Where to go

Kõpu Suurkivi rest stop

 
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
About 2,3 km from Kõpu village lays the second largest erratic boulder of Hiiumaa - Kõpu Suurkivi or Lepistpao Erratic Boulder. The diameter of the boulder is 28.4 m and it is 5.3 m high. There is a staircase leading to the top of the boulder.
Amenities

Staircase leading to the top of the boulder, a bench

Berries-mushrooms

Blueberries, mushrooms

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Contact

Telephone: +372 676 7111

E-mail: info.ristna@rmk.ee

Object type: rest stop

Location info

Location : Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area

Ülendi village, Hiiumaa municipality

Navigation instructions : The boulder is located about 800-900 m to the west from the Kõpu-Kiduspäe road. A small forest trail leading there starts from the nearby Ülendi village.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.89236
Longitude: 22.19881
L-EST 97x: 396172.2
L-EST 97y: 6529520.4

Telephone:
+372 676 7111
E-mail:
info.ristna@rmk.ee
Object type:
rest stop
Location info
Location:
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
Ülendi village, Hiiumaa municipality
Navigation instructions:
The boulder is located about 800-900 m to the west from the Kõpu-Kiduspäe road. A small forest trail leading there starts from the nearby Ülendi village.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.89236
Longitude: 22.19881
L-EST 97x: 396172.2
L-EST 97y: 6529520.4

Where to go

Tihu study trail (1.2 km)

 
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
One-way study trail leads to the largest lake in Hiiumaa, located in a hollow between dunes. The paludification process can be observed here. At the end of the trail, a 200 m boardwalk leads to an observation deck at Lake Tihu. Take binoculars with you and watch the interesting water and wetland birds, enjoy the silence or the voices of the surrounding nature.
Parking

Roadside parking at the beginning of Tihu study trail

Amenities

Information board introducing the recreation area is at the beginning of the trail. Information board of the nature reserve is at the middle of the trail. 5 information boards introducing paludification processes. 200 m boardwalk, observation deck with benches. DC at the trail near Tihu forest hut.

Hiking Options

Available

Outdoor Fireplace

Covered Fireplace

Berries-mushrooms

Blueberries, mushrooms

Sights

Here the visitor will find ancient forests, patches of marsh and bog pine forests that smell of marsh Labrador tea. Lake Tihu is found in the silence of the bog. On the observation deck there you can listen to and watch different water birds and in summer, admire the water-lilies.

Additional Information

  • Campfire can be made at Tihu forest hut at the trail. Outside the forest hut, campfires are prohibited! Accommodation is also possible there.
  • In summer, please take mosquito repellent with you! Take drinking water with you! You cannot count on taking water from Lake Tihu, as the water layer above the floating mud may be too thin!
  • Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Restrictions

Tihu Nature Reserve. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee

Contact

Telephone: +372 676 7111

E-mail: info.ristna@rmk.ee

Object type: study trail

Location info

Location : Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area

Hiiumaa municipality

Navigation instructions : When coming from Õngu (road no. 84), turn to the village road opposite Õngu bus stop. Go straight over Lelu-Leemeti road and continue to an intersection of four roads, where the main road turns left. There a sign directs to Tihu forest hut. Leave your car at the roadside near the crossroad.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.853588
Longitude: 22.527056
L-EST 97x: 414924.5
L-EST 97y: 6524704

Telephone:
+372 676 7111
E-mail:
info.ristna@rmk.ee
Object type:
study trail
Location info
Location:
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
Hiiumaa municipality
Navigation instructions:
When coming from Õngu (road no. 84), turn to the village road opposite Õngu bus stop. Go straight over Lelu-Leemeti road and continue to an intersection of four roads, where the main road turns left. There a sign directs to Tihu forest hut. Leave your car at the roadside near the crossroad.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.853588
Longitude: 22.527056
L-EST 97x: 414924.5
L-EST 97y: 6524704

Where to go

Remmelko campfire site

 
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
Remmelko campfire site
Parking

