Orjaku: Nature, Birdwatching and Harbour History

Orjaku combines the landscape of Käina Bay with a historic harbour and varied opportunities for nature observation. The Orjaku nature trail offers a particularly vivid way to experience the area: the route leads through reeds, along the shore and to observation sites, while the harbour provides insights into history, culture and the lives of local fishermen. If you are planning a trip with a range of interests, Orjaku allows you to combine nature experiences, harbour history and seasonal activities.

Nature Experience at Käina Bay

The Orjaku nature trail is located in the Käina Bay–Kassari Nature Reserve and begins at a car park near Orjaku Bay. For most of its length, it follows the shore of Käina Bay. The short circular route leads through tall reeds to Silmakare and is marked with arrows. Different distances are available for planning your day: the Orjaku section is 2 km long, while the shorter Roostiku section is 0.7 km.

The nature trail includes three observation platforms and a roughly 0.4 km-long boardwalk through the reed bed. The route can be walked without getting your feet wet. This allows you to choose the route according to the desired length without missing out on the different landscapes. Käina Bay has been a protected area since 1962, and its birdlife comprises 192 species. The birdwatching tower in Orjaku is one of the largest birdwatching towers in Estonia. In spring and autumn, thousands of migratory birds can be observed from there while they are staying in Käina Bay.

Harbour, History and Summer in Orjaku

The harbour of Orjaku was already used as a fishing site in the 17th century. Orjaku itself was first mentioned in a dated document in 1254. The harbour’s history also includes an earlier plan to use it as a base for torpedo boats of the Imperial Russian Navy. Two breakwaters built for the harbour had been completed by that time and still enclose the harbour today.

Today, the harbour is a yacht harbour and also has a small fishing harbour area for local fishermen. Fishing boat trips are available in Orjaku. The village centre also offers an overview of the history of the village, the manor, the harbour and the gauge house itself. Numerous cultural events take place in the harbour during the summer, while the Orjaku information centre presents exhibitions in summer. During the summer season, the village house at the harbour serves coffee and pastries.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Trip Plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Orjaku, you can first consider what you want your trip to focus on. Those who want to make landscapes and birdwatching the centre of their trip can plan to observe migratory birds in spring or autumn and take the different sections of the nature trail into account. For a shorter route, the 0.7 km-long Roostiku section is a good option; those who would like to plan a longer walk can follow the 2 km-long Orjaku section.

Summer offers a different focus: cultural events, exhibitions, coffee and pastries can then be combined with the opportunities at the harbour. Those more interested in the area’s past can include the overview in the village centre, the history of the harbour and its connection with fishing in their own trip plans. This makes Orjaku an interesting destination both for nature-related discoveries and for a stay with a cultural and maritime focus.

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Orjaku, you can find Jõeranna, Emmaste, Kassari Village, Kärdla and Tubala here.

For the broader travel overview: Hiiumaa.