Hiiumaa is Estonia’s second largest island behind Saaremaa to the south. It is populated by approximately 10,000 residents who make their living off the land as well as the sea. Seasonal tourism is also an important contributor to the local economy. Historically, it is known for an important landmark – Kõpu Lighthouse is one of the oldest in the world.

This part of the Baltic Sea has been a vital trade route for centuries. Starting in the the 13th century, the Hanseatic League was an important commercial enterprise trading throughout the Baltics for 400 years. Navigating the east side of the Baltic Sea to-and-from Tallinn proved treacherous. So, in 1500, a marker was approved for construction on the island that is now known as Hiiumaa. The original limestone structure was completed in 1531.

By the middle of the 17th century, it was heightened and improved to support a continuous fire during nighttime hours. The amount of wood necessary to maintain the flame ultimately deforested much of the Kõpu Peninsula. Eventually new technologies replaced the original light source. It stands on Tower Hill now at a height of 124 feet (38m) for a total of 340 feet (104m) above sea level. To this day, its modern LED beacon continues to provide important assistance to ships navigating this part of the Baltic Sea.

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