May 2014

Estonian islands on the west of the country are considered as one of the most beautiful spots and absolutely a must-see spot in Estonia. But what is even better about them is their interest for cyclists-beginners. Baltic countries are known to be absolutely flat, but islands Saaremaa and Hiiumaa in addition to this are completely empty. Good asphalt roads and serein nature exclusively for yourself – what can be better?

Cycling in Estonian islands, Saaremaa

Cycling and Itinerary

Time: 4 days
Total distance: 120 km
Itinerary:

How to get there?

By ferry for example. There is a regular connection between the continent and Hiiumaa island, as well as between Hiiumaa and Saaremaa (less regular though). Saaremaa is accessible via the bridge connecting with the little island Muhu, and from Muhu – another ferry to Virtsu. Bicycles are admitted, the cost of transportation will be slightly more expensive, but not violently. All the information and prices can be found here.

Cycling in Estonian islands

Accommodation

During this trip we tried: – a night in a hotel (empty, creepy and ridiculously expensive), CouchSurfing (worked great in Kuressaare, the islands capital) and a night in… Mõis. What the hell is this? Very simple – it’s a name of a manor in the Baltic countries. They used to belong to the rich, just like the castles in England belonged to the lords, but not many of them keep their manors in order these days. Some owners of mõis turn them into hotels or B&Bs with authentic Estonian décor. As we were celebrating our wedding anniversary, we offered ourselves a night in Oti Manor. His owner is an American of Estonian origin, who came back to his parent’s Motherland.

Cycling in Estonian islands, Saaremaa, Mosa
Cycling in Estonian islands, Saaremaa, Mosa

What to see?

First of all, enjoy the peace and solitude. :) That is something absolutely fantastic on the Estonian islands. Otherwise, make sure you visit:

Hundreds of windmills. They can be found anywhere and are the true trademark of the islands.

The coast of Kassari (Hiiumaa island). An amazingly beautiful, especially by the sunset, spot with the quintessence of Estonian sceneries.

Cycling in Estonian islands, Saaremaa
Cycling in Estonian islands, Saaremaa
Cycling in Estonian islands, Saaremaa
Cycling in Estonian islands, Saaremaa

Panga cliff (Saaremaa island) – the highest cliff of the island with beautiful colours. A great spot for a picnic pause!

Castle of Kuressaare. Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa, is a cute little town, which seems crowded in comparison to the rest of the island. Its main point of interest is its 14th century castle, but make sure to walk around the town itself too! By the way, the castle looks much better after a meal after a long cycling day!

Kaali crater – a lake formed as a result of a meteorite fallen on Saaremaa around 4 thousand years ago. Saaremaa recieved quite a plenty of meteorites, but this lake is a pure perfection – it’s unbelievable that it was nature, which made such a perfect shape itself. I think this is the spot I liked the most on the whole island.

Cycling in Estonian islands, Saaremaa, Kaali lake

Muhu St. Catherine’s Church (Muhu island) – simple but touching, this 13th century church is another beautiful architecture spot to see on the islands.

Muhu church, Estonian islands
Muhu church, Estonian islands

Sea, beach, birds, cows, peace. Nature stays nature, and it’s beautiful always and everywhere. If you get lucky, you will even probably see the seals!

Cycling in Estonian islands, Saaremaa
Cycling in Estonian islands, Saaremaa

Unfortunately, our timing didn’t allow seeing the stunning lighthouses of Saaremaa, or enjoying more natural wonders, but even 4 days cycling left us only the best impressions about this place.

If you have ever been there, tell us what you liked about the islands the most.

Cycling in Estonian islands, Saaremaa

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Estonian islands - best place for cycling ever