Harilaid, Peninsula in Saaremaa, Estonia
Harilaid is a peninsula on the northwest coast of Saaremaa extending across approximately 4.5 square kilometers and connected to the mainland through a narrow land bridge of just a few hundred meters. Pine forests dominate the landscape down to the shoreline, where the notable Kiipsaare lighthouse stands.
The peninsula formed through natural coastal processes that gradually transformed an original island into a body of land connected to the mainland. This transformation occurred during the late 17th century and continues to shape the region's geography today.
The Kiipsaare lighthouse serves as a visual landmark that guides visitors exploring the coastline and helps orient them across the peninsula. Locals often reference this tower when describing locations or explaining how to navigate through the area.
The peninsula is accessible via an unpaved road from Kihelkonna, leading to several walking paths through pine forests. Visitors should expect varying ground conditions and wear appropriate footwear, especially during wet weather.
The Kiipsaare lighthouse was originally built about 100 meters inland in 1933 but now stands partially in water. This remarkable change demonstrates how rapidly coastal erosion reshapes the landscape and turns the tower into a living record of this natural process.
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