Hiiu (county)

Hiiu (county)

This quiet island of Hiiu county welcomes you with empty roads and the scent of wild juniper. Drive to the center to see the stone **Kõpu** lighthouse which has guided ships for five hundred years from its hilltop perch. The iron **Tahkuna** tower at the northern tip offers a different vibe with its elegant French design standing tall against the Baltic waves. Climbing to the top gives you a panoramic view of the rugged shoals that once claimed many merchant ships. Follow the narrow spit of land at **Sääretirp** where the sea surrounds you on both sides as you walk toward the vanishing point. The **Kärdla** meteorite crater provides a strange geological detour with its ancient circular ridges hidden in the greenery. You will find small farm stands along the way selling smoked fish and local honey. The islanders are known for their dry humor and will often share stories about the island's unique history if you stop for a chat. The **Luidja** beach stretch is a dream for drivers with the road running right alongside white sand and alder forests. Stop at the **Reigi** church to hear stories of local legends and ghosts from centuries past. Hiiu is a place where nature feels untouched and the rhythm of the day follows the tides. Every curve in the road reveals a new view of the sea or a hidden clearing where orchids bloom in the tall grass.

Hiiu (county) highlights

Part of these road trips

Follow the routes that cross this destination

The Scenic Route
The Heritage Drive
Is this a good destination for road trips?

We're curating expert road-trip insights for this destination — check back soon.

When is the best time to visit?

Detailed seasonal travel advice is coming soon.

How long should I spend here?

Our itinerary team is building personalised duration guides — coming soon.

What are the top attractions nearby?

A curated list of must-see nearby highlights is on its way.

History of Hiiu (county)

**Hiiu was literally shaped by a star when a meteorite** crashed into the earth over 455 million years ago, creating the deep circular basin of the Kärdla crater. The island was first officially recorded in 1228, but it became famous during the 1500s as one of the most dangerous places for ships in the Baltic Sea. To stop the constant shipwrecks on the jagged rocks, construction on the massive **Kõpu Lighthouse** began in 1504, making it one of the oldest lighthouses still standing on the planet. In the 1800s, the island transformed from a quiet fishing outpost into a center for high quality production. The **Hüti glass factory** opened in 1628 as the first of its kind in the country, and later, the island became known for its high grade wool. Farmers and sailors lived in small, isolated communities where they built unique wooden windmills and developed a very specific kind of dry humor to pass the time during the long, dark northern winters. The 20th century brought heavy coastal defenses, especially during World War II and the following decades when the island was a strictly guarded border zone. You can still find the massive concrete gun batteries from the 1940s hidden among the junipers at the northern tip. Today, the island feels like a quiet time capsule where the history of the lighthouse keepers and the secrets of the sea are preserved along every winding forest road.
Monk's Travel Secrets

Insider road trip tips,
straight to your inbox.

New routes, hidden stops, and seasonal guides —
written for people who travel by car, not by flight.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe in one click. Read by 12,000+ road trippers.