Förby: Forest Trail, Coastal Cycling Route and Village History

Förby is a coastal village between fields and coastal meadows. A forest trail leads from the village towards Fällarna in the central part of Vormsi; the marked Lääne-Vormsi cycling route runs along the coast. The area also features geological points of interest, traces of former farms and workshops at Uus-Backesa. Nature, local history and practical activities give a trip to Förby a variety of focuses.

Forest Trail, Coast and Geology

The forest trail leads from Förby towards Fällarna. Along the trail are the Huitberg coral reef and a limestone outcrop of the Pirgu Stage. Both geological features are part of the same forest-trail setting, but refer to different formations: a coral reef and a limestone outcrop. Those interested in geology will find two distinct subjects here, which can be distinguished by looking at the local landscape.

The marked Lääne-Vormsi cycling route offers a different perspective, running along the coast from Förby. The routes differ in their paths: the cycling route follows the coast, while the forest trail leads from the village towards the central part of the island. The Suuremõisa Forest near Förby adds to this landscape. It is the largest state-owned forest area on Vormsi.

A herbal remedy walk is also among the activities offered in Förby. It starts and ends at the Uus-Backesa farm in the village or at another agreed location. So if you are planning to meet somewhere else, this should be arranged in advance. This allows you to plan the walk around its agreed start and end point.

Traces of Village History

Förby was once a populous village with 34 farms and 195 residents. In 1943/44, 152 people left the village. These figures provide two specific reference points for the village’s history: its former size and the departure of many people during that period.

Förby developed from a nucleated village into a settlement structure typical of a linear village. The terms refer to different settlement forms: a nucleated village is arranged more compactly, while a linear village describes a chain-like settlement pattern. Foundations of several destroyed farms remain in the area of the former nucleated village. They are among the structural traces of this development.

The history of the coast also points to former connections beyond the island. Before the Second World War, Vormsi’s largest harbour was located between Förby and Bussby. Pit props were shipped to England through this harbour. The village’s history thus encompasses both the change in its settlement pattern and its former harbour and trade in goods.

Workshops at Uus-Backesa

Uus-Backesa in Förby offers visitor workshops on food preparation. It also offers handicraft and craft workshops for groups. The activities differ in content: they can focus on preparing food or on handicrafts.

The farm is also one of the possible start and end points for the herbal remedy walk. If you would like to combine the walk with a workshop, keep their separate arrangements in mind: another location can be agreed for the walk, while the handicraft and craft workshops are offered to groups.

Getting to Vormsi

You can reach Vormsi from the Estonian mainland by car ferry from the port of Rohuküla. Check the ferry timetable before setting off and include the crossing in your plans. The ferry is the route to the island described here; this does not refer to a Förby-specific ferry connection.

For the general travel overview: Vormsi Parish.