Kõrgessaare – Culture, Manor History and Nature on Hiiumaa

The clearly distinguishable themes of the destination include the Viscosa cultural factory on the site of a viscose factory dating from the Tsarist era, the remains of Kõrgessaare Manor, the RMK Orchid Nature Trail and Kõrgessaare Harbour, also known as Hohenholm. This profile is complemented by the Kõrgessaare Lestafest, which was held for the 12th time in 2025. When choosing a hotel or other accommodation, you can therefore first decide whether culture, history, nature or an event-related aspect should be the focus of your trip.

Viscosa is a cultural factory in a complex covering more than 12,000 square metres. The site preserves its connection to a viscose factory dating from the Tsarist era and combines this industrial history with a present-day cultural venue. The outdoor area also has a pump track for practising cycling. This is a separate component of the site and complements the historical focus with a practical activity.

A 60-minute guided tour of the factory site is offered for €120 per group. This distinguishes the visit from merely viewing the site from outside: the tour is presented as a separate offer with clearly defined duration and price.

Kõrgessaare Manor was founded in the late 16th century by the Russian boyar Perwoy Putilov. A later owner was Count Jakob De la Gardie, who founded the first Estonian glass factory on Hiiumaa. The manor’s history therefore extends beyond the local estate and is also connected with the island’s economic and industrial history.

The warehouse, steward’s house, servants’ house, stables and parts of two lime kilns have survived from the manor. The main building has been destroyed. This distinction is important when visiting: today’s view of the manor consists of surviving ancillary buildings and remnants, not a fully preserved manor house.

The RMK Kõrgessaare Orchid Nature Trail offers a short introduction to nature. The route follows a boardwalk and is equipped with information boards. Ten orchid species grow naturally in the area. The trail is therefore suited to families and other travellers looking for a manageable nature attraction with explanatory information, giving it a different focus from Kõrgessaare’s cultural and historical sites.

The Lestafest offers activities for the whole family. At the festival, recreational anglers are introduced to various ways of catching flatfish. The programme also includes a fish-preparation workshop with chef Stella Kurik from Toiduakadeemia. The festival mentioned took place on 9 August 2025 at Kõrgessaare Harbour; this date is in the past and does not constitute a future event date.

Kõrgessaare Harbour, also known as Hohenholm, is a central setting in Herman Sergo’s novel series “Näkimadalad”. The book “Randröövel”, which deals with the life of Hiiumaa’s Swedish population in the 18th century, also establishes a connection with this place. The harbour is therefore relevant not only in connection with the Lestafest, but also as a literary setting.

If you would like to compare Kõrgessaare with other destinations, you can also include Kalana, Poama, Mudaste, Jõesuu and Suureranna in your further research.

How long does the Viscosa tour take?

The guided tour of the factory site lasts 60 minutes and costs €120 per group.

What can be seen on the RMK Kõrgessaare Orchid Nature Trail?

Ten orchid species grow naturally along the trail. The boardwalk can be walked in 15 minutes and is equipped with information boards.

Which buildings of Kõrgessaare Manor have survived?

The warehouse, steward’s house, servants’ house, stables and parts of two lime kilns have survived.

When and where was the Kõrgessaare Lestafest 2025 held?

The Lestafest 2025 took place on 9 August 2025 at Kõrgessaare Harbour. It was the twelfth edition of the festival.

To the main travel overview: Kõrgessaare.