No parking available

Water

No water source near the campfire site

Amenities

Outdoor fireplace, shelter with a table and benches, dry toilet, waste bin

Outdoor Fireplace

Covered Fireplace

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Contact

Telephone: +372 676 7111

E-mail: info.ristna@rmk.ee

Object type: campfire site

Location info

Location : Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area

Hiiumaa municipality

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.905388
Longitude: 22.981892
L-EST 97x: 441329.2
L-EST 97y: 6530022.2

Telephone:
+372 676 7111
E-mail:
info.ristna@rmk.ee
Object type:
campfire site
Location info
Location:
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
Hiiumaa municipality
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.905388
Longitude: 22.981892
L-EST 97x: 441329.2
L-EST 97y: 6530022.2

Where to go

Ränkaja campfire site

 
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area

Parking

Parking is not available near the site

Water

No water source near the campfire site

Amenities

Outdoor fireplace, shelter with a table and benches, dry toilet, waste bin

Outdoor Fireplace

Covered Fireplace

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Contact

Telephone: +372 676 7499

E-mail: info.ristna@rmk.ee

Object type: campfire site

Location info

Location : Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area

Hiiumaa County

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 59.034493
Longitude: 22.622923
L-EST 97x: 420940.1
L-EST 97y: 6544769.2

Telephone:
+372 676 7499
E-mail:
info.ristna@rmk.ee
Object type:
campfire site
Location info
Location:
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
Hiiumaa County
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 59.034493
Longitude: 22.622923
L-EST 97x: 420940.1
L-EST 97y: 6544769.2

Where to go

RMK hiking route Heltermaa-Ristna-Sarve / Heltermaa-Kärdla (32 km)

 
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
The first section of the Heltermaa-Ristna-Sarve branch of the RMK Hiking Route (aka Hiiumaa branch of the RMK Hiking Route) starts at the Port of Heltermaa.
For the first kilometre, the hiking route goes along the road, then turns off and goes across the Heltermaa-Vahtrepa alvar grassland.
There are bovines on the grassland.
On the other side of the grassland, the trail takes a smaller road but quite soon turns to the forest and goes along a forest path to Kallaste cliff. The first stop on the trail is a few hundred metres further, at an old farmstead – the Remmelko campfire site.
After the campfire site, the trail goes mainly along larger and smaller village roads and local roads.
The next stop is at Sääreküla village – the Säärenina campfire site. The campfire site is not directly on the trail, so hikers need to walk the path to the campfire site and back.
A few kilometres further, at Kukka village, the trail turns off the local road and runs along a forest road up to Kärdla airport.
After passing the airport, the hiking trail goes along the coastal road to the town of Kärdla.
In Kärdla, hikers will find everything they need – stores, restaurants, hotels.
This section of the hiking route ends at the centre of Kärdla, but hikers will find a very good place for camping – the Autobaasi campfire site – at the western border of the town, next to Kärdla hiking trail.
Amenities

The trail is marked with signposts and white-green-white paint markings. The rest stops on the trail and distances between them:

  • Port of Heltermaa- Remmelko campfire site7,6 km
  • Remmelko campfire site - Säärenina campfire site11,5 km
  • Säärenina campfire site-Autobaasi campfire site 20 km

Outdoor Fireplace

Uncovered Fireplace Campsites and campfire sites at the trail

Sights

Vahtrepa alvars, Kallaste cliff, rural landscapes of the eastern coast of Hiiumaa, Kukka windmill, Kärdla meteorite crater, Helmersen rock field

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Contact

Telephone: +372 676 7499
+372 5300 0991

E-mail: info.ristna@rmk.ee

Object type: hiking route

Location info

Location : Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area

Hiiumaa municipality

Telephone:
+372 676 7499
+372 5300 0991
E-mail:
info.ristna@rmk.ee
Object type:
hiking route
Location info
Location:
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
Hiiumaa municipality
Where to go

RMK hiking route Heltermaa-Ristna-Sarve / Kärdla-Ristna (107 km)

