint Nicholas and Saint Antonio, the organ built by the father of the Estonian composer Rudolf Tobias etc. The church also served as the parish centre for many centuries. The ruins have now been conserved, the restoration of the church is planned. The trees that surround the church form a nice park, as the locals call it. See more..
4.0 Eiffel (9 reviews)
- Crazy weird place
Points of Interest & Landmarks

At first very sceptic. The totally wasted gatekeeper couldn’t even count the 4 euro entrance fee (2€ pp.). But after that a pleasant surprise! Craze strange place build with humor and fantasy. The wooden Eiffel tower build from timber and branches is just amazing and a lot more stable than you would expect, doesn’t move at all even in pretty strong wind, and gives a great view from the top. All other small buildings are cool for kids to play around. Cold drink and ice self-service for just 1€. Just go and visit the place! And if you don’t like it, almost no money wasted. See more..
4.0 Kardla Beach Park (6 reviews)
- Nice place for kids
Beaches

Behind the Hiiumaa Museum Long House there is a 3.3 hectare Beach Park. Once the location of a Swedish graveyard until Kardla baron Robert Eginhard von Ungern-Sternberg had a free-form park established instead. For a long time it was called the Baron’s garden. In the western side of the park on a small hill there is a cast iron cross, commemorating the Swedish graveyard. The main trees in the park are domestic. Foreign tree species include larches, white pine and several fir species. The most interesting tree – red beech tree – grows in the south-west side of the park. Altogether 34 species of trees and bushes have been counted in the park. See more..
4.0 Hiiumaa Museum Long House (5 reviews)
- Kärdla's past
Speciality Museums

The centre of the Hiiumaa Museum. Popularly known as the Long House (the longest wooden house in Kardla, over 60 m), the building was constructed in the 1830s as the residence for the directors of the Hiiu-Kardla Cloth Factory. It has been home to several generations of Ungern-Sternbergs and Peltzers. During the Soviet period, the building was used by various agencies.The Long House includes workrooms and offices, depositories, a library, concert and exhibition halls. In addition to the story of the development of Kardla and the factory, a factory worker’s residence is on display. Various short-term exhibitions are also organized year- round. See more..
4.0 Helmersen Rock Field (3 reviews)
- Quietly fascinating
Geologic Formations

In 1871 and 1879, Russian geologist Gregor Helmersen was the first to describe and characterize the Heilu rocks. His name is also connected to rocks elsewhere in Estonia. He described the Helmersen Rock Field as the best group of boulders originating from Finland that he had seen in the Baltic countries. There are over 80 rocks on the 0.5-hectare-size plot, which been carried here by the glacial ice. See more..
4.0 Kardla Kirik (2 reviews)
- Church, which is similar to the community.
Churches & Cathedrals

The church of Kardla was dedicated to John the Baptist and was constructed in 1863. It is the third church in Kardla.The barons of Emmaste, Suuremoisa and Putkaste were the initiators of the idea to build the church and gave the baron of Kardla 2000 roubles for that purpose. The workers of the cloth factory made voluntary donations and a part of the money for the construction was taken from the workers wages.It is an architecturally harmonic, typical hall church with an “open” bell tower crowning the western facade (unique in Estonia).The architecture of the stylish and beautiful church in Kardla is simple and ascetic. This architectural monument is one of the most distinguished working-class churches. See more..
3.5 Suuremoisa Castle (8 reviews)
- Beautiful and historical
Castles

