Kassari in Estonia

Kassari is in Käina commune, Hiiu county. The area of the island is 19.3 km² and it is the fifth largest island in Estonia. Population is 286.

You can get from Hiiumaa to Kassari travelling along Orjaku or Laisna damway and through Kassari and Orjaku harbours. There are 4 villages on the island: Esiküla, Taguküla, Kassari and Orjaku. People live in 90 dwellings round the year.

In Kassari you will encounter a great variety of coastal meadows and meadows covered with scattered trees, juniper, groves of broad-leaf trees and conifers. In the south-western part of the island long and quarry spit winds far into the sea. It is called Sääretirp and it is the most favourite spot for tourists. The coastal waters of Kassari are among the warmest in Estonia. In Orjaku nature trail you can get acquainted with Käina Bay - one of the most famous Birds' Reserve with its great variety of species of birds. The best-known beach Piibunina streches for 1 km along the southern coast of the island.

The Hiiumaa's museum and Aino Kalda's summer-house are located on the island. There is the only reed roofed chapel in Estonia that was probably built in the 16th century. Marie Under's great grandparents are buried in the local church-yard.

Kassari manor was built in the 18th century. Since 1758 the manor belong to the Stackelbergs. The only remains from the manor are the gardener's cottage, the handicraftsman's cottage and a park with peripheral walls, all built in the 19th century.

In 1863 Kassari village-school was established in Mäeküla tavern, which was attached by the library. Now the building belongs to the Educational Society of Kassari.

Close relation with writers, artists and other creative people makes the island culturally valuable.