Biking from West-Estonia to Latvia
About
Tour takes you to West-Estonia and its romantic islands Hiiumaa, Saaremaa and Muhu and continues to summer resort Pärnu and to the shores of Liivi Bay through small towns Häädemeeste and Treimanni to Latvia.
Tour profile
- Pick-up is possible on request
Tour itinerary
You can start this tour from Tallinn on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only. Day 1: Bike ride from Tallinn to Padise (65 km / 40 miles) The tour follows the Northern coast of Estonia. Cliffs are followed by sandy beaches. On your way are Türisalu cliff (enjoy the view!) and the third most powerful waterfall in Estonia – Keila-Joa Waterfall. Accommodation is in tourism farm Day 2: Bike ride from Padise to Haapsalu (55 km /34 miles) This day is just a riding day. Enjoy Estonian diverse nature: the route goes through forests and fields, you will pass some bogs. Day’s highlight is Haapsalu – a charming seaside resort famous for its range of spa hotels and fine beach. The old town is popular too and Haapsalu Castle, haunted by a white lady, hosts many events including various music festivals. Accommodation is in a hotel. Day 3: Bike ride to island Hiiumaa (38 km /24 miles) This day the tour takes you to the second largest island in Estonia – Hiiumaa. Formed as a result of a meteorite explosion Hiiumaa is one of the oldest islands in the world. Hiiumaa is known for its lighthouses, unspoilt nature, Kassari and the sense of humour of its inhabitants. After about 1.5 hrs on ferry, the route takes you to Hiiumaa’s capital Kärdla, known of it’s cosy islander atmosphere. Accommodation is in a small guesthouse. Day 4: bike ride to Saaremaa island (55 km /34 miles) From Kärdla, the route takes you to South-Hiiumaa and first to Kassari island. On your way is Vaemla Wool Factory, where the yarn is made using authentic machineries from last century. Visit romantic Kassari chapel and take a walk (gnarled junipers all around) to the well known Sääre tirp peninsula. In the evening the ferry takes you to the largest island in Estonia – Saaremaa. Overnight is in a tourism farm. Day 5: Ride to the capital of Saaremaa – Kuressaare (51 km /32 miles) Windmills are considered to be the symbol of Saaremaa. On that day road takes you to Angla Windmill Mount, where you can see the windmills characteristic of the island of Saaremaa, watch a miller at work and taste homemade bread. Make a stop in Kaali field of meteorite craters -the rarest nature wonder in Estonia, being at the same time the most spectacular in Eurasia. Your destination – Kuressaare, is a small and charming summer resort known for it’s medieval castle. Stay in a hotel. Day 6: Extra day in Kuressaare If you like, you can cycle to the beach or do the Sõrve peninsula loop. Or just relax and enjoy the summer vibe in Kuressaare. Day 7: Ride to Koguva and Muhu island (78 km / 48 miles) This day’s road takes you to Muhu island. Muhu is the place where time rests – authentic sleepy fishing villages, working windmills, thatched cottages. The day’s highlight is the authentic Koguva village and museum – the best preserved 19th century village in Estonia, where all of the buildings are architectural landmarks. Stay in an authentic tourism farm. Day 8: Bike ride to Varbla (20 km + 0.5 hrs Ferry + 31 km / 12.4 miles + 0.5 hrs + 19.2 miles) From Koguva road takes you through Muhu island. Make a stop in Liiva to visit beautiful, early Gothic style Muhu St Catherine’s Church. Ferry takes you back to the mainland. Follow the road to the seaside to Varbla. Accommodation is in a hotel next to the sea. Day 9: Bike ride to Pärnu (70 km / 43.5 miles) Continue to Estonia’s summer capital Pärnu. Pärnu is famous for its beach life and made its way to the list of Russian imperial resorts already in 1890. Long, white sandy beaches, shallow waters and “the best Sun in Estonia” attract Estonians and visiting guests alike. Make a walk on the beautiful beach promenade, visit the old town, have a cup of coffee in Ammende Villa and just enjoy the atmosphere. Overnightin hotel just next to the river, short ride from beach. Day 10: Bike ride to Ainazi (69 km / 42 miles) This day you will ride to Latvia. Road takes you through small villages where the sea is just next to you. Climb to the bird watching tower in Kabli Bird Station and enjoy fresh baked bread in Kabli village. Accommodation is in Latvian side, in the border town Ainazi. Day 11: Cycling to Limbazi (77 km / 47 miles) Quiet road takes you to the small Latvian village Limbazi. Visit Limbazi medieval Castle Ruins and viewing platform. Accommodation is in a small village nearby Limbazi. Day 12: Bike ride to Latvian’s most beautiful town Sigulda (54 km /34 miles) On your way out of Limabazi is a bakery. Fresh baked bread with fruits will make your day 🙂 Visit Birini manor complex to enjoy the park and manor. Famous Turaida Castle and Gutmana Cave just before Sigulda are also worth visiting. Take a ride with a cable car over Gauja valley, visit the Livonian Order Castle. Accommodation is in the hotel in Sigulda. Day 13. Train to Riga. Riga (optional cycling) Because the main road is not good for cycling (too much traffic) and the secondary road is very sandy, we do not recommend cycling to Riga. Take a train to Latvia’s capital Riga. Admire the diverse architecture of Riga, especially the art nouveau buildings – a collection that is one of the largest in the world. Take a walk in Riga Old Town and enjoy a meal at one of the many terrasses. Overnight in the hotel. Day 14: Riga and individual departure After breakfast your bicycle tour to Estonia and Latvia ends. Have a last look to Riga, leave your bikes to the hotel and have a safe trip home.