Estonia Beyond Tallinn: Escape to Hiiumaa Island
Looking to explore Estonia beyond Tallinn? Then set your sights on Hiiumaa Island: a serene, soul-soothing escape in the Baltic Sea that feels worlds away from the capital’s buzz. From coastal horse rides and creative spaces to centuries-old lighthouses and a deep-rooted maritime past, Hiiumaa is a hidden gem perfect for slow travel, nature lovers, and off-the-beaten-path explorers.
Hiiumaa is the juxtaposition of the Tallinn city buzz, which explains why it was introduced to us as “where the locals go to escape” on a recent press trip there with Visit Estonia. It’s a quiet island with winding forests that lead to empty beaches, passionate locals, the oldest lighthouse in the world, and less than two hours from the capital.
On a personal note, I went to Hiiumaa as a somewhat frazzled, overwhelmed and overworked City Girl, and within just 24 hours I felt rejuvenated. With just 9,000 people populated this beautiful island, it truly felt like the epitome of wellness.
Why Visit Hiiumaa Island?
Image by Visit Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa isn’t just Estonia’s second-largest island, it’s a way of life. Quiet, untouched, and fiercely local, it’s where winding forest roads lead to empty beaches, and the biggest decision you’ll make all day is which spa, sauna or seaside path to try first.
It’s the perfect destination for:
Nature lovers wanting hiking, biking or horseback adventures
Solo travellers seeking peace and safety
Couples and groups craving quality time in a low-key, beautiful setting
Remote workers needing fresh air and calm after Tallinn’s fast-paced energy
A Glimpse into Hiiumaa’s History
Hiiumaa has a fascinating past that stretches back millions of years. Formed by ancient meteorite impacts and shaped by the sea, the island has been ruled over by Swedes, Danes, Germans and Russians. Each has left its mark—from lighthouses built to guide Nordic ships, to Soviet-era relics hidden in the pines.
During the Cold War, Hiiumaa was a restricted military zone, which kept it off the tourist radar and helped preserve its natural landscapes. Today, that untouched feeling is part of its charm.
What to Do on Hiiumaa Island
Pippa (City Girl Network Founder) and Steph (Head of UK Communites) at the top of Köpu Lighthouse
Horse Riding at Kassari on the Shoreline
Visit Horseback Riding at Kassari for a horseback ride along Hiiumaa’s coast and through the forest, with an extra special treat of getting to meet the two dogs and cats who reside at the farm. Riding through forest trails and beside the sea is the ultimate way to connect with the land. It’s slow, grounding, and wildly beautiful.
Climb Köpu Lighthouse
You can't visit Hiiumaa without climbing Köpu Lighthouse – one of the oldest lighthouses still in operation in the world. The panoramic views are breathtaking, especially at sunset when the Baltic horizon glows gold.
As an accessibility point, Köpu has very steep, windy steps and can feel claustrophic at points due to the height of the walls against the steps. The steps themselves are also quite steep and uneven. (The downside of being the oldest lighthouse!)
It’s an experience that I highly recommend to anyone who is physically able to do it. I climbed them as someone who has hypermobility issues with my knees and was able to do it with extra caution. Getting to the top was the best feeling in the world, and I can’t wait to do it again.
Visit Õuk Distillery
Õuk Distillery is an exciting distillery producing small-batch gins and liquers using wild Estonian botanicals, island-grown ingredients and Hiiumaa’s unique artesian water.
We toured the space with their passionate co-founder, XXXX, learning how they distil everything on-site in their distillery room, and how best to consume the drinks in their taproom. From forest-foraged flavours to smooth, herbaceous finishes, every sip told a story of the island.
Whether you're a spirit enthusiast or just curious, Õuk Distillery offers a warm welcome, great conversation, and bottles you'll definitely want to take home.
Explore Viscosa Cultural Factory
In Kärdla, the old wool factory has been transformed into the Viscosa Cultural Factory, a creative hub filled with art, workshops, a café and numerous other exciting visions. We were honoured to visit and be shown around the space when we visited in May 2025. At the time, the theatre was a few weeks away from opening and their arts café was due to open the next day.
