In 60 seconds
Estonia's second-largest island is a tranquil Baltic haven of deep pine forests, deserted pebble beaches, and historic seafaring beacons. Quieter and more rugged than neighbouring Saaremaa, Hiiumaa is famous worldwide for its maritime architecture, most notably Kõpu Lighthouse: built in 1531 by the Hanseatic League on the island's highest ridge, it is one of the three oldest continuously operating lighthouses on Earth. The island invites unhurried contemplation along the narrow cobblestone spit of Sääretirp jutting into turquoise surf, the cast-iron French tower of Tahkuna lighthouse, and the friendly harbour capital of Kärdla, known for its green residential lanes, hand-knit wool sweaters and artisan smoked fish smokehouses.
Best for
Known for
Skip if
You seek luxury shopping or fast-paced nightlife; Hiiumaa's charm lies in silence, wind in the pine boughs and open sea horizon.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Hiiumaa fits them. Choose interests
See
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
Monumental 1531 Hanseatic stone tower standing 102 metres above sea level atop Tornimägi hill
Climb the steep, narrow stone staircase inside the massive buttressed walls for unforgettable views across the forested island.
Slender 42-metre white cast-iron lighthouse designed by the French Eiffel studio in 1874
A soaring French-engineered beacon standing on the wind-swept northern tip of the island beside a moving memorial to the MS Estonia.
Slender, three-kilometre natural pebble headland vanishing into the Baltic Sea waters
Walk out along the narrowing ribbon of smooth sea-polished stones until the Baltic waves lap around your feet from both sides.
Eat
A short list, kept short on purpose. Each entry answers one question: when is this the right choice?
Where to eat the food this city is actually known for.
Waterfront harbour restaurant serving fresh Baltic flounder and artisanal pizza
Watch boats dock while dining on pan-fried Baltic flounder, home-smoked sea fish and crispy wood-fired pizza.
Creative Nordic island dining housed in a historic stone coastal storehouse in Suursadam
One of western Estonia's top culinary tables, crafting seasonal tasting plates with island lamb, sea herbs and forest berries.
Too few picks yet for their own heading, so they share this list.
Hexagonal coastal beach pavilion in Kärdla with panoramic windows and stone fireplace
Warm up beside the open fireplace with fresh bilberry cake and hot tea while looking out at stormy Gulf of Finland breakers.
Stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Peaceful island capital of timber homes, artesian drinking wells and seaside parks
Convenient access to markets, bicycle rentals and cafés, while maintaining the hushed rhythm of a village.
Warm southern peninsula dotted with thatched stone guesthouses and seaside meadows
Ideal for romantic escapes and quiet coastal walking, close to Sääretirp spit.
Practical
Plan this trip — useful links
Context
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
The Bishop of Saare-Lääne completes the stone tower of Kõpu at the urging of the Hanseatic merchants of Reval (Tallinn).
A major cloth textile factory is founded in Kärdla, shaping the town's distinct garden-city architecture.
Estonia re-establishes its independence, opening the island's coastal forests and lighthouses to global travellers.
Further out
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
The westernmost point of Hiiumaa facing open Baltic gales, beloved by cold-water surfers and stone collectors
Feel the untamed power of the open sea crashing against rocky capes beneath towering coastal pines.
