The Islands: Saaremaa, Muhumaa and Hiiumaa

During our last week in Estonia, we were lucky enough to visit some of the Islands in Estonia with my Relatives from Viljandi; Elina, Rainer, Ene, Maile,Rasmus and of course, the two girls Tulli and Triin. We stayed at a holiday house owned by their other relatives, on the Island of Muhumaa. Ene had prepared us with a jamm packed, 3 day itinery which allowed us to visit lots of places on the 3 islands of Muhumaa, Saareama and Hiiumaa.

Leah, Ene, Rainer, Elina ja Tulli

We set off early on Thursday morning to catch the ferry to Muhumaa. After getting comfortable in the beautiful, old style holiday cottage, complete with a thatched roof, we set off to explore Saaremaa. We started off by visiting an Ostrigde farm, where we got to feed the funny creatures. Little Tulli was so brave and let them peck the corn out of her hand too! We then continued to drive around the island and soaked in coast views from castle ruins, explored inside old Estonian windmills, watched the sun set over panga cliff and visited the meteor craters at Kaali.

Triin running

Tulli feeding the horses 

Leah ridding the horses

cliff of Panga

Meteor creator of Kaali

The next day we went back to Saaremaa and spent some time exploring the Kuressaare Episcopal Castle and its museum. It was great to see a 13th century castle still standing and used today. After pizza for lunch at the beach, we headed off to Sõrve! Arvi and I were really excited to see the real peninsula in Saaremaa that our Estonian summer camp was named after. Even though there doesn't seem to be much on the Sõrve peninsula except for a lighthouse and a few isolated homes, this was still a very special experiance for us both. As we walked out about 1km to the tip of the penisula, we felt like we were on the edge of the world. Too bad there were no bouys to try to hit because Arvi said Sõrve was covered in perfect stone thowing rocks. On our way back home from Sõrve we saw our first Moose on the side of the road! (thanks to Ene´s Moose- spotting skills). I was very excited because I had been keeping my eye out for them the whole time we have been in Estonia. But it was a female so no antlers... sorry Dad!

Kuressaare Episcopal Castle

Arvi throwing rocks off the point

At Sõrve point

Rasmus and Tulli, Maile, Ene, Elina, Rainer and Triin

Leah and Tulli looking at the Moose

Rock beach

On Saturday, our last day, we took the cars by ferry to Hiijuma Island. Personally, I think this was the most beautiful of the 3 Islands because of its beautiful beaches. We spent the day visiting lighthouses, beaches and a military museum fillled with interesting artifacts from Soviet time. We also visited a memorial for the children lost in the sinking of the ship ´The Estonia´ in 1994. We were sad and moved to learn that none of the children on board survied the tragedy.

Beach in Hiiumaa

Arvi in a little tanker 

Memorial to 'the Estonia'

Before setting off on the Ferry home, we finished off our trip to the Estonian islands with what would be our last meal of herring in Estonia,yum yum! Thanks Ene and family for a great trip!

so much herring