Organizer: Viitong Reisid LLC / Pärimusmatkad (www.parimusmatkad.ee)
Venue: Harilaiu peninsula, western part of Vilsandi Nature Park, West Saaremaa
Season: year-round
Participants: 6-20 people
Duration: 5-6 h
Price per participant: 450 EEK
Product introduction:
• We invite you to discover one of Estonia’s most western parts – Harilaiu peninsula, lying in Vilsandi National Park (it is both Estonia’s as well as former Tsarist Russia’s oldest nature reserve).
• We meet in the parking area in front of Kihelkonna local shop.
• First, we go to see one of the greatest buildings of Saaremaa – the church (13th century) of historical Kihelkonna and, standing next to it, the most unique bell-tower in the whole Baltic (17th century). Over the surroundings, including Vislandi and several lighthouses opens a spectacular view from the church tower.
• Onwards we drive along the old village roads to Tagamõisa peninsula and to the parking area of Haagi cove, where the car(s) are left.
• From here we proceed on foot. The hiking track passes along the diverse seashore covered with tender flora up to Kiipsaare lighthouse (1933), which has become slanted because of the effects of sea breeze and waters (and pulled itself straight again in the beginning of 2008). On the way to the beacon the hikers have a chance for a wonderful view to the sea and, in the distance, Vilsandi with its nearly 200-year-old lighthouse. While going to Kiipsaare the guide introduces the life and circumstances of Saaremaa’s inhabitants throughout time, you find out who vandiraijujad (guy rope hewers) were, what haakrik is, and a lot more exciting. Of course a review of Vilsandi National Park and the fauna and flora of the peninsula is given.
• There is a stop and a short picnic at the lighthouse. Is case of agreeable weather and preference, there is a stop for a swim.
• The second part of the hike brings us back to the starting point. The track goes along a rather differently featured opposite bank or, as a quicker alternative, through a pine forest.
