We know Estonia
13.6.2013 | Culture

Tranquility, nature, and an old world atmosphere

Tranquility, nature, and an old world atmosphere

Estonia’s islands bustling city break Hiiumaa,

Anyone looking for a bustling city break should steer clear of Estonia’s islands. The fast-paced modern world has not reached the islands, yet. On the smaller islands, and Hiiumaa, there is a feeling of having gone back 100 years in time. And the largest island, Saaremaa, is quiet and peaceful compared to Tallinn.

There is so much to see on Estonia’s islands, especially if you take a few extra days to see them all. Unique nature and preserved folk culture is the specialty of the islands, but don’t worry, modern amenities can be found as well.

How to get there:

A ferry connects Saaremaa and Muhu (Virtsu Port) from Kuivastu. (Approximate journey time 30 minutes). Muhu is connected to Saaremaa by a bridge. The distance between Kuivastu and Kuressaare is 75 km.

Ferries to Hiiumaa (Heltermaa Port) leave from the Rohuküla Port. (Approximate journey time 90 minutes).

A regular ferry runs between Hiiumaa and Saaremaa from the towns of Triigi and Sõru, respectively. (Approximate journey time 75 minutes).

Ferry schedules, and ticket sales can be found at: www.tuulelaevad.ee.

Vormsi is accessible by a ferry that runs between the ports of Rohuküla and Sviby.

The ferry from Pärnu to Kihnu takes about 2.5 hours, where as the journey from Munalaiu to Kihnu is about an hour.

Ferries to Ruhnu leave from Munalaiu and Roomassaare port on Saaremaa.

Distances:

Tallinn–Virtsu 135 km

Tallinn–Rohuküla 110 km

Tallinn–Munalaiu 165 km

Western Estonia’s largest islands:

Saaremaa: Approximate area 2 670 km2, Approximately 40,000 inhabitants.

Hiiumaa: Approximate area 1 000 km2, Approximately 10,000 inhabitants.

Muhu: Approximate area 200 km2, Under 2,000 inhabitants.

Vormsi: Approximate area 93 km2, 400 inhabitants.

Kihnu: Approximate area 17 km2, 500 inhabitants.

Ruhnu: Approximate area 11 km2, Under 100 inhabitants.

TEXT JUKKA ARPONEN, PHOTOS JAREK JÕEPERA, GRAHAM MITCHELL, TOOMAS TUUL, WWW.VISITSAAREMAA.EE

To learn more about this and similar topics

22.6.2025 | Culture

Mika Vesalahti’s five exhibitions showcase eight years of painting work

Mika Vesalahti’s five exhibitions showcase eight years of painting work

Visual artist Mika Vesalahti presents the key works from his painting series created over the past eight years in … Read more

20.6.2025 | Culture

Song and Dance Celebration Torch to Arrive in Tallinn

Song and Dance Celebration Torch to Arrive in Tallinn

Since 1869 in Tartu, the Song and Dance Celebration has been the crowning event of Estonian culture, history, and … Read more

19.6.2025 | Culture

Narva Days Is a Unique Celebration in Estonia

Narva Days Is a Unique Celebration in Estonia

Narva is an Estonian city that was officially founded in 1345, and has unquestionably had quite a colourful, if … Read more

18.6.2025 | Culture

Celebrate Midsummer’s at the Estonian Open Air Museum

Celebrate Midsummer’s at the Estonian Open Air Museum

“When the village folk came together” is the theme of this year’s Midsummer’s, or jaanipäev, event at the Estonian … Read more

18.6.2025 | Culture

A church music festival is being held in Rapla

A church music festival is being held in Rapla

One of Estonia’s oldest music events, the Rapla Church Music Festival, will once again be held in Rapla from … Read more

17.6.2025 | Culture

Estonian–Finnish Band Cosmic Cowboyz Release Their First Single

Estonian–Finnish Band Cosmic Cowboyz Release Their First Single

Estonian–Finnish rock band Cosmic Cowboyz have released their debut single, “Kino”. A music video for the single has also … Read more

17.6.2025 | Culture

National Folk Costumes: What You Need to Know

National Folk Costumes: What You Need to Know

Estonia’s internationally famous Song and Dance Festival is only a couple weeks away. Anyone visiting Estonia, no matter where … Read more

16.6.2025 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

22 March–3 August BANANA exhibition by Flo Kasearu, Tallinn BANANA, or Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone, by Flo … Read more