Heltermaa: Hiking Trails, Coastal Landscape and Island Experiences

Heltermaa combines a harbour, island nature and long routes to create a destination with many different holiday ideas. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house on Hiiumaa can choose accommodation here as a base for extended hikes, cycling tours, landscape exploration and a visit to the beach. The range extends from a 234-kilometre hiking trail to a gravelly shoreline with low-growing alvar vegetation.

Hiking through the landscape of Hiiumaa

The RMK Heltermaa–Ristna–Sarve hiking trail begins at the harbour of Heltermaa and is 234 kilometres long. Its length makes it an extensive route for exploring the island. It passes through most of the protected areas on Hiiumaa. This places the landscape itself at the centre of the trip.

There are also rare alvar birch groves in the surroundings of Heltermaa. Their multi-stemmed, gnarled birch trees give the landscape a distinctive character and offer a specific natural attraction away from well-known place names. The valuable Aruküla–Soonlepa–Heltermaa landscape area also includes the harbour of Heltermaa. Those who enjoy spending their days between the coast, open landscapes and natural areas will find various starting points here for planning their own trip.

Cycling Route, Harbour and Arrival

Heltermaa is also a notable starting point for cycling travellers. The cycling route begins at the harbour of Heltermaa, crosses the island towards Kärdla and is 250 kilometres long. The hiking trail and cycling route are two separate options with different lengths. You can therefore consider whether to focus your trip on hiking, cycling, or a combination of landscape experiences and island exploration.

For the journey there, the Rohuküla–Heltermaa ferry connection links Hiiumaa with the Estonian mainland. The harbour is therefore not only part of the local landscape but also an important point of reference for arriving on the island. When choosing accommodation, you may wish to consider Heltermaa especially if the combination of arrival, the harbour area and longer routes is relevant to your trip.

Beach, Water and Handicrafts

Heltermaa beach has a gravelly shoreline with low-growing alvar vegetation. The seawater there is usually among the warmest in the region. These two features define the coastal character of the place and complement activities focused more on distance and movement. Families and other travel groups can thus combine different ideas for their days without every holiday day having to follow the same pattern.

The Heltermaa Handicraft House is also located at the harbour. The handicraft shop is housed in a former tavern, thereby combining local crafts with a historic building. A visit fits into a travel plan that also makes room for the cultural side of the place alongside nature and routes.

Choosing Heltermaa as a Base

A holiday apartment in Heltermaa is an interesting option for travellers who want to combine their arrival point on the island with longer hikes or cycling tours. If you also plan a visit to the beach or a detour to the Heltermaa Handicraft House, you can take these activities into account when choosing the scope of your trip. As you continue your search, compare which accommodation and travel plan best suit your planned activities.

If you would like to compare other places for your trip planning, you can also find Sääre, Suuremõisa, Partsi, Salinõmme, Palade, Kuri, Valipe and Soonlepa here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pühalepa.