Salinõmme: Nature, Harbor and Islets

The visitor center of the Hiiumaa laidude maastikukaitseala landscape protection area is located in Salinõmme. The protected landscape also includes the Salinõmme salt meadow. Salt-tolerant coastal plants such as sea blite and grey saltwort have been documented there. The combination of the visitor center, salt meadow and named coastal vegetation therefore brings together several specific natural features of the area. For travelers interested in nature observation, both the protected area and the documented plant life are central attractions. This makes the area especially interesting for travelers who want not only to experience a coastal landscape in general, but also to observe its characteristic natural features.

The area's harbor history dates back to the period after the Salinõmme livestock manor was divided into farms: Salinõmme Harbor was built in 1924. The first facilities of this harbor were constructed in 1942–1943. These two dates describe different stages of development and should therefore not be combined into a single construction phase. There is also Salinõmme Marina. It was established in 1974 with a 30-meter-long wooden pier and its own harbor building. The marina thus represents a later harbor-related development alongside the older history of Salinõmme Harbor. The character of the area is therefore documented by both the development of the harbor and the later marina with its specific facilities.

A three-hour guided hiking package to the farmsteads on Saarnaki is offered from Salinõmme Harbor. The RMK Heltermaa-Ristna-Sarve/Tihu-Sarve hiking trail is marked by kilometer posts, signposts and white-green-white color markings on trees. Navigation therefore relies on fixed trail signs and color markings on trees. These markings give the trail a recognizable structure, without implying any particular trail length, walking time or level of difficulty.

The area around Salinõmme also includes Suuremõisa, Heltermaa, Palade, Kuri, Partsi, Soonlepa, Valipe, Sääre.

When are boat excursions from Salinõmme to the islets possible?

The boat excursion service to the islets departing from Salinõmme operates from April 1 to October 31. It is available only by prior arrangement. A spontaneous excursion without advance registration should therefore not be planned.

Is the birdwatching tower in Salinõmme accessible?

The birdwatching tower in Salinõmme is freely accessible. It is used for nature education and thus complements landscape observation with an explicitly natural-history function.

How can the RMK Heltermaa-Ristna-Sarve/Tihu-Sarve hiking trail be recognized?

The trail is marked by kilometer posts, signposts and white-green-white color markings on trees. These three orientation elements help visitors identify the designated trail route on site.

For the broader travel overview: Pühalepa.