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Hiiu County
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Discover Hiiu County in Estonia for lighthouses, pine forests, coastal walks, island villages, maritime heritage and unhurried Baltic landscapes.

Hiiu County, known in Estonian as Hiiumaa, is Estonia’s second-largest island and one of the country’s most distinctive Baltic destinations. It lies west of the mainland, separated from Saaremaa by the narrow Soela Strait and shaped by low shores, juniper heaths, pine forests, wetlands and long, quiet beaches. The county also includes nearby smaller islands, including Kassari, which is connected to Hiiumaa by a causeway. Its spacious landscape and relatively small population give travel here a slower rhythm than on the mainland, with distances measured through forests and coastal villages rather than urban traffic.
Read more about Hiiu County
Kärdla, the county’s administrative centre, grew around a historic textile factory and remains the main service town, with cafés, shops, a small harbour and useful visitor facilities. Elsewhere, settlements are scattered among farmsteads, manor grounds and fishing communities. Kõrgessaare and Kõpu occupy the western part of the island, while Tahkuna and the northern coast are associated with forests, military remains and open seascapes. In the south, Emmaste and Sõru provide access to maritime landscapes and, when operating, a ferry connection towards Saaremaa. Kassari has its own strong identity, combining coastal meadows, cultural history and the distinctive Sääretirp spit.
Hiiumaa’s maritime heritage is expressed most clearly by its lighthouses. Kõpu Lighthouse, standing on one of the island’s highest points, has guided ships through the Baltic for centuries and is among the oldest continuously operating lighthouses in the world. Tahkuna and Ristna add different architectural and geographical perspectives: one faces the northern approaches, while the other marks the exposed western coast. The island’s shores also preserve traces of shipwrecks, coastal defence and the changing relationship between island communities and the sea.
Nature is central to a visit. Walking and cycling routes pass through juniper pastures, spruce and pine woodland, reed-fringed wetlands and shorelines where migrating birds are often visible. The island is well suited to unhurried exploration, from a lighthouse climb or coastal walk to a visit to a farm museum, manor house or small harbour. Weather can change quickly, and the Baltic landscape is at its most compelling when wind, light and sea conditions shift across the open horizon.
Local culture combines island practicality with Estonia’s wider heritage of singing, craft and seasonal food. Historic farmsteads, wooden buildings and manor architecture reveal different layers of settlement, while fish, rye bread, dairy products, berries and mushrooms reflect the island’s land and sea. Hiiu County is not a destination for intensive sightseeing by checklist; its character emerges through the spaces between its landmarks, the quiet roads, the scent of pine and the continuing presence of the sea.

When is the best time to visit Hiiu County?

Best: June–August · 20–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January140
February135
March440
April945
May1550
June (best)2060
July (best)2270
August (best)2270
September1760
October1255
November750
December245

Getting to and around Hiiu County

How to get there

The principal access is the ferry from Rohuküla on the mainland to Heltermaa in eastern Hiiumaa; Rohuküla is outside Hiiu County and is commonly reached by road from Haapsalu or Tallinn. Advance planning is sensible in the busy summer period, and passengers should check current sailing arrangements before travel. Kärdla Airport, within the county, has domestic connections when scheduled services operate, but routes and frequencies can change. A ferry between Sõru in southern Hiiumaa and Triigi on Saaremaa may operate seasonally or according to current service arrangements, offering a useful island-to-island option when available.

Transportation

Hiiumaa is easiest to explore by car, although buses connect Kärdla with several settlements and regional destinations. Distances are not vast, but attractions are widely dispersed and services become less frequent away from the main town. Cycling is rewarding on quieter roads, but visitors should allow for wind, limited shoulders and long stretches without shops. Walking works well for individual coastal, forest and lighthouse areas rather than for moving between all of the island’s settlements. Taxis and local transfers should be arranged ahead where possible, particularly outside Kärdla and outside the summer season.

