Simisti – an old fishing village on Muhu

• Simisti is an old fishing village; it was first mentioned 375 years ago.
• In the past, families were mainly engaged in fishing.
• Local fishermen used the old harbour to collect fish fry.
• The preserved keeper’s house at the old harbour now houses KALA Resto&Baar.
• A festive dish mentioned in Simiste consists of potatoes, carrots, swedes and salted meat.

For travellers, the village’s former character is evident in specific details: families were mainly engaged in fishing, and local fishermen collected fish fry at the old harbour. Fish fry means young fish—the recorded use therefore identifies a specific part of everyday fishing life at the time.

The preserved keeper’s house at the old harbour now houses KALA Resto&Baar. The restaurant’s menu focuses on Baltic Sea fish and seasonal ingredients. In this way, the historical connection with fishing meets a present-day cuisine centred on fish. Seasonal ingredients may vary; if you are looking for a particular dish, check the current menu.

Another chapter in the island’s history is the historic sea camp. It moved to Simiste on the island of Muhu in 1972; the tent camp operated from 1972 to 1980. This period marks the camp as a clearly defined chapter in recent history.

The stone schoolhouse of Simisti stands in nearby Rässa. It was built in 1933–1934 to a design by Alar Kotli. The building is very rare and remarkable; at the time, it was the first centrally heated house on Muhu. Vassili Kolk designed the heating system. These details make the schoolhouse a specific example of the island’s architectural history.

For a peaceful bike ride, the Muhu Tourism Association recommends heading south, including to Simiste. As riding conditions can change, check them in advance. The recommendation suggests a regional direction and names Simiste as one of the destinations.

At Muhu Namaste, yoga sessions combine movement, breathing exercises and meditation. Open Yoga Week welcomes locals and visitors. If you would like to attend the event, check the dates separately, as they are not given in the general invitation.

The Soonda jõgi also provides a geographical point of reference: the river, also called Soonda oja, flows into the sea at Simiste küla in Muhu municipality. The different place names are useful for identifying the river and the location mentioned precisely.

The small Lõunaranna Harbour lies on the south coast of the island of Muhu and was renovated in 2009. Fuel, electricity and fresh water are available at the pier. If you depend on these harbour services, check their availability before your trip. Lõunaranna Beach is within walking distance of the harbour.

Camping, caravan and tent pitches are also listed for the harbour, along with bicycle, car and boat rentals. Before making specific plans, check whether the pitches or rental options you are interested in are available. This distinguishes the listed amenities from the information about harbour services and beach access.

Discover more travel destinations: Kuivastu, Lalli, Muhu, Liiva and Hellamaa.

When was Simisti first mentioned?

Simisti was first mentioned 375 years ago.

What elements do Muhu Namaste’s yoga sessions combine?

The sessions combine movement, breathing exercises and meditation.

What is within walking distance of Lõunaranna Harbour?

Lõunaranna Beach is within walking distance of the harbour.

What does the menu at KALA Resto&Baar focus on?

It focuses on Baltic Sea fish and seasonal ingredients; individual dishes may vary.

Back to the main travel overview: Muhu Vald.