Today, people around the world are increasingly gathering in cities. Rural life still endures, but only in well-functioning villages. On Saaremaa, Muhu and Hiiumaa – where nature and history are uniquely intertwined – rural life and villages play an important role. Each island has only one town, but in contrast, they are rich in villages.
The charm of the villages on Saaremaa, Muhu, and Hiiumaa lies in their diversity. Each village has its own unique story of how it came to be. But the real excitement lies in discovering what stands out today. Is it a preserved windmill, the site of an old manor, the story of a local hero, or perhaps a thriving modern business? Take your time exploring the island villages — 12 villages and around 300 kilometers are waiting for you.
1. Koguva village / Muhu
In Koguva village on Muhu Island lies Estonia’s best-preserved village ensemble, where every stone wall, thatched cottage, and moss-covered well has a story to tell. Today, you can explore the village’s history at the Muhu Museum, whose heart is the Tooma farm – the very place where writer Juhan Smuul grew up. The museum showcases authentic Muhu farm architecture, colorful traditional folk costumes, an old village school, and of course, the stories that make Koguva what it is – unique and dignified, yet existing in a rhythm all its own, almost timeless.
From Koguva to Tõlluste village is 54 km. If you get hungry along the way, you can grab a bite at Asva Tavern.
Exciting activities and sights on the way to Tõlluste village:
2. Tõlluste village / Saaremaa
Tõlluste village is said to have once been the home of the Saaremaa giant, Suur Tõll. Although no traces of him can be found there today, the village is home to the historic Tõlluste Manor, which was first mentioned as early as 1528. The manor has a long and varied history, having been owned by several different families over the centuries. Tõlluste Manor is surrounded by beautiful, unspoiled nature, providing ideal conditions for growing the plants used in the production of cosmetic products. All plants are carefully harvested from their natural habitats to preserve their best qualities.
The distance from Tõlluste village to Nasva village is 34 km.
Opportunities to refresh yourself on the way to Nasva village:
Interesting activities along the way:
- Kuressaare Episcopal Castle
- Saare KEK Museum
- Loode Oak Forest
3. Nasva village / Saaremaa
Nasva fishing village was first mentioned in the 19th century and developed along the banks of the most water-rich river on Saaremaa. This place is deeply connected to water – to the south it’s bordered by the breath of the open sea, to the north lies the expansive Mullutu-Suurlaht, and the 3.7-kilometer-long Nasva River runs through the heart of the village. The sea and fishing have always been at the core of life in Nasva. It’s hard to pass through without picking up some smoked fish from Tihemetsa Dining Room – it’s practically a way of life here! Although Nasva is no longer officially classified as a village but rather a small borough, the true spirit of a fishing village still lives on.
The distance from Nasva to Leedri village is 34 km.
Delicious culinary experiences along the way to Leedri village:
Fun-filled activities on the way:
4. Leedri village / Saaremaa
Leedri village is tucked between stone fences, yet carries a youthful spirit. In 2015, it was awarded the title of Estonia’s Village of the Year. It’s home to a close-knit and active community that is deeply committed to developing village life and preserving local traditions. Leedri is also well known as the birthplace of Saaremaa’s famous juniper syrup, which beautifully captures the island’s natural flavors and time-honored traditions.
From Leedri to Viki village is 16 km. On your way there, you can enjoy a hearty meal at Lümanda Söögimaja.
Fun-filled activities on the way to Viki village:
5. Viki village / Saaremaa
Viki village is home to the Mihkli Farm Museum, one of the most unique in Estonia. It is a well-preserved West Saaremaa farm complex, shaped by eight generations of a single family. The farm’s rich collection of everyday items was largely made or used by members of this very same family, giving the museum a uniquely deep and personal historical character. In addition to its cultural heritage, Mihkli Farm Museum offers a cozy place to spend time. Here you’ll find a village swing, a windmill, a traditional island sauna, a picnic area, and a peasant park where visitors can relax and enjoy the surroundings.
From Viki village to Angla is 64 km.
Delicious culinary experiences on the way to Angla are offered by:
Fun and memorable activities along the way:
6. Angla village / Saaremaa
Angla is home to Saaremaa’s only windmill mount that has preserved its original appearance. Here, visitors can admire five historic windmills – four are typical Saaremaa post mills built in the early 20th century, and one is a Dutch-style windmill dating back to 1927. In addition to the windmills, Angla offers a chance to see old farming equipment, and during the summer season, you can meet various farm animals and birds. The windmill mount also features a museum showcasing local folk culture, along with a cozy café, souvenir shop, and an event hall suitable for various celebrations.
From Angla to Triigi Harbour is 10 km. You can enjoy a meal stop at Sassimaja on the way.
⚓ From one island to another / Triigi–Sõru ferry
Hiiumaa also invites you to be enchanted by village life — to get there, you’ll need to take a sea journey from one island to another. The ferry from Saaremaa (Triigi Harbour) to Hiiumaa (Sõru Harbour) takes about one hour — just the right amount of time to start discovering which charming villages await you on the neighboring island. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the ferry between Saaremaa and Hiiumaa runs more frequently. While in early summer the ferry operates a couple of times a day, by July it makes the trip up to four times daily. You can find the exact schedules and ticket booking options on the Kihnu Veeteed website.
