Vormsi
Vormsi[dead link] is a small island in Estonia.
The island is called Ormsö in Swedish.
Understand
Historically Vormsi was inhabited by coastal Swedes and before World War II more than 2500 people lived on the island. During the Soviet period Vormsi was a closed border-zone, where guests could arrive only with government permission. There are approximately 240 inhabitants.
Nature
The nature on the island is very diverse. Vormsi Nature Reserve has been brought to life to protect the numerous plant and bird species supported by coastal grasslands, reed beds, alvars, forests, bays and lagoons.
Get in
By ferry
You can take a ferry to the island from Rohuküla port (108 km from Tallinn and ~10km from Haapsalu) to Sviby in Vormsi. The trip takes 45 minutes and can be booked via phone or online.
If you're going by car, make sure you refuel, because there aren't any petrol stations on Vormsi.
Get around
Vormsi is best toured by bicycle or on foot. Both bikes and boats can be rented on the island.
See
- [dead link] Vormsi Landscape Reserve.
- Vormsi cemetery. See Celtic crosses from the 13th century.
- Norby Rear Light. Lighthouse located in the north-east coast.
- [dead link] Vormsi Farm Museum, Sviby, talumuuseum@vormsi.ee. The museum represents a haven for historical farm buildings, tools, tradition and habits of the Swedish population on the island of Vormsi until 1944.
Do
- Sviby Bicycle and Boat rental, Sviby, ☏ +372 51 78 722, rent@vormsi.ee. Bicycle (1h €5; 8h €10; 24h €15; 48h €20; 72h €30); Rowing boat for 4 people €5/h; Petanque play set €5;
Buy
- Hullo pood, Hullo. Grocery store
Eat
Drink
- Krog №14, Hullo, ☏ +3725141418, krog@krog.ee. Open in summers.
Sleep
The island has several dedicated places for camping - either for free or for a fee. There are also several guest houses.
The official Estonian tourism website provides an extensive list of options for accommodation in Vormsi [dead link].
- Diby kämping, Diby, ☏ +372 52 41 887, lia.ostapenko@gmail.com. Camping, sauna, grill. Open 15 May - 30 September. €16.
- Hullo Hostel (Hostel "Feim & Sull"), Hullo, ☏ +372 5047827, broneerimine@hullohostel.ee. Sauna (€25/h); Camping (€5); Catering. €19.
Go next
- Haapsalu – "Venice of the north", and a major seaside resort and medium-sized port city, good for visiting spas, taking mud baths, sailing and swimming. But also interesting monuments of the middle ages, like the cathedral and the Ruins of Haapsalu Castle, and a famous and picturesque Railway Museum can be seen here.
- Pärnu – Estonia's 4th largest city and the summer capital of Estonia, popular for its balneo-therapy complexes and spa centres, surrounded by numerous beaches.