Top city travel guides in Hiiu County

The cities of Hiiu County, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Hiiu County

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Hiiu County

Hiiu County’s attractions are spread through a predominantly rural landscape rather than concentrated in one historic centre. The island’s lighthouses are the defining cultural sights, with Kõpu, Tahkuna and Ristna each offering a different setting and maritime story. Suuremõisa Manor provides an architectural counterpoint, while Kärdla’s former textile-industry landscape and local museums introduce the county’s social and industrial history. Kassari adds coastal meadows, the Sääretirp spit and cultural sites associated with island life. Nature-based experiences include forest tracks, juniper pastures, wetlands, quiet beaches, birdwatching areas and viewpoints over the Baltic Sea. The Hiiumaa Military Museum near Tahkuna and other surviving defensive structures help explain the island’s twentieth-century strategic role, while farm museums and historic homesteads preserve older agricultural traditions. Cycling, walking, kayaking and shore exploration are more central here than large-scale entertainment, and the most rewarding itineraries leave time for small harbours, village churches, manor grounds and unmarked changes in the coastal landscape.

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Best landmarks in Hiiu County

Kõpu Lighthouse is Hiiu County’s best-known landmark, rising from the wooded Kõpu Peninsula and representing centuries of Baltic navigation. Its elevated position and massive historic form make it visible well beyond the immediate coastline. Tahkuna Lighthouse presents a contrasting nineteenth-century structure on the island’s northern tip, where sea views are accompanied by reminders of coastal defence and wartime militarisation. Ristna Lighthouse marks the exposed western edge of Hiiumaa and belongs to the same seafaring landscape, though its surroundings feel wilder and more open. Suuremõisa Manor is the county’s major estate landmark, with a long association with Baltic German landholding and the eighteenth-century architectural culture of western Estonia. The Sääretirp spit on Kassari is a natural landmark shaped by shallow coastal waters, stones and low vegetation, while Kärdla’s planned streets and former textile-factory area preserve the physical imprint of industrial development. Together these places express the county’s principal themes: navigation, estate society, defence, industry and a coastline continually altered by wind and water.

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Best restaurants in Hiiu County

Dining in Hiiu County reflects the island’s small population, farming traditions and maritime setting. Kärdla has the broadest choice of cafés and restaurants, while rural areas rely more on seasonal eateries, guesthouses, farm shops and local events. Fish, rye bread, potatoes, dairy products, berries and mushrooms are familiar elements of Estonian island cooking, and smoked or preserved produce may appear alongside contemporary interpretations of northern European food. Kassari and the southern coast are natural places to look for seafood-oriented meals when seasonal businesses are operating, although availability varies outside summer. Local honey, jams, baked goods and craft drinks make useful purchases from farm producers and markets. Traditional Estonian food is not identical to a specifically Hiiumaa cuisine, but the island’s ingredients and seafaring setting give familiar national dishes a clear local context. Visitors should expect shorter opening seasons and should check meal arrangements in remote areas rather than assuming that a restaurant will be open after travelling there.

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Best bars in Hiiu County

Nightlife in Hiiu County is modest and closely tied to the island’s villages, seasonal tourism and social events rather than to a large club scene. Kärdla has the greatest concentration of cafés, pubs and places for an evening drink, while guesthouses and restaurants provide much of the evening activity elsewhere. Traditional Estonian beer, cider and spirits may be available, but alcohol is only one part of the local evening culture; conversation, food, music and community gatherings are equally characteristic. Summer brings more activity around harbours, cultural events and accommodation venues, whereas winter evenings are noticeably quieter. Sõru, Kärdla and other coastal settlements can have occasional live performances or seasonal events, but programmes and opening arrangements change. Visitors staying in rural districts should plan transport carefully, as taxis and late public transport are limited and distances between villages can be deceptive after dark.

