A nature trail, manor heritage and the harbour offer different ways to experience Kõrgessaare. In Kõrgessaare, the RMK Orchid Study Trail represents nature, the manor offers a glimpse of architectural history, and the harbour is linked to literature and cultural events. Viscosa offers an additional perspective on Hiiumaa’s industrial history. You can explore nature, local history and a programme of events as distinct areas of interest.
Nature on the Orchid Study Trail
Ten orchid species grow naturally along the RMK Kõrgessaare Orchid Study Trail. Information boards accompany the boardwalk, which takes 15 minutes to walk. This makes it easy to plan the trail as a short nature activity; its particular focus is orchids, rather than an extended hike. The boards add an explanatory dimension to the walk. If you are planning a trip around different interests, this offers a clearly defined way to explore the plant life.
Kõrgessaare Manor and its history
Kõrgessaare Manor was founded in the late 16th century by the Russian boyar Perwoy Putilov. The surviving buildings include the storehouse, steward’s house, servants’ house and stables, as well as parts of two lime kilns; the main building has been destroyed. The remaining buildings represent different functions of an estate: storage, administration, living quarters and stable work are all part of the surviving heritage, alongside traces of the lime kilns. The history can therefore be traced through several kinds of buildings, while the destroyed main building marks a significant gap in what remains today.
A later chapter leads to the island’s industrial history through its owner, Count Jakob De la Gardie. He founded the first Estonian glass factory on Hiiumaa. This historical thread thus runs from Kõrgessaare Manor to early glass production on Hiiumaa, without relying on a single building to tell the whole story.
The harbour, Lestafest and literature
Kõrgessaare Harbour, also known as Hohenholm, is a central setting in Herman Sergo’s novel series “Näkimadalad” and in the book “Randröövel”. The latter deals with the lives of Hiiumaa’s Swedish population in the 18th century. The literary connection encompasses both the harbour as a setting and the portrayal of a specific historical community and period. Those interested in local history will find a literary perspective on Hiiumaa here, alongside the manor’s architectural traces.
The Kõrgessaare Lestafest was held for the twelfth time in 2025: that year’s edition took place on 9 August at Kõrgessaare Harbour. The festival introduces recreational anglers to various ways of catching flounder. The programme for 2026 also listed family activities and a fish-preparation workshop with chef Stella Kurik from Toiduakadeemia. Individual activities may vary from one edition to another. If you have a particular theme in mind for your visit, it is worth checking the date and programme for the relevant edition.
Viscosa on Hiiumaa: industrial culture and activities
On Hiiumaa, Viscosa offers another way to explore industrial history: the cultural factory is located on the site of a viscose factory dating from the Tsarist era and covers a complex of more than 12,000 square metres. The outdoor area has a pump track for practising cycling. Here, industrial history is combined with a specific leisure activity that differs from visiting the buildings.
A guided tour of the factory grounds lasts 60 minutes and costs €120 per group. Booking details may change; confirm them in advance if you plan to take the tour. The duration differs considerably from the Orchid Study Trail’s 15-minute boardwalk: one option offers a brief nature observation, while the other provides a longer guided look at industrial history. This comparison helps with planning your time and shows how varied the possible areas of interest are.
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