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Photo: KalervoK, CC BY-SA 3.0 ee via Wikimedia Commons
The construction of the cast iron lighthouse began in 1873. Made in Paris, it was brought to Hiiumaa in parts. Two beacons were ordered in Paris – the other one was used for the Ristna lighthouse. Tahkuna and Ristna are the newer ones and stem from the period when iron was used instead of stone, like for Kõpu. In 1941, fighters of the Soviet Army surrendered to the Germans at the foot of this lighthouse. Tahkuna is the highest lighthouse in Estonia - 42.6 m above sea level. It can be seen from a distance of 33 km.
Tahkuna Lighthouse is a lighthouse located in the Tahkuna Peninsula, Hiiu Parish, on the island of Hiiumaa, in Estonia.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
The crown jewel of the exhibition is the BB-316 cannon barrel from the Tahkuna Kukeraba battery. The museum exhibition covers Hiiumaa’s coastal defence structures, armaments, and ammunition. In a simulated barracks, visitors can examine surveillance and communications equipment. There is a reconstruction of a border strip in the yard.
The island has coastal batteries, watchtowers, machine gun bunkers, several airfields and 2 radar stations. The island was a key defensive place for different powers for centuries. Russian Empire's and USSR batteries and military buildings (despite officially being held under heritage protection since 1999) are still there but in a very bad condition due to neglect, but quite interesting to visit. Tahkuna peninsula was strategically very significant in both the First and the Second World Wars. Numerous coastal artillery batteries have been positioned here in order to prevent German warships from entering the Gulf of Finland. Take flashlight with you.
Mihkli Talumuuseum
The Hiiumaa open-air museum introduces local architecture and artefacts from the 19th century. The spacious courtyard is a perfect place for various activities, from tar burning in summer to "Christmas land" in winter. A visit to the unique smoke sauna or a picnic on the edge of the forest are just some additional services the museum is offering.
Ristimägi
By far not as impressive as the Lithuanian equivalent, but good for a stop if you go by anyhow. There is a carpark just nearby. The first cross stemmed from the Swedes in 1781 that had to leave Hiiumaa due to an order of Czarina Katarina II. They were expelled from their farms and supposed to resettle in Ukraine. However, because they had to start their journey in winter, only half of the 1000 people reached the destination at the then later founded Gammalsvenskby village. Finally in 1929, the descendents of these Swedes where allowed by the Soviet Russia to return to Sweden. Most went to Gotland. All following crosses were erected by visitors in remembrance of these Swedes and their difficult journey.
The greatest treasure of the Reigi Church is its art collection.
Soera Talumuuseum
Nearly all characteristic features of the old farmstead have been retained: a long dwelling-cum threshing-barn building, a spacious yard area, storehouses, an outdoor kitchen, a cellar and a small smoke sauna. The central part of the dwelling originates from the middle of the 19th century, the chambers from the second half of the 19th century. Explore also the forest trail and exhibition of local rocks called The House of Rocks.