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Best nightclubs in Hiiu County

Nightlife in Hiiu County is modest and closely tied to the island’s villages, seasonal tourism and social events rather than to a large club scene. Kärdla has the greatest concentration of cafés, pubs and places for an evening drink, while guesthouses and restaurants provide much of the evening activity elsewhere. Traditional Estonian beer, cider and spirits may be available, but alcohol is only one part of the local evening culture; conversation, food, music and community gatherings are equally characteristic. Summer brings more activity around harbours, cultural events and accommodation venues, whereas winter evenings are noticeably quieter. Sõru, Kärdla and other coastal settlements can have occasional live performances or seasonal events, but programmes and opening arrangements change. Visitors staying in rural districts should plan transport carefully, as taxis and late public transport are limited and distances between villages can be deceptive after dark.

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Best shops in Hiiu County

Shopping in Hiiu County is oriented towards practical island goods, local food and small-scale craft rather than large retail centres. Kärdla has the widest selection of shops and services, including independent businesses, galleries and places to buy books, clothing or everyday supplies. Markets and seasonal events may offer knitted goods, wool work, pottery, woodcraft, jewellery, preserves, honey, berries and baked products from local producers. Farm shops and roadside stalls are useful for regional food, although opening times can be informal and vary with the season. Kassari and other visitor areas often have craft and design items connected with the island’s maritime and rural identity, while museum shops and lighthouse sites may stock locally themed souvenirs when open. There is no need to expect an extensive luxury-shopping scene; the appeal lies in distinctive, modestly produced goods and edible gifts that reflect Hiiumaa’s farming, forest and seafaring traditions.

