Things to Do in Hiiumaa

Hiiumaa stands as Estonia's second-largest island, a windswept piece of land in the Baltic Sea where lighthouses punctuate dramatic coastlines and ancient meteorite craters hide in dense forests. The island moves at its own unhurried pace, where you might drive for kilometers without seeing another soul, then stumble upon a village where locals still gather at the community center for weekend dances. What makes Hiiumaa genuinely compelling is how it balances its wild, untamed landscapes with pockets of genuine Estonian culture - this isn't a place that's been polished for tourists, but rather one where traditional life continues much as it has for generations. The island's collection of historic lighthouses, some dating back centuries, serves as both navigation aids and monuments to maritime heritage, while its forests and meadows offer some of the most pristine hiking in the Baltics.

Hiiumaa's dining scene centers around fresh Baltic seafood, traditional Estonian comfort food, and ingredients foraged from the island's forests and meadows. Most restaurants are family-run affairs where the menu might change based on what's available locally - you'll find excellent fish preparations, game dishes, and hearty soups that make sense in this maritime climate. Kärdla has the most dining options, including a few places that stay open year-round, while smaller villages might have just one or two seasonal establishments. Many guesthouses and farms offer traditional Estonian meals by arrangement, which often provide the most authentic and memorable dining experiences. Don't miss trying locally smoked fish or foraged mushroom dishes when they're in season.

Late May through early September offers the most reliable weather and longest daylight hours, with July typically being warmest though also most crowded. June can be particularly appealing - the landscape is lush and green, daylight extends past 10pm, and tourist numbers are still manageable. Spring (April-May) brings migrating birds and wildflowers but unpredictable weather, while autumn offers beautiful colors and fewer visitors, though services start closing by October. Winter has its own stark beauty and the island takes on an almost mystical quality, but many attractions and restaurants close, ferry schedules reduce, and weather can be harsh. That said, if you don't mind the cold and want Hiiumaa almost entirely to yourself, winter can be genuinely magical.