Spithami: Coastal Trail, Nature and History

Section 52 runs along the Dirhami – Spithami – Nõva Harbour (Rannaküla) route. Põõsaspea Cape is the northwesternmost point of mainland Estonia. The Põõsaspea rest area there lies within the Nõva Nature Reserve, which also includes the village of Spithami. The area thus brings together a striking mainland cape, a nature reserve and a coastal hiking trail.

Section 52 runs along forest paths and beaches. The beach surface is sandy, but in places it is also covered with gravel, rubble and stones; a short section consists of dolomite bedrock.

The small Uuejõe stream is crossed along the section. When the water level is low, you can wade across it; there is also a bridge 0.6 kilometres from its mouth into the sea.

In the Nõva Nature Reserve, you may stay and collect berries, mushrooms and other non-timber forest products, in each case subject to the nature reserve regulations. Cycling is permitted on the paths and additionally on the designated routes. In the water area, you may use non-motorised watercraft; pedal boats and water bicycles are exempt from this restriction.

The Liivanõmme nature trail can be accessed from the Uuejõe campfire site in Spithami. Ancient, gnarled pines known as Hongad grow along the RMK Liivanõmme nature trail in the area between Peraküla and Spithami. Some of these trees may be more than 300 years old. On the nature trail, the Hongad are considered an interesting sight, especially at dusk. Their name and possible age give this section of forest a distinct character, without implying any specific duration of a visit.

The coastal hiking trail passes a historic tar pit. Tar was burned there from pine and spruce wood. The history of the area also includes the coastal Swedish period, which dates back to before the 1940s. During the Soviet era, Spithami was home to a border guard post and a missile base.

Soviet military heritage is also documented in the village landscape. Spithami Radar Station is a relic of the Soviet era; its ruins preserve several infrastructure elements. An observation platform was built at the site of the former radar equipment. Another historical marker was created in 2014: a monument was erected then to Estonian-born scouts who took part in the firefight on Spithami beach.

A geological feature can be found at the limestone cliff of Spithami Harbour. There you can find dark, brown-black, angular breccias from the surroundings of the Neugrund meteorite crater. Breccias are rocks made up of angular fragments. The impact associated with this material occurred 475 million years ago, several dozen kilometres away on the seabed.

If you would like to compare several destinations when planning your trip, you can also include Elbiku, Dirhami and Tuksi. The selection can be expanded to include Pürksi, Paslepa, Rooslepa and Einbi. This keeps Spithami recognisable as a destination in its own right, with its coastal trail, nature reserve and culture of remembrance.

Is Spithami rand beach open to the public?

Spithami rand beach is listed in the water register as open for public use.

What was produced in the historic tar pit?

Tar was burned from pine and spruce wood in the historic tar pit.

What does the 2014 monument commemorate?

It commemorates Estonian-born scouts who took part in the firefight on Spithami beach.

What remains of Spithami Radar Station?

Ruins with several infrastructure elements remain from Spithami Radar Station; an observation platform was built at the site of the former radar equipment.

To the main travel overview: Noarootsi.