Vilsandi National Park

Vilsandi National Park is Estonia's oldest marine protected area, established in 1910 as a bird sanctuary and formally designated a national park in 1993. Located off the western coast of Saaremaa island, the park encompasses the small island of Vilsandi, dozens of smaller islets and skerries, and the surrounding marine area. It protects one of the most important seabird nesting sites in the Baltic Sea.

The park was originally created through the efforts of local lighthouse keeper Artur Toom, who began protecting seabird nesting grounds in the early 1900s. His work led to the establishment of the Vaika Bird Sanctuary in 1910, making it one of the oldest nature reserves in Europe. Today, the park covers over 238 km², of which roughly a third is land and the rest the Baltic Sea. The landscape is characterised by low limestone cliffs, juniper heaths, coastal meadows, and windswept beaches.

For nature lovers, Vilsandi National Park is a must-visit. It is home to over 250 bird species, including a large colony of eiders, Arctic terns, and the iconic white-tailed eagle. The marine environment supports grey seals and harbour porpoises. The best time to visit is May–August for birdwatching and wildflowers; the park is also beautiful in September when the seabirds have fledged and the crowds have thinned.

By Plane

Kuressaare Airport (URE) is 50 km south-east. From the airport, take a taxi or bus to Kihelkonna or the park visitor centre.

By Boat

Access to Vilsandi island itself requires a boat. During summer (June–August), organised boat trips depart from Kihelkonna harbour and from the Loona visitor centre. The boat journey takes about 30–45 minutes. Weather-dependent — cancellations are possible in bad conditions. Book in advance.

By Car / Road

The park's visitor centre is at Loona Manor, 5 km west of Kihelkonna. From Kuressaare, drive north-west for 45 km (50 minutes). From Kihelkonna, follow signs to Loona Manor.

Vilsandi and the surrounding islets can only be explored on foot. The organised boat trips include guided walks on the main island. The mainland part of the park (around Loona and Harilaid) has marked hiking trails and boardwalks.

• Vilsandi Island — The main island, with the historic Vilsandi Lighthouse (built 1809), coastal meadows, and seabird colonies. The lighthouse is the most prominent landmark. Guided tours included with boat trips.

• Loona Manor Visitor Centre — Housed in a historic manor building, the centre has exhibits on the park's natural and cultural history, seabird ecology, and marine conservation. Open daily in summer. Entry €3.

• Harilaid Peninsula — A dramatic coastal landscape on the mainland part of the park, with limestone cliffs, juniper heaths, and the iconic Kiipsaare Lighthouse (a leaning lighthouse eroded by the sea).

• Vaika Islands — A group of small islets that form the core of the original 1910 bird sanctuary. Accessible by boat; major seabird nesting site.

• Eider duck colony — The park is famous for its large colony of common eiders (Somateria mollissima), the park's mascot. Thousands nest on the islets in spring and early summer.

• Boat trip to Vilsandi — The highlight visit. Most trips include a guided walk on the island, lighthouse visit, and a circumnavigation of the islets.

• Birdwatching — Spring and early summer are the best seasons. The park is a paradise for ornithologists.

• Hiking on Harilaid — Walk the coastal trails on the Harilaid Peninsula for dramatic sea views and wild landscapes.

• Photography — The coastal scenery, seabird colonies, and the iconic Kiipsaare Lighthouse offer endless photo opportunities.

• Seal watching — Grey seals are often seen hauled out on the outer skerries. Binoculars recommended.

• Loona Manor Café (at the visitor centre) — Simple meals, coffee, cakes, and snacks. Summer only. Mains €5–10.
• For full restaurant service, Kihelkonna (5 km east) or Kuressaare (45 km south-east).

The café serves coffee, soft drinks, and beer. The park has no bars.

• Ranger accommodation (Loona Manor) — Basic rooms available for overnight stays (book in advance). Doubles from €40.
• Kihelkonna Guesthouse — 5 km east in Kihelkonna village, simple rooms from €25.
• Kuressaare — 45 km south-east, full range of hotels and spas from €50–120.

The Loona Visitor Centre shop sells guidebooks, maps, postcards, and local crafts.

• Kihelkonna — 5 km east, a historic village with a medieval church (10 min by car).
• Kuressaare — 45 km south-east, the island capital with the Bishop's Castle (50 min by car).
• Sõrve Peninsula — 60 km south, the southern tip of Saaremaa with dramatic coastal scenery (1 hour by car).
• Kaali Meteorite Crater — 55 km east, an ancient meteorite impact site (1 hour by car).
• Leisi and Angla Windmills — 50 km north-east, iconic Saaremaa windmills (1 hour by car).