If you have found your way to the islands – welcome! You have reached the best place to be at this moment. This is how a holiday has begun for many before you and will for many in the future. Everyone has something important to discover here, that will nurture the soul for a long time and might even keep you here.
Let yourself be charmed
A true holiday for the soul and all of your senses will happen if you come here without any expectations. Trust the guidance of the island fairies! Take the role of an observer starting from your first steps on the island surface, and notice what kind of surprises and lessons this place has in store for you. Relax and allow yourself to truly rest, because all of the possible ways for healing your body and mind exist right here in this naturally unique place. The western Estonian islands belong to the UNESCO biosphere programme “Man and the Biosphere”. Among other things, it means that Hiiumaa doesn’t have light and sound pollution. If you can’t see the stars, it’s dark. If the winds don’t howl, it’s quiet. Those who have once taken the time to wander around Hiiumaa, soon want to come back.
The islands are rich in opportunities and what is fascinating in this context is, that behind every company, there is a person, a family and that family’s story. A lion’s share of those have an island heritage and are currently working on their ancestor’s farms. Many have included their whole families in their business and together they work tirelessly and are selflessly available to you, starting from the first hello. If you stay longer, you will imperceptibly become a part of their family and notice that a balance of life exists here – as much as you open yourself up to islanders and share what you have to offer is how much you are given in return.
To describe a typical islander, we can speak of common characteristics that are an open mind; infinite friendliness and hospitality; and a moderate amount of determination and stubbornness when it comes to carrying out their plans. Centuries of seafaring experience have enriched the local blood and added curly hair, a carefree outlook on life, and the skills of living in the moment to the mix.
The excitement of wandering on the “edge”
Both Saaremaa and Hiiumaa have seemingly unreal places that make you feel as if you have reached the end of the world. Edzard Schaper has even published a short story called “The end of the world on Hiiumaa”. This internationally recognized German writer’s piece is a reading recommendation, that – with a bit of luck – could be found in antique shops. Maybe you could bring it along on your journey when you go looking for the end of the world.
Treat yourself by staying camping on the islands! Bear in mind to not create any expectations about the weather, because you can get an equally indelible experience whether it is a sunshiny summer day or a stormy evening. This will blow your mind clear of the last worrying thoughts you might have carried.
Hiiumaa simply invites you to wander around! There is a 234-kilometre-long RMK hiking trail that begins at Heltermaa harbour and offers plenty of joy to nature lovers of any level, from simple walkers to serious hikers. The trail goes through Hiiumaa’s forests, villages, local desert and along the coast, making its way to Kassari island and eventually returning to Heltermaa. Make a pit stop at one of Kärdla’s artesian wells. Their spring water is said to improve your vision if you wash your face and eyes with it. See? There is no need to travel to Santiago for a pilgrimage.
Although the islands hide many ancient trails, I encourage you to find your own path. You can find comfort and security in knowing that you cannot get lost because eventually, you will end up by the sea. So trust in the fact that even a sideroad will take you right where you need to get. Be curious and let your next adventure begin.
The islands are a state of mind
Nature offers a spa experience for the visitor’s body and mind at every turn. The one-of-a-kind Sääretirp (a unique headland) reaches into the water and invites Hiiumaa’s guests. Many of the islets that can be spotted between the islands are accessible as well, sometimes even on foot. For a day trip, you can easily rent paddle board that spares you from walking in the water and lets you glide to the islets effortlessly. Wherever you go and however you choose to get there, a joyful experience is waiting for you in the brief, yet beautiful Estonian summer. A small boost of adrenaline and rosy cheeks from sunshine and the sea breeze is simply a bonus.
To not make your holiday too extreme, we remind you of the islands’ many spa hotels, for which Saaremaa is the most well-known. But a spa doesn’t necessarily have to mean a spa hotel. On the islands, the spa is really all around you, like on Hiiumaa and Ruhnu, Vilsandi and Abruka. Here, you can breathe fresh air in the forests, collect your thoughts while sitting on a sauna doorstep by yourself, or dive into your creative process in some inspiring remote office. Instead of swimming in a pool, you can pamper yourself by dipping into the refreshing sea or lake water. Instead of professional spa treatments, you can have a natural mud bath right at the beach, or treat yourself to a seaweed scrub or a juniper branch massage. This is a true soul spa.