The owner, Marco, shared his vision to transform this historical space into a multi-dimensional centre, with a hotel, theatre, offices, a restaurant and the restoration of the lift that used to take people up the lighthouse for beautiful views of Hiiumaa. They’ll move through each project bit-by-bit, but the vision is stunning.
It’s a true community project, with the local community coming together on regular Sundays to clear up the mountains of mess that was left behind from years of change and a charity selling the chairs in the cafe. Volunteers were also due to help them set up their brand new arts café the day after we were there so that it could open the day after that. It’s a “makeshift”/“repurposed” aesthetic and a great reminder that you can create anything.
Stroll along Luidja Sandy Beach
The Luidja Sandy Beach (Luidja Liivarand) is more commonly referred to by Estonians as “Luide Beach”, which means ‘sand dune’. Tucked along the island’s western edge, this beach is more than just pretty, it’s peaceful, pristine, and framed by a rare and beautiful black alder forest, one of the only of its kind in Europe. The combination of golden dunes, soft pine-shaded sand, and shallow sea makes it perfect for both sunbathing and sunset walks.
Where to Eat in Hiiumaa
IIUmeekk
This stylish, locally focused restaurant is a Hiiumaa standout. Situated in a redhouse overlooking the harbour, with a cosy beach aesthetic inside and a lovely outside space for the warmer days.
At IIUmeekk, you’ll find wild herbs, fresh fish, and beautifully plated dishes that blend Estonian tradition with contemporary flair. From our experience there, it was very clear as to why it’s considered one of the best restaurants on the island.
Hõbekala Guesthouse Restaurant
The restaurant at Hõbekala Guesthouse is set in a secluded barn building with floor-to-ceiling windows that immerses you into the forest around it. The decor is modern, chic and simple, with a long woodcrafted table in the centre. It’s a dream living room as much as it is a beautiful restaurant setting.
They specialise in fish, and we’d advise getting in touch beforehand if anyone from your party isn’t a fish eater. They’ll cater for you – their cookery is beautiful – but they do need to know in advance.
Highly recommend: Trying and buying a jar of the Kadakaräimed (Baltic Herring with Juniper Berries)
Try Hõbekala Guesthouse Restaurant
Where to Stay in Hiiumaa
Kassari Holiday Resort
Located on the peaceful Kassari Peninsula, Kassari Holiday Resort makes an ideal base for exploring the island. Surrounded by juniper fields and sea air, it offers a blend of comfort and nature immersion.
Hobekala Guesthouse
Hobekala Guesthouse, whose restaurant we recommended in our “where to eat” section, is also highly recommended. Rustic, cosy and close to the sea, it’s the kind of place where you can imagine curling up with a good book after a windswept walk.
How to Get to Hiiumaa Island
Wondering how to reach Hiiumaa from Tallinn or the Estonian mainland? Here’s everything you need to know:
Ferry from Rohuküla to Heltermaa
The easiest and most popular way is by ferry. Praamid.ee operates regular car and passenger ferries from Rohuküla Harbour (near Haapsalu) to Heltermaa Port on Hiiumaa. The trip takes about 75 minutes.
Check ferry times at Praamid.ee
By Car
From Tallinn to Rohuküla is around a 2-hour drive, and the ferry allows cars onboard. Having a car is highly recommended on Hiiumaa to explore its remote corners at your own pace.
By Bus
You can catch a bus from Tallinn to Rohuküla, which connects with ferry departures. Bus service on the island itself is limited, so plan accordingly if you don’t have your own transport.
Domestic Flight (Seasonal)
Short on time? A 30-minute domestic flight from Tallinn to Kärdla is also available on select days and prices start at €34. Check Saartelennuliinid.ee for the latest schedules.
Saunas amongst stunning scenery is very common on beautiful Hiiumaa Island!
Final Thoughts: Is Hiiumaa Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for an Estonian island escape that combines nature, culture, history and calm, Hiiumaa is where you’ll find it. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway from Tallinn, a wellness retreat or a slow travel experience with friends.
Whether you’re riding horses by the sea, dining on hyper-local cuisine, or climbing ancient lighthouses, Hiiumaa will leave you feeling restored—and already planning your return.