Harilaiu study trail (12 km)

Diverse and deserted coastal nature. Low and vast horizon, wind, golden sand and mighty waves. Interesting dune landscape, trees and bushes subjected to wind.

Harilaid, a windswept peninsula in Vilsandi National Park, is circled by this 12 km trail, which takes at least three hours. It is empty coastal country: a low horizon, golden sand, shingle ridges, dunes, relict lakes, trees bent flat by the wind and the voices of seals and seabirds. Old military ruins lie along the way. At the tip stands the Kiipsaare lighthouse, built in 1933 in the middle of the point but now in the sea as the shore has retreated, and leaning more each year. It is private and dangerous to climb, but the point is a fine place to watch birds and seals.