Western Estonia and the Islands

Quick Details

Ages: 13+ Years Old
Duration: 10 Days

Join us for an all out biking adventure in Western Estonia!

Life moves at a different pace here. Explore Hiiumaa, Saaremaa and the western reaches of Estonia with this 10 day self guided tour. Sights include Sääre tirp (the mythical bridge to Saaremaa), Angla windmills, Kaali meteorite crater, Haapsalu, Kärdla, Kuressaare and Estonia’s summer capital Pärnu. Quiet and flat roads.

This tour can be modified according to your needs – some days can be cut into half, you can have rest days in between or stay more than one night in some places. Just let us know how many days you have and how much you would like to cycle per day and we will come out with an itinerary for your needs.

In 2015 West-Estonia and Islands Self-guided bike tour was awarded ECOTOURISM QUALITY MARK OF ESTONIAN TOURISM PRODUCTS EHE (Ehtne ja huvitav Eesti – Genuine and Interesting Estonia). EHE-mark is a quality mark to label tourism products in compliance with the principles of ecotourism. EHE mark for this tour was extended in 2020.

10 days tour

You can start cycling this tour from Tallinn on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Day 1: Bike ride from Tallinn to Padise (65 km / 40 miles)

The tour follows the Northern coast of Estonia. Cliffs are followed by sandy beaches. After some up’s and down’s you will get to Türisalu cliff with the view to the Island of Naissaar and Vääna-Jõesuu. Keila-Joa waterfall, the third most powerful waterfall in Estonia and mystic ruins of Padise Monastery are on your way. Stay in a tourism farm.

Day 2: Bike ride from Padise to Haapsalu (55 km / 34 miles)

Day 2 is just a riding day. For such a small country, the diversity of Estonia’s landscapes is unique in Europe. The route goes through forests and fields and passes some bogs. Day’s highlight is Haapsalu – a charming seaside resort famous for its range of spa hotels and fine beach. The old town is popular too and Haapsalu Castle, haunted by a white lady, hosts many events including various music festivals. Stay in a hotel.

Day 3: Bike ride to island Hiiumaa (10 km + 1.5h on ferry + 28 km / 6.2 miles + 1.5h on ferry + 17.3 miles)

This day the tour takes you to the second largest island in Estonia – Hiiumaa. Formed as a result of a meteorite explosion, Hiiumaa is one of the oldest islands in the world. Hiiumaa is known for its lighthouses, unspoilt nature, Kassari and the sense of humour of its inhabitants. After about 1.5h on the ferry, the route takes you to Hiiumaa’s capital Kärdla, known of it’s cozy islander atmosphere. Stay in a guesthouse or hotel.

Day 4: Bike ride to Saaremaa island (50 km + 1h on ferry + 8 km / 31 miles + 1h on ferry + 4.9 miles)

From Kärdla, the route takes you to South-Hiiumaa and first to Kassari island. On your way is Vaemla Wool Factory, where the yarn is made using authentic machinery from the last century. Romantic Kassari chapel and Sääre tirp peninsula are worth visiting here. In the evening the ferry takes you to the largest island in Estonia – Saaremaa. Stay in a guesthouse.

Day 5: Ride to the capital of Saaremaa – Kuressaare (51 km / 32 miles)

Windmills are considered to be the symbol of Saaremaa. On that day the road takes you to Angla Windmill Mount, where you can see the windmills characteristic of the island of Saaremaa, where you can watch a miller at work and taste homemade bread. Kaali field of meteorite craters -the rarest nature wonder in Estonia, being at the same time the most spectacular in Eurasia is also on your way. Your destination – Kuressaare, is a small and charming summer resort known for its medieval castle. Stay in a hotel next to the castle, sea and beach.

Day 6: Extra day in Kuressaare

This is a rest day in Kuressaare. If you like to cycle more, there is a nice road to the beach or you can do Sõrve peninsula tour. Or just relax and enjoy the summer vibe.

Day 7: Ride to Koguva and Muhu island (78 km / 48 miles)

Bike ride to Muhu island – the place where time rests. Authentic sleepy fishing villages, working windmills, thatched cottages. The day’s highlight is the authentic Koguva village and museum – the best preserved 19th century village in Estonia, where all of the buildings are architectural landmarks. Stay in an authentic tourism farm.

Day 8: Bike ride to Varbla (20 km + 30min Ferry+ 31 km / 12.4 miles + 30min Ferry + 19.2 miles)

The way to Kuivastu harbor goes through Muhu island. Early Gothic style Muhu St Catherine’s Church and handicraft shop Oad and Eed in Liiva are worth visiting. Ferry ride back to the mainland takes only 30 minutes. Cycle route 1 leads to the seaside all the way to Varbla. Stay in a hotel next to the sea.

Day 9: Bike ride to Pärnu (70 km / 43.5 miles)

Quiet road goes through some very small villages and turns to the seaside. Just before Pärnu is Valgeranna beach, a good place to take a break. Summer Capital Pärnu is famous for its beach life and made its way to the list of Russian imperial resorts already in 1890. Long, white sandy beaches, shallow waters and “the best Sun in Estonia” attract Estonians and visiting guests alike. Beach promenade, old town, a lot of cafes and restaurants and relaxed atmosphere. Stay in a guesthouse next to the river, a short ride from the beach.

Day 10: Pärnu and individual departure

Thank you for taking a tour with us! Bicycle tour ends in Pärnu. Bikes will stay in Pärnu, in the last hotel. Public bus back to Tallinn or to Tartu or to Riga.