Discover Vormsi Parish: Coasts, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Vormsi Parish encompasses the Vormsi Landscape Protected Area, the fossil-rich coast of Saxby, as well as St Olav’s Church, Vormsi Cemetery and museums.

The Vormsi Landscape Protected Area was established in 2000 to protect the characteristic landscape of the archipelago in western Estonia and the endangered cultural landscapes typical of the region. Prästvike is a former sea lagoon. The reed beds of Lake Prästvike provide food and shelter for birds, including bitterns and greylag geese.

The Allika Hiking Trail is 2 kilometres long and leads to three different springs.

What characterises the landscape of Vormsi Parish?

The Vormsi Landscape Protected Area provides a habitat for breeding common terns, little terns, bitterns, greylag geese and western marsh harriers. The Rumpo Peninsula is home to unique and rare lichen communities.

Geologically, the Huitberg limestone outcrop stands out. It is an Ordovician coral reef structure measuring approximately 500 square metres and rising 2.5 metres above the surrounding plain. Fossilised corals and other Ordovician fossils are visible at the Huitberg limestone outcrop.

Fossil-rich Ordovician limestone emerges along the coast of Saxby. Saxby Beach also features a limestone outcrop and boulder ridges extending far inland across the island.

Which trails lead through the landscape?

The Rumpo Hiking Trail has viewpoints overlooking the bays of Hullo and Sviby as well as the offshore islets. The Rumpo Hiking Trail can be explored on foot or by bicycle.

The Lääne-Vormsi Cycling Route is also relevant for cycling travellers. It runs along the coast of Saxby and is managed by Vormsi Municipality.

Which cultural sites tell the story of Vormsi?

St Olav’s Church dates from the first half of the 14th century. It has a square nave, old ceiling paintings in the chancel and no tower.

Vormsi Cemetery contains more than 300 ring crosses dating from 1743 to 1923. With 343 ring crosses, it has the world’s largest collection of ring crosses.

The Vormsi Farm Museum displays a restored farm typical of the Vormsi Swedes from the period before the Second World War. On display are authentically renovated buildings with thatched roofs, an extensive collection of household items and clothing, as well as photo exhibitions about life on Vormsi and in other coastal Swedish areas.

The Vormsi Farm Museum also includes a functioning traditional smoke sauna. The Six Foot Museum displays more than 550 antiques from Vormsi.

Which guided experiences complement visits to the sites?

Animals’ Visit on Vormsi Island is a guided encounter with animals in their everyday surroundings.

The Herbal Remedy Walk lasts 2 to 3 hours and ends with tea shared by the participants.

How can a hotel in Vormsi Parish fit into your travel plans?

A day planned around a hotel in Vormsi Parish can include the 2-kilometre-long Allika Hiking Trail, the Rumpo Hiking Trail with viewpoints overlooking the bays of Hullo and Sviby as well as the offshore islets, the fossil-rich coast of Saxby, as well as St Olav’s Church, the cemetery and the museums.

Other places in Lääne County

Förby, Nõva, Taebla, Haapsalu, Kullamaa, Ridala, Risti and Noarootsi.

FAQ

What does the Vormsi ferry transport?

The Vormsi ferry transports cars and pedestrians.

Can Saxby Lighthouse be visited outside the official opening hours?

Visits to Saxby Lighthouse are possible outside the official opening hours by appointment at +372 5249 944. Saxby Lighthouse is recognised as an architectural monument.

What is planned for a visit to the Six Foot Museum?

A museum guide is provided for a planned visit. Please announce your visit in advance by calling 5201695.

How long does the Herbal Remedy Walk take?

The Herbal Remedy Walk lasts 2 to 3 hours. During the walk, visitors learn to identify common medicinal plants and discuss their uses; it ends with tea shared by the participants.

What tours does Marine Transport from Nordgrund offer?

Marine Transport from Nordgrund offers guided experience tours for up to 10 people, including seal-watching tours and nature hikes with a local guide.

To the overarching travel overview: Lääne County.