7. Kõpu village / Hiiumaa
Kõpu is a 21-kilometre-long peninsula on Hiiumaa, but the name Kõpu is best known for Estonia’s oldest lighthouse, the construction of which began in the early 16th century on the highest hill of Hiiumaa. One of the reasons the village of Kõpu came into existence was the need to provide housing for lighthouse keepers and their staff. Today, Kõpu village is home to the Rebastemäe nature trail, where hikers are surrounded by diverse forest types. The trail offers a unique opportunity to observe how light and moisture conditions on the dune landscape have shaped the development of the forests.
From Kõpu to Reigi village is 26 km. Cozy dining spot on the way is Restaurant Kalana ÄÄR.
Active and fun-filled activities along the way:
8. Reigi village / Hiiumaa
Reigi village was one of the most important and central settlements for the historical Swedish community of Hiiumaa (known as the Hiiumaa Swedes). In 1781, one of the most tragic events in the village’s history took place—by order of Empress Catherine II, the majority of the Hiiumaa Swedes, including the residents of Reigi, were deported to southern Russia. After this, Estonian peasants settled in the village, continuing life in Reigi under new circumstances.
Reigi village has been home to both Reigi manor farm and Reigi church manor, both of which played important roles in the local administration and way of life. Interestingly, despite the name, Reigi Church and the historic parsonage, named after the parish, are actually located in the neighboring village of Pihla.
The distance from Reigi village to Malvaste village is 7 km. Interesting place to visit on the way is Veskimäe Sheep Therapy.
9. Malvaste village / Hiiumaa
In the northern part of Hiiumaa, on the Tahkuna Peninsula, lies the village of Malvaste. Here you’ll find the Mihkli Farm Museum, a wonderful example of the rural architecture characteristic of the region. While the Mihkli farm may seem typical in terms of the number of buildings and the layout of the yard, it is unique in its archaic integrity. Over time, this small area has witnessed the merging of cultural influences and adaptation to new conditions, as both Estonian- and Swedish-speaking Hiiumaa residents have lived on the farm.
From Malvaste village to Palade village is 18 km.
Cozy dining spots on the way to Palade village:
- Kärdla offers a lot of flavours
- Shop/Cafe Kala ja Võrk
Active and fun-filled activities along the way:
10. Palade village / Hiiumaa
Palade village is first mentioned in historical sources as early as the 16th century. Over time, it became a local center, and by the early 20th century, the village was home to a school, a shop, and a prayer house, which gave Palade the role of being the spiritual and business heart of the area. One of the most notable places in Palade is the Soera Farm Museum, whose history dates back at least 200 years. The oldest preserved building on the farm is the mud-floor chamber from the first half of the 19th century. Soera Farm is an authentic example of a 19th-century typical Hiiumaa household – modest, practical, and closely connected to the surrounding nature.
From Palade village to Suuremõisa is 12 km. On the way there, you can enjoy delightful flavors at Restaurant Ungru.
Active and fun-filled activities along the way to Suuremõisa village:
11. Suuremõisa village / Hiiumaa
In Suuremõisa village stands the magnificent baroque-style Suuremõisa Castle.
The building was commissioned in the 18th century by Countess Ebba-Margaretha von Stenbock. Her son, Count Jacob Pontus Stenbock, soon had to give up the manor due to debts, and it became the property of Baron Otto Reinhold Ludvig von Ungern-Sternberg, whose family owned the manor until 1920, when the estates were nationalized and a school was established in the manor house. Today, the manor houses not one but two schools – both the Suuremõisa School and Hiiumaa Vocational School.
From Suuremõisa to Orjaku village is 20 km. You can fill up at Grillhouse Lest ja Lammas on the way.
Active and fun-filled activities on the way to Orjaku village:
12. Orjaku village / Hiiumaa
Orjaku is one of the oldest place names on Hiiumaa, with a history stretching back centuries. In the Middle Ages, Orjaku was an island of its own, but today it is part of the Kassari Peninsula. Orjaku is best known for its harbor, which becomes a lively venue for concerts and other cultural events during the summer months. Close to Orjaku village is also a remarkable natural site called Sääretirp – a narrow, rocky spit with a unique name that extends into the sea, offering stunning views and a peaceful seaside atmosphere.
Cozy dining spots in Southern Hiiumaa:
Active and fun-filled activities in Southern Hiiumaa:
Set off to discover what the island villages have to offer.
Culinary delights on the islands
A good holiday always comes with good flavors. The food on the islands is local, pure, and authentically Nordic. The crisp sea air has inspired islanders with exciting culinary ideas — let them surprise you!
Accommodation on the islands
To fully enjoy the journey and experience all that the island villages have to offer, it’s worth exploring accommodation options in advance — so your nights can be spent in comfort and peace.
Get inspired
