Ristna Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse in Kalana, Estonia.
Ristna Lighthouse is a metal tower standing 30 meters tall on the northern headland of Hiiumaa island, built to guide ships through these foggy waters. The site includes the tower itself, several outbuildings from the 1800s, and spans a windswept landscape at Estonia's western edge.
Construction was completed in 1874 using imported French components to serve this treacherous coast. The structure sustained damage during the First World War and was restored in the following decade.
The lighthouse complex and its surrounding structures reflect how maritime life shaped this remote coastal area over generations. Walking here, you see where lighthouse keepers once lived and worked alongside the tower.
The site is most accessible from late spring through early autumn, with favorable visiting conditions on most weekdays during this period. Bring windproof and waterproof clothing, as the exposed headland location means frequent strong winds and rough weather.
Since 1994, the tower has functioned as a Global Navigation System station alongside its traditional beacon work. This dual role blends old maritime practices with contemporary satellite technology.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
