Förby – Coastal Landscape, Forest and Village History

Förby combines the landscape of a coastal village with special insights into the history of Vormsi. Situated between fields and coastal meadows, it is an interesting starting point for anyone who wants to combine nature, outdoor activities, local craft offerings and historical traces on their island trip. When looking for a holiday apartment in Förby, you can therefore consider whether you primarily want to experience the coastal landscape, forest trails or the history of the former village.

Between the Coast, Forest and Cycle Path

The marked Lääne-Vormsi cycle path runs along the coast of Förby. Anyone wishing to explore the island by bicycle will find a clearly designated route directly connected to the village. For a walking excursion, a forest path leads from Förby towards Fällarna in the central part of Vormsi. The forest path leading from Förby also passes two notable natural attractions: the Huitberg coral reef and the limestone outcrop of the Pirgu Stage.

The Suuremõisa Forest near Förby also shapes the character of the surrounding area. It is the largest state-owned forest area on Vormsi. As a result, different landscape impressions come together in and around Förby: coastal meadows and fields by the village, a marked cycle path along the coast, as well as forests and geological features in the interior of the island. Depending on whether you are planning an active day by bicycle or a nature-focused discovery on foot, your stay can be arranged in different ways.

Discover Förby’s History

Förby was once a populous village with 34 farms and 195 inhabitants. In 1943/44, 152 people left Förby. The settlement developed from a clustered village into a structure characteristic of a chain village. In the area of the former clustered village, the foundations of several destroyed farms have been preserved. These traces give the village a historical dimension that can be experienced on a walk alongside today’s landscape of coastal meadows, fields and forest.

The village’s maritime past is also part of its history. Before the Second World War, the largest harbour on Vormsi was located between Förby and Bussby. Pit timber was shipped to England through the former harbour. Anyone interested in the development of the island, former economic routes and the changes affecting rural settlements will therefore find more in Förby than a beautiful landscape: the village tells stories of village life, emigration and trade.

Workshops and Special Experiences

Uus-Backesa in Förby offers visitor workshops on preparing food, as well as workshops in handicrafts and arts and crafts. These activities complement walks and cycling tours with a practical, local experience. The herbal remedies walk begins and ends at the Uus-Backesa farm in Förby village or at another agreed location. Anyone interested in plants, traditional activities or trying things out together can include these experiences in their travel plans.

Förby as a Starting Point for Your Vormsi Trip

The island of Vormsi can be reached from the Estonian mainland by car ferry from the port of Rohuküla. When planning your accommodation, the island is therefore the first key consideration; as part of your travel planning, you can then decide whether Förby’s coastal location, the forest paths, the historical traces or the workshops best match your interests. A holiday apartment in Förby particularly appeals to those who want to shape their stay around a place with natural, cultural and local history.

For the main travel overview: Vormsi Parish.