Source: Priidu Saart, Visit Estonia
German photographer Johannes Hulsch aka @bokehm0n came on a photo shooting trip to the second largest island in the Baltic Sea, Saaremaa, and to do a sunset photoshoot at Estonia's most famous leaning tower: Kiipsaare lighthouse. When constructed in 1933, it was only 100 metres from the shore, but is now located further out to sea due to changes in the rugged coastline. Storms and waves have also caused the 26-metre lighthouse to tilt, earning it the nickname 'Saaremaa's Tower of Pisa'.
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On the drive to Virtsu harbour, stop at 13th century Koluvere Castle for a photoshoot. Then take the ferry to Muhu island and drive across Väinatamm causeway to Saaremaa. On the way to the island’s capital, swing by Angla windmills for further photos. Have dinner in Kuressaare, a town known for its many spas, and check in at Hotel Saaremaa, tucked away in a pine forest along the coast.
Virtsu Harbour
Virtsu Harbour
Angla Windmill Mount
Angla Windmill Mount
Georg Ots Spa Hotel Restaurant
Georg Ots Spa Hotel Restaurant
Hotel Saaremaa
Hotel Saaremaa
Wake up early and spend sunrise at Sõrve lighthouse and the tip of Sõrve cape. Return to Kuressaare for late breakfast or lunch and to visit the Kuressaare Episcopal Castle. Afterward, drive to the mysterious Kaali meteorite crater field and stop for photos at Kaarma Church of Saints Peter and Paul. Make a worthwhile detour to Panga limestone cliff on the way to Vilsandi National Park to see Kiipsaare lighthouse at sunset.
Tip of Sõrve Cape
Tip of Sõrve Cape
Sõrve Lighthouse
Sõrve Lighthouse
Café Mosaiik
Café Mosaiik
Kuressaare Episcopal Castle
Kuressaare Episcopal Castle
Kaali field of meteorite craters
Kaali field of meteorite craters
Panga cliff
Panga cliff
Harilaiu hiking trails
Harilaiu hiking trails
Kiipsaare lighthouse
Kiipsaare lighthouse
Restaurant Saaremaa Veski
Restaurant Saaremaa Veski
Drive to Papissaare harbour to take a boat to Vilsandi island and lighthouse. Have lunch at Kusti Tourist Farm before visiting Kaavi lighthouse and hunting lodge. Return to Kuressaare for a hearty dinner and spend your last night on Saaremaa.
Kuressaare Episcopal Castle
Kuressaare Episcopal Castle
Vilsandi hiking trails
Vilsandi hiking trails
Kaavi Hunting Lodge
Kaavi Hunting Lodge
Ristorante La Perla
Ristorante La Perla
Enjoy the morning at Koigi bog in eastern Saaremaa before taking a ferry from Kuivastu harbour back to the mainland. After driving the 140 kilometres to Tallinn, do a bit of urban sightseeing in the Old Town, and wind down with a cup of tea or coffee at historical Café Maiasmokk, which has been operating in the same location since 1864.
Koigi bog
Koigi bog
Tallinn Old Town
Tallinn Old Town
Patkuli viewing platform
Patkuli viewing platform
Kohtuotsa viewing platform
Kohtuotsa viewing platform
Tallinn's city wall
Tallinn's city wall
Café Maiasmokk
Café Maiasmokk
Johannes Hulsch is a landscape and travel photographer based in Leipzig, Germany. His Instagram, @bokehm0n, is full of atmospheric landscapes from Iceland to Dubai that will inspire anyone to start packing their bags.