Section 52 of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Trail passes through Spithami, following the route from Dirhami via Spithami to the port of Nõva (Rannaküla). Coastal trails, gnarled pines and traces of different eras give the village its varied character. When planning your trip, it is worth considering both the condition of the hiking route and the nature and history topics that interest you most.
Hiking Section 52
The route alternates between forest paths and beaches. The surface is not uniformly sandy: in places, gravel, pebbles and stones cover the beach, and a short stretch consists of dolomite bedrock. Those choosing the coastal route can expect changing surfaces rather than a uniform trail.
One specific landmark is the small Uuejõe stream, which Section 52 crosses. At low water, it can be waded across; water levels can vary. A bridge is located 0.6 km from where the stream meets the sea. Trail conditions can change with the seasons, so it is advisable to check the current route conditions before setting out.
Nature and Trails in Nõva Nature Reserve
Nõva Nature Reserve includes the village of Spithami. You may visit the reserve and gather berries, mushrooms and other forest products, subject to the reserve rules. Seasonal restrictions may apply; check the rules before your visit. Cycling and water activities are also subject to different conditions: cycling is permitted on the trails and on designated routes. Non-motorised watercraft are permitted in the water area, with the exception of pedal boats or water bikes. Observe the posted restrictions.
The Liivanõmme nature trail can be accessed from the Uuejõe campfire site in Spithami. In the area between Peraküla and Spithami, old, gnarled pines known as Hongad grow alongside the trail. Some may be more than 300 years old; the Hongad are considered an interesting sight, especially at dusk. Põõsaspea Cape is the northwesternmost point of mainland Estonia. The Põõsaspea rest area is located in Nõva Nature Reserve.
Coastal Landscape and History
A historic tar pit lies on the coastal hiking trail in Spithami, where tar was produced from pine and spruce wood. The history of the village also reaches back to the era of coastal Swedes, which lasted until the period before the 1940s. During the Soviet era, Spithami was home to a border guard post and a missile base. These historical connections belong to different periods and can be explored separately when visiting the area.
The Kozlov memorial stone commemorates Russian officer Mikhail Kozlov, who died on the beach in 1951 during an attempted landing operation. In 2014, a monument was erected to ethnic Estonian scouts who took part in the firefight on Spithami beach. At the limestone cliff by Spithami harbour, you can also find dark, brown-black, angular breccias from the vicinity of the Neugrund meteorite crater. The impact occurred 475 million years ago, several dozen kilometres away on the seabed.
Spithami radar station is a remnant of the Soviet era and part of the Soviet military heritage; its ruins preserve some infrastructure elements. An observation platform was built on the site of the former radar device. As the condition of the site may change, it is advisable to check it before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Rooslepa, Dirhami, Einbi, PĂĽrksi, Elbiku, Paslepa, Tuksi.
Return to the main travel overview: Noarootsi.