The present manor house was built by the countess Ebba Margaretha Stenbock. The countess is buried in the mausoleum next to Puhalepa Church. Otto Reinhold Ludwig von Ungern-Sternberg bought the Suuremoisa manor in 1796 as an addition to the North-Hiiumaa manors already in his possession. Suuremoisa castle is one of the most beautiful and biggest manor-houses in Estonia. The value of the castle lies in its pure Baroque-Rococo style.The English-style manor park was established more than eight hundred years ago. You can follow a wonderful trail to get to know the manor park. Right now the manor house accommodates Suuremoisa Technical School and Suuremoisa Primary School. See more..
3.5 Suursadam Harbour (6 reviews)
- Hosts a wonderful restaurant
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Scrolls mention Suursadam harbor for the first time as Saare Sadam (Serle Ham) in 1593. In 1680 Dutchman Erasmus Jacobson built a bigger ship-building concern in Suursadama harbor. There were lime-furnaces nearby. The production of these lime-furnaces was sent to many ports of the Baltic Sea.In 1848 a 358-ton bark (ship), "Hioma", was built in this harbor. This sailboat was the biggest boat in Estonia in the 19th century. "Hioma" was the first sailboat that sailed over the equator in 1854 and around Kap Hoorn into the Pacific Ocean.A big storehouse has been taken under protection as an architectural monument. See more..
3.5 Puhalepa Church (5 reviews)
- Vacker kyrka på nordöstra Dagö.
Churches & Cathedrals

The Puhalepa Church is Hiiumaa’s oldest stone church. In 1255, the German Order started the construction of a stone fortress-church. Initially lacking a steeple, the arched stone church was completed in the 14th century; construction of the steeple started in 1770. After it renovation in the 19th century, Crosses of Malta were painted on the walls that are primarily associated with the membership of the Ungern-Sternberg family members in this Order. Interesting fact: – One of the inauguration crosses has survived on the wall of the choir room. – An unusual stone pulpit was given to the Puhalepa Church by the Hiiesaare manor lords, the Gentschiens in 1636. – The burial chapel of the von Stenbock family is in the churchyard. See more..
3.5 Ruins of Puski Church (2 reviews)
- Interesting
Historic Sites

During the period from 1889 to 1891, an apostolic orthodox church and a schoolhouse for the children of the congregation were built in Puski. The peculiar choice of location has been explained by the fact that the first Russian priests of Puski did not know the local conditions. The land was owned by Ungern-Sternberg who, as an opponent of the attack of orthodox faith and religious conversion in general, donated a plot in the middle of nowhere. Nowadays there are ruins of the church and schoolhouse in Puski and a quiet village graveyard sleeping with the sough of wind in the pine grove. See more..
3.0 Kardla Meteor Crater (6 reviews)
- The location isn't correct. May be near edge of crater
Points of Interest & Landmarks

It happened about 455 million years ago that a meteor with a diameter of about half a kilometre started moving towards the earth with the speed 30-40 km/s. The meteor went through a 100-meters thick layer of water in less that 0.1 seconds and a 140-meters thick layer of sedimentary rock and exploded with a force equal to 25,000 explosions of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The diameter of the crater is 4 km and it is one of the most remarkable ones in the world. The ring wall of the crater can be seen well from Palukula and Tubala. In Palukula there is a crater viewing tower. Near the viewing tower you can find a small limestone quarry which reveals the layer of limestone with its cracks. See more..
3.0 Motor Sailboat Ernst Jaakson (4 reviews)
- Keeping History Alive
Ships

The 35-metre long and 8-metre wide three-masted motor sailboat Ernst Jaakson (Alar) is the largest old boat to survive in Estonia. The boat was built in 1937–1939 in the Village of Ongu on Hiiumaa Island. Most of its life was spent abroad. Now after 50 years, this giant has been brought back for restoration to the Soru Harbour in Hiiumaa, which is the only wooden boat restoration centre in Estonia. See more..
3.0 Kallaste Cliff (3 reviews)
- Interesting
Geologic Formations

Hidden in the forest bioherm reef is up to 10 m high and 400 m long. More than 100 years old pine forest and several rare species of plants grow on the cliff. See more..
3.0 Emmaste Church (2 reviews)
- Wooden church
Churches & Cathedrals

Construction of this stone church started in 1866, after the Soru wooden church near the Emmaste Manor became usable. The land for the new church was presented to the congregation by the lady of the manor, Countess Brevern de la Gardie. The nave resembles a church hall, despite the two rows of thin support columns. The choir room is separated from the nave by a high, but relatively narrow, triumphal arch. The Emmaste Church has a unique altar painting entitled The Resurrection. The author of the painting, as confirmed by the signature at the bottom of the canvas, is Tonis Grenzstein, the distinguished representative of the Dusseldorf School in Estonia. The altar painting was completed in 1900. See more..