The North Coast

Introducing The North Coast

At Viki on the road to Kihelkonna, about 30km from Kuressaare, a 19th-century farm has been preserved as the Mihkli Farm Museum (Talumuuseum; adult/concession 15/10Kr; 10am-6pm). Here you can tour the old wooden farmhouses, rent out the sauna (200Kr per hour) or pitch a tent (camp site 25Kr). Kihelkonna, 3km beyond, has a tall, austere, early German church.

On the western side of the Tagamõisa Peninsula north of Kihelkonna there's an old watchtowerand the ruins of a port where Saaremaans were shipped to Siberia. Further up the peninsula stretches a beautiful and rarely visited coastline. At its northwestern tip is the striking Kiipsaare lighthouse, which leans at a steep angle towards the sea.

East of the peninsula and 1km west of Pidula is the Pidula Fish Farm(454 6513; trout per kg 110Kr; 10am-2pm), where you can 'fish' for trout in stocked ponds. They'll even clean it and cook it for you if you wish. Camping and simple wooden cabins (350Kr) are available.

Heading east from here, you'll pass the town of Mustjala, where you'll find Musta Jala Galerii (5342 1215; 11am-7pm), an art gallery where you can see colourful works by Navitrolla and other Estonian artists. There's a handicrafts shop and a homy café with a garden patio.

North of Mustjala along the Ninase Peninsula is one of Saaremaa's kitschier icons. You can't miss the clunky wooden folk windmill, built to resemble a giant man in traditional costume. Sadly, his counterpart, a giant clothed female windmill, burned down in 2004.

Panga pank, Saaremaa's highest cliffs, run along the northern coast near Panga and offer some lovely panoramic views from the top.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009