 
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
The second section of Hiiumaa branch of the RMK Hiking Route starts at the centre of Kärdla.
While the first section runs mainly along village roads and local roads, the second section is different. Covering a total of 107 km, it is also the longest part of the hiking route’s Hiiumaa branch.
Starting at the central square of Kärdla, the route runs along Tiigi street up to the edge of the town where it gets to Kärdla hiking trail and follows it out of the town. Autobaasi campfire site is at Kärdla hiking trail.
The hiking route departs from Kärdla hiking trail to a sandy forest road, crosses a roadside ditch and turns to a forest path.
On the other side of the forest, the hiking trail goes for a short distance along the road, then returns to a forest path and gets to Tõrvanina campsite.
After the campsite, the hiking route heads towards the centre of Tahkuna peninsula, and through uninhabited areas in the forest to the northern coast of the peninsula.
The hiking route takes a detour to Lõimandi beach and goes along the ridges of old dunes on the northern shore of the peninsula, passing the coastal defence and fortifications dating from the period of World War I and II on Tahkuna peninsula. Tahkuna lighthouse is in the northwestern part of the peninsula.
The trail of the hiking route turns back towards the centre of the peninsula and there, in the middle of the woods, is Ränkaja campfire site, where hikers can put up tents and stop for the night.
Next, the hiking route heads towards the centre of Hiiumaa island, and passes the Kaibaldi heath and sand area. This is the largest sand area in Estonia; it developed as a result of forest fires and use as a Soviet Army training site for heavy military machinery.
After passing Kaibaldi sand area, the trail goes through Sakkasoo heath. Back on the forest road, the trail goes past the recently restored former peat extraction area, curves round the Mõdumaa marshland and along a gravel road to Kapasto forest hut.
Near Kapasto forest hut are the lands of Aruselja farm, where you can also find one of the oldest windmills of Hiiumaa – the Aruselja windmill.
Going on towards Luidja, the trail passes the Pihla bog, the largest wetland of Hiiumaa, and finally gets back to Laasimetsa campfire site.
After Laasimetsa, the trail goes through Hüti village, where Hüti glass workshop, the first glass factory that operated in Estonia, was located.
The hiking trail runs between fields to the coast of Kõpu peninsula and goes through the alder grove of Luidja.
Amenities

The trail is marked with signposts and white-green-white paint markings. The rest stops on the trail and distances between them:
Autobaasi campfire site - Tõrvanina campsite 7 km
Tõrvanina campsite - Ränkaja campfire site 23 km
Ränkaja campfire site - Kapasto forest hut 19 km
Kapasto forest hut - Laasimetsa campfire site11,5 km
Laasimetsa campfire site - Luidja campsite 15 km
Luidja campsite -Palli campsite 5km
Palli campsite - Mägipä campsite-Kalurikoja forest hut 7,5 km
Mägipä campsite-Kalurikoja forest hut -Hirmuste campsite 6 km
Hirmuste campsite -Ristna Visitor Centre 12 km

Hiking Options

Trails starting at the section of the hiking route: Kärdla hiking trail, Palli study trail, Neljateeristi study trail, Hirmuste study trail, Ristna study trail

Outdoor Fireplace

Uncovered Fireplace Campsites and campfire sites at the trail

Sights

Military structures on Tahkuna peninsula, Tahkuna lighthouse, Kaibaldi sand area, Sakkasoo, Aruselja windmill, alder grove at Luidja, Tõnupsi dunes, Ristna lighthouse, military structures of Ristna, Kalana harbour

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Contact

Telephone: +372 676 7499
+372 5300 0991

E-mail: info.ristna@rmk.ee

Object type: hiking route

Location info

Location : Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area

Hiiu county, Hiiumaa municipality

Telephone:
+372 676 7499
+372 5300 0991
E-mail:
info.ristna@rmk.ee
Object type:
hiking route
Location info
Location:
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
Hiiu county, Hiiumaa municipality
Where to go

RMK hiking route Heltermaa-Ristna-Sarve / Ristna-Tihu (36 km)

 
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
The third section of Hiiumaa hiking route starts at Ristna visitor centre and ends at Tihu forest hut.
Some of the best known sights of Hiiumaa are located at this section: the idyllic Kaleste beach, Kõpu lighthouse, Korbi hills, etc.
This section of the route also runs mostly in unpopulated forest areas.
From Ristna visitor centre, the hiking route heads to the coast, where it runs along dune ridges and in a heath pine forest to Kaleste campsite.
Kaleste beach is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Hiiumaa: it is the paradise beach author Tõnu Õnnepalu wrote about in his novel “Paradise”.
From Kaleste campsite, the trail follows the Kaleste study trail and diverges from it to Hiiumaa’s most powerful coastal formations – the Korbi hills.
After passing Korbi hills, there are other hills – Järvemäed, where the trail also goes up and down the dunes.
Finally, the hiking trail crosses the road and gets to the foot of Tornimäe hill, the highest point of both Hiiumaa and the whole of western Estonia. Tornimäe hill is where Kõpu lighthouse, one of the world’s oldest still functioning lighthouses, stands.
Ascent to Tornimäe is quite steep and on rainy days, the path can be slippery and muddy.
Amenities

