Vilsandi National Park

Vilsandi rahvuspark

Estonia's oldest nature reserve, a mosaic of small islands, coastal meadows and shallow seas protecting seabirds and grey seals. It is a paradise for birdwatchers and hikers seeking untouched Baltic wilderness.

Things to do

• Birdwatching at Vilsandi Island — Spot barnacle geese, eiders and countless migratory seabirds across the island's shallow waters and skerries, a haven since Estonia's first bird reserve was founded here in 1910.
• Grey seal spotting — Watch colonies of grey seals hauled out on the outer islets and reefs, best viewed by boat around the western skerries.
• Hike the Vilsandi nature trail — Follow marked paths across juniper-covered pastures, coastal meadows and shingle beaches for a taste of untouched Baltic wilderness.
• Visit Kiipsaare lighthouse — Walk to the leaning, tilted lighthouse on the Harilaid peninsula, slowly reclaimed by the shifting sands and sea.
• Explore Vaika islets by kayak — Paddle among the small Vaika islands where ornithologist Artur Toom pioneered bird protection in the early 20th century.
• Boat trip to Vilsandi from Papissaare — Cross from the tiny harbour at Papissaare, or walk the shallow ford at low tide, to reach the main island.
• Discover Vilsandi's fossil-rich cliffs — Search the limestone shores and coastal ledges for ancient Silurian coral fossils embedded in the rock.
• Stargazing and dark skies — With minimal light pollution, the island offers exceptionally dark skies for observing stars over the Baltic.

Food to try

• Fresh Baltic fish — Sample locally caught flounder, herring and perch, often smoked or pan-fried in island homes and small guesthouses.
• Suitsukala (smoked fish) — Try traditional smoked fish prepared over alder wood, a staple of Saaremaa and the western islands.
• Saaremaa black bread — Dense, dark rye bread served with butter and fish, a cornerstone of every Estonian island meal.
• Kama — A traditional Estonian mix of roasted grain flours blended with kefir or buttermilk for a filling snack or dessert.
• Home-brewed island beer — Saaremaa's farmhouse ale (koduõlu) is a rustic, traditional brew still made in the western islands.
• Foraged berries and juniper — Seasonal wild berries and juniper-flavoured products reflect the island's abundant heath and meadow landscapes.

Local customs & good to know

• Book accommodation ahead — Vilsandi has only a handful of guesthouses and homestays, so arrange lodging and boat transfers well in advance.
• Respect nesting seasons — During spring and early summer bird nesting, stick to marked trails and keep distance from breeding colonies.
• Check tides for the ford crossing — You can walk to Vilsandi across the shallow sea at low tide, but confirm conditions locally before setting out.
• Carry cash and supplies — There are no shops or ATMs on Vilsandi, so bring food, water and cash for your stay.

Nearby

• Kihelkonna — 9 km
• Panga Cliff — 33 km
• Kuressaare — 41 km
• Kuressaare Episcopal Castle — 41 km