Eisma – Coast, Harbour and Nature Experiences

Eisma Harbour is located on the edge of Lahemaa National Park. From there, introductory courses in sailing and maritime safety, boat trips with various sailing boat classes, and nature walks by the sea are offered. Shorter routes of 3 to 5 km are available for these walks. The harbour is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Tallinn and 30 minutes from Rakvere.

Eisma and Andi are regarded as historic fishing villages. Eisma and Andi have also been summer resorts since the late 19th century. The former fishing coast is particularly illustrative: each boat had its own fixed landing place at the water’s edge. The boat sheds had a winch called a “kepsel”, which was used to pull boats ashore. The fishing coast was one of the village’s distinctive sights.

The net sheds are also part of this coastal history. A net shed built on the coast of Eisma at the beginning of the 20th century was transferred to the Estonian Open Air Museum in 1967 as an example of a regionally typical coastal building. The Eisma net shed is part of the “Aarte kaluritalu” exhibition there. The historic buildings were windowless wooden houses with thatched or shingle roofs. Those interested in maritime architecture and regional everyday history can find a tangible connection here to the past of the fishing villages.

At the harbour, you can begin with an introductory course that combines sailing theory and practice with maritime safety. For a different kind of day, nature walks by the sea ranging from 3 to 5 km are offered from the harbour. There are also boat trips with various sailing boat classes in the surrounding area.

Eisma Ceramic and Art Farm offers ceramics and art workshops. A ceramics workshop usually lasts 2.5 to 3 hours and includes all materials, instruction and firing services. An art-in-nature route passes through Eisma and visits the R.-Uutmaa Museum-Atelier. These activities have a different focus from the harbour and fishing coast and can provide a distinct reason for couples or families with different interests to choose this destination.

The Eisma–Oandu stage is designated as a section of the trails in Lahemaa National Park. The Metsa hiking trail runs between Toolse and Eisma along the road. In addition, the coast of Eisma is mentioned as one of the main attractions on EuroVelo cycling routes 10 and 13. Hiking, cycling and nature interests can be weighted differently; the specific choice should suit your planned route.

For comparing other destinations, you can also view Ilumäe, Võsu, Palmse, Koljaku, Rutja, Eru and Lahe.

Accommodation in Eisma is particularly well suited to your plans if harbour activities, coastal trails or the history of the fishing village are the main focus. For a guest vessel to enter the harbour, coordination with the harbour master is required; 12 hours’ advance notice is recommended.

What activities are available at Eisma Harbour?

The harbour’s sailing instructors offer an introductory course in sailing and maritime safety. Boat trips with various sailing boat classes and nature walks by the sea ranging from 3 to 5 km are also offered.

What is known about the history of Eisma?

Eisma is regarded as a historic fishing village. Its coastal history includes fixed landing places for boats, boat sheds with “kepsel” winches and historic net sheds. An Eisma net shed is now part of the “Aarte kaluritalu” exhibition at the Estonian Open Air Museum.

How far is Eisma Harbour from Tallinn and Rakvere?

Eisma Harbour is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Tallinn and 30 minutes from Rakvere.

For the higher-level travel overview: Vihula.