The Lighthouse Route takes you to the West Estonian islands that are part of the UNESCO Biosphere Programme. Along the journey, you can visit as many as six different lighthouses on Hiiumaa and Saaremaa. If you happen to have more time, make sure to visit Vilsandi and Ruhnu islands, where you can also explore the lighthouses.
We recommend visiting service providers, several of which hold the Green Key certification, value family businesses, use local raw materials, and keep old traditions alive. The most enjoyable tour can be taken during the summer season, but lighthouses can also be visited in the winter season by appointment.
Hiiumaa
Tahkuna Lighthouse is much more than just a lighthouse – it is a symbol for many who have sailed the seas in storms and darkness. Located at the northern tip of Hiiumaa, proudly embraced by the sea and winds. This beautiful tower, completed in 1875, was built from cast iron plates made in France and stands over 42 meters tall.
The lighthouse has been a light that guides the way and warns of the treacherous shallows. Its beam never went out, even when the darkness of wars overshadowed our shores. This lighthouse carries with it history and resilience. As you climb the spiral staircase, a view of Hiiumaa and the vast sea awaits you. It is a place where history and the present intertwine, where you can feel the crisp wind and gaze over the horizon. Tahkuna Lighthouse is a symbol, reminding us that despite storms and hardships, we can stand firm and shine – even when the night is at its darkest.
The distance from Heltermaa Harbour to Tahkuna Lighthouse is 44 km. Listen: Audioguide
On the way to Tahkuna Lighthouse, you will find several places where you can enjoy good food and refreshment:
- Restaurant Ungru
- Šampanjabaar ja restoran KORK
- Roograhu sadama restoran
- Rannapaargu Restaurant
- Hiiumaa Pruulikoja Restot
- Ambrosia Greek Cafe and Grill
- Mamma Mia Pizza Restaurant
- While moving around Kärdla, you’ll find all the necessary groceries at COOP stores.
Exciting activities and attractions along the way:
- Põhilise leppe kivid
- Pühalepa Church
- Suuremõisa Castle
- Model Field of Kärdla meteoride crater
- Paluküla Health Trail in Hiiumaa
- Fishing Trip ‘Checking fish trap at sea with a fisherman’
- Kärdla Harbour
- Arteesiakaevude where you can grab a drink and take a photo stop – don’t forget to add the hashtag #visithiiumaa to your photo.
- Hill of Crosses
- Mihkli Farm Museum
Kõpu Lighthouse has stood firm against the winds and storms of the Baltic Sea for over 500 years, serving as a living reminder of the history of our coasts and seafaring. It is not just a rocky lighthouse, but an important symbol – the oldest lighthouse in Estonia, the Baltic Sea, and the entire Baltic region. Its story began at a time when the Hanseatic League ruled the trade routes, and merchants complained about the treachery of the Baltic Sea, as ships often vanished on the infamous Hiiumaa shoals. This is how the Kõpu Lighthouse was born, to warn sailors and guide them safely along the most important trade route of Northern Europe.
The Kõpu Lighthouse stands at the highest point of Hiiumaa, 67 meters above sea level, and its light shines from a height of more than 102 meters, making it taller than any other lighthouse along the Baltic Sea. It is this beacon that has helped many ships navigate through darkness and storms.
The distance from Tahkuna to Kõpu Lighthouse is 39.5 km. Listen: Audioguide.
Ways to refresh along the way to Kõpu Lighthouse.
- Ratturi talu kohvik
- Kõrgessaare sadamakohvik
- Utoopia nr 9 restoran
- Trahter Meite Möte
- In Kõrgessaare, you can fill your food bag at the COOP grocery store.
Interesting activities along the way:
- Hiiumaa Military Museum
- Veskimäe lambateraapia
- Reigi church
- Reigi pastoraat
- Viscosa kultuuritehas
- Ludja beach and camping area
- Rebastemäe hiking trail
Ristna Lighthouse located at the northern tip of Hiiumaa, it stands as a sentinel, carefully watching the stormy sea. The lighthouse remains in its place, fulfilling an important role during times when the Kõpu Lighthouse is often hidden in the fog. This was the very reason why the Ristna Lighthouse was built – to offer a beam of light that cuts through the fog and guides ships to safe waters.
