Soonlepa – Bay, Bird Migration and Manor Estate History

Soonlepa Bay belongs to the Soonlepa-lahe restricted-use zone in the Hiiumaa laidude Landscape Protection Area, which protects the shallow bay and its communities, including migratory birds. The historical focal point of the area is Soonlepa Manor. The estate includes, among other buildings, a granary from the first half of the 19th century, a surviving working-horse stable and the former distillery cellar. The manor house of Soonlepa has been destroyed.

The bay is characterized not only by its shallow form but also by its ecological significance. The Salinõmme birdwatching tower is considered freely accessible in the surrounding area and important for bird monitoring in Soonlepa Bay. Its free access refers to the tower; no other characteristics of the surrounding area are implied by this.

Soonlepa was a secondary estate of Suuremõisa. At the end of the 18th century, a subsidiary estate was established here. Later, the holdings were expanded with land from the villages of Lepistu and Soonlepa. The granary of Soonlepa Manor was built in the first half of the 19th century. The working-horse stable has survived. The former distillery kitchen has also survived and was converted into a stable. The manor estate complex has not been fully preserved, as the manor house has been destroyed. According to tradition, residents were forcibly relocated to the Alutaguse forest in Virumaa. This account adds a social and regional dimension to the architectural evidence.

Several concerts and performances take place at Soonlepa Manor in summer. On 19 August 2025, the theatre performance “Kalevipojad – Made in Finland” was scheduled there. This date is in the past and is not part of the upcoming programme. The listed building sections also provide a cultural point of interest. The distillery kitchen of Soonlepa Manor is listed as a heritage monument under register number 23612, and the distillery cellar under register number 23613. The listings belong to different buildings. The distillery cellar is the only building in the manor estate complex with a surviving clay-tile roof.

Each cabin at Soonlepa Päikesemajakesed can accommodate up to two people. The capacity refers to the individual cabin; no other amenities are described by this. For further orientation within the same broader local area, you can also compare [Partsi](Partsi), [Sääre](Sääre), [Kuri](Kuri), [Salinõmme](Salinõmme), [Suuremõisa](Suuremõisa), [Valipe](Valipe), [Heltermaa](Heltermaa) and [Palade](Palade).

What was Soonlepa’s relationship with Suuremõisa?

Soonlepa was a secondary estate of Suuremõisa. At the end of the 18th century, a subsidiary estate was established here.

Has the manor house of Soonlepa survived?

No. The manor house has been destroyed; surviving buildings include the granary from the first half of the 19th century and the working-horse stable.

What happened to the former distillery kitchen?

The former distillery kitchen has survived and was converted into a stable.

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