The 10 Best Lighthouses in Estonia, Estonia

Kihnu lighthouse situates on the most southern tip of Pitkana nose. Lighthouse was brought here in 1864 from England dismounted in pieces and was mounted back on the place. It is one of the four cast iron towers that are extant on our shores. Tower is white, conical shaped and equipped with lamp locker and balcony. The height of the light from the sea level is 31 m and from the ground 29 m.Unfortunately it is not possible to climb up the tower, but at the foot of lighthouse it will be comfy for you to lay on the grass and daydream in the sea wind!Interesting to know!Tower was built at the same time as Vormsi and Virtsu lighthouses and is similar to them from outside.

Tahkuna Lighthouse is situated on the north end of Hiiumaa. The construction of the cast iron lighthouse began in 1873. The lighthouse is assembled of cast iron parts of so-called Gordon system. System is based on prefabricated details, that are easy to transport. That's the reason why this high tower was rather easy to build. Interesting to know:• Czaric Russia bought the lighthouse from the world exhibition of Paris in 1871.• It's the highest lighthouse in Estonia - 42,7 m above the sea level.

In 1646 Livonian governor general Gabriel Oxenstierna had a primitive lighthouse – a beacon – built on a little island located at the tip of Sorve Peninsula. Autumn storms showed that the small island selected for the beacon was unsuitable and the beacon was relocated to the tip of Sorve Peninsula. A stone tower was established there in 1770, but it was destroyed in the Second World War. The present cone-shaped lighthouse of monolithic concrete was built in 1960.Interesting facts: • The height of Sorve Lighthouse from its foot is 52 metres and it is 53 metres above sea level.

The Ristna Lighthouse is located on the Ristna northern cape, which is relatively close to the Kopu Lighthouse, which is built on a rise in the middle of bogs and is therefore often concealed by fog. This was also the reason that the Ristna Lighthouse was built. It was ordered from France in 1873 and started working in 1874. A 7-pood copper bell was also installed in the lighthouse.

The history of the lighthouse began over 500 years ago when a landmark was needed by the Hanseatic League in the first place, as their merchants were complaining about ships disappearing in the Baltic Sea. The highest hill (68 m) of Hiiumaa, the Tornimagi, became the location of the lighthouse.In 1531 a massive stone tower was erected.Interesting to know:• Kopu is the third oldest constantly active lighthouse worldwide• In 1660 iron stairs were constructed on the outer wall of the tower.• In 1810 a staircase was built inside the tower

Vilsandi Lighthouse was built in 1809. The important lighthouse was renovated several times, the most recent extensive repairs were done in 1957 and the lighthouse has not changed since. The period from 1910 to 1941, when the lighthouse was managed by Mr Artur Toom, was one of the most interesting in the history of Vilsandi Lighthouse. He established the Vaika Bird Protection Area, which grew into Vilsandi National Park.Interesting facts:• The height of Vilsandi Lighthouse from its foot is 37 metres and it is 40 metres above sea level.• Visibility from Vilsandi Lighthouse is 18 nautical miles.