The trail is marked with signposts and white-green-white paint markings. The rest stops on the trail and distances between them:
Ristna Visitor Centre -Kaleste campsite 4 km
Kaleste campsite -Vanajõe valley campfire site 23 km
Vanajõe valley campfire site -Leemeti forest hut 3 km
Leemeti forest hut -Tihu forest hut 6 km

Hiking Options

Trails starting at the section of the hiking route: Ristna study trail, Kaleste study trail, Rebastemäe study trail, Vanajõe valley study trail, Leemeti hiking trail, Tihu study trail

Outdoor Fireplace

Uncovered Fireplace Campsites and campfire sites at the trail

Sights

Kaleste beach, Korbi hills, Järvemäed hills, Kõpu lighthouse, Kaplimäed hills, Vanajõe river valley, Leemeti hills

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Contact

Telephone: +372 676 7499
+372 5300 0991

E-mail: info.ristna@rmk.ee

Object type: hiking route

Location info

Location : Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area

Hiiu county, Hiiumaa municipality

Telephone:
+372 676 7499
+372 5300 0991
E-mail:
info.ristna@rmk.ee
Object type:
hiking route
Location info
Location:
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
Hiiu county, Hiiumaa municipality
Where to go

RMK hiking route Heltermaa-Ristna-Sarve / Tihu-Sarve (56 km)

 
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
The final part of the Hiiumaa branch of RMK Hiking Route starts at Tihu forest hut and takes the hikers back towards Heltermaa – to Sarve campsite, located just 3 km from the port. Hikers may also want to head for Sõru harbour, where they can take the ferry to Saaremaa island.
On this section of the trail, distances between rest stops are very long and therefore hikers need to prepare for the journey more carefully.
This section also includes a sea crossing between the eastern coast of Kassari island and Hiiumaa, where the water level is low most of the time but you should still be prepared to get your feet wet.
Amenities

The trail is marked with signposts and white-green-white paint markings. The rest stops on the trail and distances between them:
Tihu forest hut - Sääretirbi campsite 29 km
Sääretirbi campsite -Sarve campsite 30,5 km

Hiking Options

Available

Outdoor Fireplace

Uncovered Fireplace Campsites and campfire sites at the trail

Sights

Lake Tihu, Kassari island, Orjaku harbour, Õunaku bay, Salinõmme salt marsh, Sarve alvars

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Contact

Telephone: +372 676 7499
+372 5300 0991

E-mail: info.ristna@rmk.ee

Object type: hiking route

Location info

Location : Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area

Hiiumaa municipality

Telephone:
+372 676 7499
+372 5300 0991
E-mail:
info.ristna@rmk.ee
Object type:
hiking route
Location info
Location:
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
Hiiumaa municipality
Where to go

Tõrvanina study trail (4 km)

 
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
Tõrvanina study trail runs through different types of forest in the varied landscape of the Tareste Landscape Protection Area. Along the 4 km long trail with red indication there are small bog areas between the sand dunes, as well as Tareste bay, reedbed and military heritage from World War II. The trail passes through the habitats of protected plant species and bats.
In the second half of summer and in autumn, it is worth of taking a basket with you. There can be blueberries, lingonberries and mushrooms on the trail.
Parking

At the beginning of the study trail, there is the gravel-covered car park for 10 cars and 2 large buses. It is also possible to park in the parking lot of the neighbouring Tõrvanina campsite.

Water

No drinking water

Amenities

A large information board at the beginning of the trail, 13 information boards on the trail. 2 marsh platforms, a bridge over Tareste stream, a bird watching platform along Tareste Bay. Possibility to use the DC of Tõrvanina campsite.