The Ristna Lighthouse was created by French masters and began shining in 1874. The tower was fitted with a majestic seven-tone copper fog bell, whose deep ringing warns ships of the lurking shoals and rocks when visibility is poor.
The distance from Kõpu to Ristna Lighthouse is 11 km. Listen: Audioguide
Delicious food experiences along the way to Ristna Lighthouse are offered by:
- Restaurant Kalana ÄÄR
- Kati Söögituba
- Emmaste Tea House
- Muku Tare
- Eskobaar
- There is also a COOP grocery store in Emmaste.
Mood activities along the way:
- Hiiumaa Reaction Area and Ristna Visitor Centre
- Ristna Suudlemise Peatus – Here, take a quick kiss or photo stop, and don’t forget to add the hashtag #visithiiumaa when posting your photo on social media.
- Ristna beach
- Ranna Surfiküla
- Ruins of Puski church
- Sõru liitsihi tuletornid
- Emmaste church
- Emmaste madalseiklusrada
- Sõru Museum
- Liivaklaua Beach
- Ainola talu loomad
- Saunafly floating sauna
Saaremaa
Kiipsaare Lighthouse stands as a symbol of resilience, proudly overlooking the coastline of Saaremaa. Completed in 1933, this elegant 26-meter tower originally stood 100 meters from the shore, guarding the sea routes and offering reassurance to sailors. However, as the sea is constantly changing, so did the coastline, and today, the Kiipsaare Lighthouse stands deep in the water.
Strong storm winds put the lighthouse to the test, pushing it off-kilter like the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. This earned the lighthouse a playful nickname – the Saaremaa Leaning Tower. But the forces of nature didn’t stop there – over time, the hands of the sea pushed the lighthouse back to almost straight.
The distance from Triigi Harbour to Kiipsaare Lighthouse is 74 km.
Nice places to have a meal on the way to Kiipsaare Lighthouse:
- Sassimaja
- Willa Inga Kohvik
- Panga Kliff
- Eatery at Pidula Forell
- COOP grocery stores also offer good food and more along the way.
Active and enjoyable activities along the way:
Sõrve Lighthouse is located at the tip of the Sõrve Peninsula, at the southernmost point of Saaremaa, the lighthouse stands as a silent witness to history. In 1770, a stone tower was built on the Sõrve Peninsula, standing strong and guarding the sea for nearly two centuries. However, there are times in history when even the strongest structures are torn down. During World War II, this lighthouse was destroyed and left in ruins. But like a true survivor, the Sõrve Lighthouse was reborn – in 1960, the current conical monolithic concrete tower was erected, designed to withstand both time and storms.
The Sõrve Lighthouse is a symbol of rebirth, standing where the sea meets the sky. It suggests that it is possible to rebuild something even stronger and more resilient.
The distance from Harilaid to Sõrve Lighthouse is 83 km.
Food stops along the way to the Sõrve Peninsula:
- Lümanda söögimaja
- Restaurant in Pilguse Residency
- Viking Burger
- SörweKöök Restaurant
- Ohessaare Windmill Summer Cafe
- Sääre Paargu restoran
Interesting activities along the way and in Kuressaare:
- St. Michael’s Church in Kihelkonna
- Lümanda lubjapark
- Site of the ancient Salme ship
- Teeääre Tall
- Anseküla ülemine tuletorn
- Ohessaare cliff and rock stacks – Here, take a quick photo stop and don’t forget to add the hashtag #visitsaaremaa when posting your photo on social media.
- Mändjala beach
- Kuressaare Episcopal Castle
- Saare Golf
- Saare KEK Museum
- Family actuvity centre Thule Koda in Kuressaare
Lighthouses of the Small Islands.