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Hiiu County essentials

Currency and Payment
Hiiu County uses the euro, with the currency code EUR, as part of Estonia. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in Kärdla, ferry facilities, accommodation and established businesses, but smaller cafés, farm shops, honesty stalls and rural services may prefer cash or have limited payment facilities. Carrying a modest amount of euros is practical, especially when travelling away from the county centre. ATMs and banking services are less widespread than in larger Estonian towns, so do not rely on finding one immediately in a remote village.
Safety
Hiiu County is generally a calm destination, but ordinary precautions still apply around vehicles, bicycles, accommodation and unattended belongings. Coastal rocks, slippery seaweed, strong winds and rapidly changing weather can make shorelines hazardous, while remote tracks may have weak mobile coverage. Follow signs near military remnants and never enter unstable structures. Drivers should watch for wildlife, cyclists and unlit roads after dark. On beaches and headlands, keep a safe distance from the water in rough conditions, and use marked paths in dunes, wetlands and coastal meadows.
Emergency Situations
The national emergency number 112 connects callers in Estonia with police, ambulance and fire-and-rescue services. Give the dispatcher your location as precisely as possible, using a nearby village, road, lighthouse, harbour or clearly marked trail point. For incidents at sea or on the coast, 112 can coordinate the appropriate rescue response. The national state information line 1247 provides general public information in Estonia, but it is not a substitute for 112 in an emergency. Carrying a charged phone and offline map is sensible when walking in remote parts of the island.
Do's and Don'ts
Keep to marked trails and respect private land, farmyards, bird habitats and coastal access signs. Close gates behind you, do not remove driftwood or historical objects, and treat military remains as potentially unsafe rather than as climbing sites. In small villages, keep noise low and avoid blocking narrow roads or access to working harbours. Estonian public etiquette generally values orderly queues, punctuality and personal space; tipping is discretionary rather than compulsory. Ask before photographing people, homes or working activities, and observe local instructions at lighthouses, museums and nature sites.
Local Tips
Use Kärdla for supplies before heading to the more remote peninsulas, where opening arrangements and food options can be limited. Combine the west-coast landscape around Kõpu with the northern forests and military heritage of Tahkuna, then allow separate time for Kassari and southern Hiiumaa. Lighthouse visits and small museums may have seasonal arrangements, so check locally rather than assuming year-round access. The island’s greatest visual changes come with weather and light: a flexible itinerary makes it easier to enjoy a calm beach, a windy headland or a clear sunset.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloTere[teh-reh]
GoodbyeHead aega[head aye-gah]
YesJah[yah]
NoEi[ay]
Please/You're welcomePalun[pah-lun]
Thank youAitäh[aye-tah]
Excuse me/SorryVabandust[vah-band-oost]
How are you?Kuidas sul on?[koo-dahs sool on]
Fine. And you?Hea. Ja sina?[hey-ah. yah see-nah?]
Do you speak English?Kas sa räägid inglise keelt?[kahs sah rah-eed ing-lis-eh kelt?]
I don't understandMa ei saa aru[mah ay zah ah-roo]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMa tahaksin menüüd näha, palun[mah tah-aks-in meh-noo-d nah-hah, pah-lun]
I don't eat meatMa ei söö liha[mah ay soo lih-hah]
Cheers!Terviseks![ter-vee-seks]
I would like to pay, pleaseMa tahaksin maksta, palun[mah tah-aks-in mak-stah, pah-lun]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aita![eye-tah]
Go away!Mine ära![mee-neh eh-rah]
Call the Police!Kutsu politsei![koot-soo poh-lit-sei]
Call a doctor!Kutsu arst![koot-soo arst]
I'm lostMa olen kadunud[mah oh-len kah-doo-nud]
I'm illMa olen haige[mah oh-len hai-geh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ma tahaksin osta...[mah tah-aks-in oh-stah]
I'm just lookingMa lihtsalt vaatan[mah leest-lt vah-tahn]
How much is it?Kui palju see maksab?[kwee pal-yoo seh mahk-sahb?]
That's too expensiveSee on liiga kallis[seh on lee-gah kah-lis]
Can you lower the price?Kas sa saad hinda alandada?[kahs sah sahd hin-dah ah-lahn-dah-dah]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Mis kell on?[mis kel on?]
It's one o'clockKell on üks[kel on uks]
Half past (10)Kell on pool (kümme)[kel on pool (küm-meh)]
MorningHommik[hom-mik]
AfternoonPärastlõuna[pah-rahst-luh-na]
EveningÕhtu[uh-thu]
YesterdayEile[ay-leh]
TodayTäna[tah-nah]
TomorrowHomme[hom-meh]
1Üks[uks]
2Kaks[kahks]
3Kolm[kolm]
4Neli[neh-lee]
5Viis[vees]
6Kuus[koos]
7Seitsme[saits-meh]
8Kaheksa[kah-heks-ah]
9Üheksa[u-hek-sah]
10Kümme[küm-meh]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kus on ...?[koos on ...?]
What's the address?Mis on aadress?[mis on ah-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kas sa saad mulle näidata (kaardil)?[kahs sah sahd moo-leh nai-da-ta (kaar-dil)?]
When's the next (bus)?Millal tuleb järgmine (buss)?[mil-lahl too-leb yahr-gin-eh (boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Pilet (....-le)[pee-let (....-leh)]

History of Hiiu County

Ancient settlement and a changing Baltic coastline

Hiiumaa’s human history reaches back thousands of years, although its coastline has changed considerably as land rose after the last Ice Age. Early communities used the island’s shores, forests and shallow waters for fishing, hunting and small-scale agriculture. Archaeological traces and later place names indicate a long relationship between settlement and the sea. The island’s position in the Baltic also made it part of wider maritime networks linking the Estonian coast with neighbouring islands and Scandinavian shores. Much of this early history is understood through scattered archaeological evidence rather than large urban sites, reflecting the dispersed character that still distinguishes Hiiumaa.

Medieval rule and the rise of Kõpu Lighthouse

During the medieval period, Hiiumaa was drawn into the political and religious structures that shaped western Estonia. The island came under the influence of the Bishopric of Ösel-Wiek and later the Livonian Order, while landholding, parish organisation and maritime routes developed around its settlements. The earliest major structure at Kõpu was built in the sixteenth century to mark dangerous waters for shipping in the Baltic. Construction began in the era of the Hanseatic trading world, when safer navigation was increasingly important to merchants and vessels passing the island’s western side. The lighthouse was repeatedly altered, but its historic role remains central to Hiiumaa’s identity.