Hiking Options

Number eight-shaped trail begins and ends at the same point and is doable also partly.

Outdoor Fireplace

Covered Fireplace At Tõrvanina campsite

Berries-mushrooms

Blueberries, lingonberries, mushrooms

Sights

The varied landscape of Tareste Landscape Reserve, Tareste Bay, reedbeds and coastal pastures.

Additional Information

The study trail intersects Hiiumaa hiking route, pay attention to the indication (red!) on the common sections. Camping and fire-making is allowed only in Tõrvanina campsite.
Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Restrictions

The trail is mostly situated in Tareste Landscape Protection Area. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee

Contact

Telephone: +372 6767499

E-mail: info.ristna@rmk.ee

Object type: study trail

Location info

Location : Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area

Tahkuna peninsula, Hiiumaa municipality, Hiiu County

Navigation instructions : From Kärdla - Kõrgessaare highway (road no. 80) turn towards Lehtma. At the 8th km of Kärdla-Lehtma road (road no. 82) turn right (RMK signpost "Tõrvanina") and drive to the parking lot.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 59.039257
Longitude: 22.685617
L-EST 97x: 424601
L-EST 97y: 6545259

Telephone:
+372 6767499
E-mail:
info.ristna@rmk.ee
Object type:
study trail
Location info
Location:
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
Tahkuna peninsula, Hiiumaa municipality, Hiiu County
Navigation instructions:
From Kärdla - Kõrgessaare highway (road no. 80) turn towards Lehtma. At the 8th km of Kärdla-Lehtma road (road no. 82) turn right (RMK signpost "Tõrvanina") and drive to the parking lot.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 59.039257
Longitude: 22.685617
L-EST 97x: 424601
L-EST 97y: 6545259

Where to go

Orjaku study trail’s Silmakare observation tower (700 m from the parking)

 
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
The observation platform is located on the Orjaku study trail, on the former islet Silmakar. You can get there by passing approx. 700m on a boardwalk running through the reeds or by going approx. 200m in a straight line from the cattle gates. The tower offers a view of Käina Bay, where you can observe birds nesting in the bay as well as numerous migrations in spring and autumn. There are a total of 23 islands in the bay, which are shallow and mostly surrounded by reeds. The birdlife of Käina bay is interesting and rich in species. In autumn and spring, 10-15 thousand, maximum 20 thousand water and coastal birds stop at the bay.
Parking

Parking near the Orjaku bay and next to the bird observation tower

Amenities

6 m high wooden observation tower with one intermediate platform, disabled ramp to the 1st intermediate platform, information board about the birds of Käina Bay.

Hiking Options

Orjaku study trail

Sights

View of Käina bay, reeds and coastal pasture.

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Restrictions

Located in Käina Bay–Kassari Nature Reserve. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee

Contact

Telephone: +372 676 7111

E-mail: info.ristna@rmk.ee

Object type: observation tower

Location info

Location : Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area

Orjaku village, Hiiumaa municipality

Navigation instructions : The location marker of the observation tower shows the location of the beginning of the hiking trail on the map.
Drive 3.2 km on Suuremõisa–Käina–Emmaste road to Emmaste, pass the Käina–Kärdla junction. Turn left at the Orjaku junction, drive 2.3 km towards Orjaku. There’s a lighthouse to your left; the parking area, which marks the start of the trail, is next to the lighthouse.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.803004
Longitude: 22.759642
L-EST 97x: 428314.1
L-EST 97y: 6518514.5

Telephone:
+372 676 7111
E-mail:
info.ristna@rmk.ee
Object type:
observation tower
Location info
Location:
Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Recreation Area
Orjaku village, Hiiumaa municipality
Navigation instructions:
The location marker of the observation tower shows the location of the beginning of the hiking trail on the map.
Drive 3.2 km on Suuremõisa–Käina–Emmaste road to Emmaste, pass the Käina–Kärdla junction. Turn left at the Orjaku junction, drive 2.3 km towards Orjaku. There’s a lighthouse to your left; the parking area, which marks the start of the trail, is next to the lighthouse.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.803004
Longitude: 22.759642
L-EST 97x: 428314.1
L-EST 97y: 6518514.5