Hiiumaa
Island Estonian island featuring historic lighthouses and forests
Off Estonia’s west coast, Hiiumaa draws visitors for sandy beaches, oak woods and cycling routes. Historic Kõpu Lighthouse punctuates the western peninsula; birdwatching and small fishing villages are reached by ferry from Rohuküla.
Hiiumaa is Estonia’s second-largest island, situated off the west coast of the Estonian mainland in the Baltic Sea and covering about 989 square kilometres. The island is known for its long sandy beaches, mixed forests and maritime cultural sites.
Visitors use the island for coastal walking, birdwatching and visiting historical lighthouses and villages; marked trails and quiet roads make it a popular destination for cycling and nature trips. The island has a number of protected natural areas and a scattered pattern of small settlements rather than a single large urban centre.
Hiiumaa has been inhabited for many centuries and has a mix of Estonian rural culture and maritime heritage, reflected in its lighthouses, farmsteads and fishing communities. Control of the island has shifted among regional powers over time, but native Estonian culture remains strong.
Geographically the island lies in the Baltic Sea off Estonia’s western coast, with regular ferry links from the mainland at Rohuküla to Heltermaa. The landscape is low and gently rolling, with wooded ridges, coastline and numerous small islets nearby.
- Ferry link: Regular vehicle and passenger ferries connect to the Estonian mainland from Heltermaa harbour, with the crossing taking under an hour on most ferry services.
- Historic lighthouse: Home to the Kõpu Lighthouse, which dates to the early 16th century and is among the oldest working lighthouses globally.
What to See #
- Kärdla: The island's largest settlement and administrative centre, located on the east coast and serving as the main ferry and transport hub for Hiiumaa.
- Kõpu Lighthouse: A lighthouse on the Kõpu Peninsula dating to the early 16th century and regarded as one of the oldest continuously operating lighthouses in the world; it sits on a raised wooded ridge and is a prominent navigational landmark.
- Tahkuna Peninsula: A northwestern peninsula with rugged coastline, sandy beaches and several marked trails used for coastal walking and birdwatching.
How to Get to Hiiumaa #
Ferries run from Rohuküla (on the Estonian mainland) to Kärdla on Hiiumaa; the trip takes about 1.5-2 hours depending on the vessel. Rohuküla is reached by car or regional buses from Tallinn (roughly a 1.5-2 hour drive). There are also seasonal fast passenger connections from the mainland in summer.
Tips for Visiting Hiiumaa #
- Catch the ferry from Rohuküla to Kärdla early in the morning to avoid the afternoon wind and make the most of the day on the island.
- Rent a bicycle in Kärdla - the main roads are quiet and the island's lighthouse trails (Ristna, Tahkuna) are best explored on two wheels.
- Visit the restored Kõpu Lighthouse (built 1531-1534) and climb the 256 steps - note that winter closures and weather can make the climb impossible.
- Look for the old ship cemetery near Reigi at low tide; the wind-beaten graves and lichen-covered stones are often missed by visitors rushing to beaches.
Best Time to Visit Hiiumaa #
Best visited late spring through early autumn for ferry schedules, cycling, and long coastal walks.
Weather & Climate near Hiiumaa #
Hiiumaa's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -5°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (640 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 78 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