Swedish and Baltic German influences

From the late medieval period into the early modern era, Hiiumaa experienced the changing rule of the Danish crown, Sweden and the Russian Empire. Swedish-speaking communities lived in parts of western Estonia and the islands, while Baltic German landowners controlled estates and shaped local administration. Suuremõisa Manor, developed in its present form during the eighteenth century, represents the estate culture of the period and remains one of the county’s most important architectural sites. Parish churches, manor lands and farmsteads reveal how aristocratic estates, Lutheran institutions and island communities were connected within the wider political world of the eastern Baltic.

Island economy, seafaring and Kärdla’s textile industry

The nineteenth century brought important economic change. Kärdla became associated with the woollen textile factory established by the Ungern-Sternberg family in the 1830s, and the settlement grew around industrial employment and planned workers’ housing. Although the factory later declined and ceased operation, its legacy helped transform Kärdla from a small settlement into Hiiumaa’s principal town. At the same time, farming, fishing, shipbuilding and coastal trade continued across the island. The period also strengthened links with mainland ports and introduced new administrative and commercial patterns that affected everyday life in the island’s villages.

War, occupation and militarisation

Hiiumaa’s strategic position in the Baltic made it important during the twentieth century’s conflicts. The island was occupied first by the Soviet Union in 1940, by Germany during the Second World War, and again by the Soviet Union from 1944 until Estonia restored independence. Military installations, coastal batteries, observation structures and restricted zones altered access to parts of the island, particularly around Tahkuna and Kõpu. Some remains survive in the landscape and are interpreted through local museums and heritage sites. The period also brought disruption, population movements and the long isolation associated with the Soviet border regime.

Restored island life in independent Estonia

After Estonia regained independence in 1991, Hiiumaa adapted from a restricted military frontier into a destination where maritime heritage, nature conservation and local enterprise could develop more openly. Ferry connections, the airport at Kärdla and improved roads made travel easier, while former military sites, manor buildings and lighthouses gained renewed cultural importance. Tourism remains modest in scale compared with Estonia’s major urban destinations, helping preserve the island’s dispersed settlement pattern. Contemporary Hiiumaa combines seasonal visitors with working farms, fishing communities, small businesses and residents whose lives continue to be shaped by the sea and by the practical limits of island geography.

Hiiu County in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Hiiu County

Discover the best of Hiiu County with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more!

  • Comprehensive guides on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
  • Detailed descriptions, images, maps, and contact details for all locations
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Explore Hiiu County like never before with Evendo. Our app offers comprehensive guides on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, allowing you to plan and enjoy your trip effortlessly.

  • Historical insights and travel essentials for Hiiu County
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Hiiu County, Estonia, a hidden gem brimming with natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant local culture. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Evendo is here to ensure you make the most of your trip.

**Discover Top Attractions and Landmarks**: From the iconic Kõpu Lighthouse to the serene Tahkuna Peninsula, Evendo provides detailed information on all the must-see spots in Hiiu County. Explore the Hiiumaa Military Museum or take a leisurely stroll through Kassari Island. Each location comes with rich descriptions, stunning images, and essential visitor information.

**Savor Local Delicacies**: Hiiu County is a food lover's paradise. With Evendo, you can easily find and navigate to the best restaurants in the area. Enjoy a meal at the celebrated Rannapaargu Cafe or savor local flavors at the Lest & Lammas Grill. Our app provides you with menus, reviews, and contact details to make your dining experience seamless.

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**Navigate with Ease**: Use our 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions and services, ensuring you never miss out on anything, no matter where you are in Hiiu County. With curated local tips and travel essentials, you can experience Hiiu County like a local.

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