Our islands are full of places to take beautiful pictures, sights to experience again and again, even if only in images. Who doesn’t use social media these days to find inspiration for their next adventure, or to save and share their travel memories? Of course, the best pictures are those from special moments and experiences shared with your friends and loved ones. We’ve rounded up 10 picturesque places to visit while you’re on the islands. Here they are in alphabetical order.
Kiipsaare lighthouse stands faithfully in the sea, like our own leaning tower of Pisa. Based on the whims of the sea, it sometimes stands at an angle and at other times stands upright again. On a 5 km hike, this destination remains in your sight, and when you reach it you’ll feel the exhilaration of a varied walk and endless open space. Top it off with a refreshing swim under the hot summer sun or in among the windy waves.
On the Koigi hiking trails you can traverse boardwalks and forest tracks and enjoy different experiences all year round: a refreshing swim in the bog lake in summer; nature’s exciting colours in autumn; the wonderful peace and quiet of winter; and a place to experience nature’s rebirth in spring. For those looking for a truly magical light, we recommend visiting the bog at sunrise or sunset.
Üügu cliff on Muhu attracts visitors with its pretty sights and interesting trails. Its cliff is up to 5 metres high, offering great views to the blue sea of Väinameri. The spot is loved by hikers and nature enthusiasts alike, presenting peaceful scenes and reflecting Muhu island’s unique nature.
The Abruka broadleaf forest is a jungle-like old-growth forest that’s something of a surprising find on a small island. It’s a natural oasis where, in addition to the mystical forest, there are lush ferns, plenty of hazel trees and a unique lime tree named the Lippmaa lime in honour of botanist Teodor Lippmaa.
Kuressaare (formerly Kuresaare, Kingissepa and Arensburg) is the island’s capital and, as can be seen, has had many names over the centuries. The town centre gained a fresh new look in 2019. Nice seating areas are dotted about the place, and while you’re here it’s worth taking in the historic buildings around them. Take a journey through time and discover the town’s manor buildings. The charming low houses and colourful carved wooden doors in Kuressaare’s Old Town are works of art in their own right. Along the way, you might come across some inviting café and restaurants or a cosy boutique.
Kuressaare Episcopal Castle is one of the most fascinating and best preserved fortresses in Estonia. In all its grandeur, the castle is incredibly majestic, and the park surrounding it is truly a sight to behold at any time of year. It’s a castle straight out of a fairy tale that’s completely real – incredibly photogenic from any angle, at any time of day.
Kuressaare’s Great Bridge is one of the largest, longest and oldest stone bridges in Estonia. Have you already had the chance to admire this historic span across the Põduste River? It’s particularly worth doing so at night, when the bridge is beautifully lit. The first mention of a bridge in this location dates back to 1650. Around 1820, the then wooden bridge was replaced with a stone bridge, now known as the Great Bridge.
The churches on Ruhnu are arguably unique in the world for forming a place where two very different churches stand side by side and have gotten along perfectly well throughout history. The wooden church is known to be the oldest and most venerable wooden building in Estonia. In 1912 a new stone church was built just three metres away from it.
Sõrve lighthouse is one of the most popular and certainly one of the most photogenic spots on Saaremaa. It’s a place where you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world. You can capture memorable pictures from the top of the tower as well as from the ground, and watch the sun rise from the sea and set over the horizon. It offers an enchanting view of the waves, with the path of the sun as if in the palm of your hand – so go and seize the day!
The island of Vilsandi is the westernmost in Estonia. Sun, sheep and pastures – that’s summer here! A boat takes you from Papissaare harbour to Vilsandi, but it feels like you’re being transported to another era. The island’s landscapes inspired some of the best-known works of Estonian painter Konrad Mägi. From the top of the third-oldest lighthouse in Estonia, you get a view of the seemingly boundless open sea.
If you're lucky
Fun fact
Built in 1644, the church on Ruhnu is known to be the oldest wooden building in Estonia.
