Lying 3km off the mainland, Vormsi is a lush green island, covered in forest, juniper heath and occasional stretches of grazing land. Although only about 10km by 20km in size, the air of rustic calm and plentiful walking and cycling opportunities make a visit to Vormsi appealing. It was home to well over 2000 Estonian Swedes until 1944, when the vast majority left to escape the Soviet occupation. Although the island was subsequently repopulated with Estonians, humans are now outnumbered by elk, roe deer and wild boar.

Ferries from the mainland arrive at the small port of Sviby, within easy walking distance of the main settlement, Hullo, 3km west. At the northern end of Hullo, St Olaf’s Church is worth a look for the thicket of wheel-shaped gravestones in its cemetery. Just west of the church, the 2km-long Allika hiking trail guides you through a typical northeast-Estonian landscape of springs and bogs.

Two kilometres southeast of Hullo is the Rumpo Peninsula, a rock-strewn stretch of shoreline backed by juniper heath and peat bog.

Practical Info

Ferries for Vormsi leave from Rohuküla, 10km west of Haapsalu 4-6 times a day.

Info on timetables and tickets can be found on ferry operator Veeteed’s website