Discover Nässuma

If you are considering Nässuma as a travel destination, protected landscapes and a specific hike to the lighthouse are two distinct highlights. The Nässuma hoiuala protects several habitat types; the Laidevahe Nature Reserve protects a bay, an archipelago and relict lakes. There is also a 2.5- to 4-hour hike from Pulga to the Nässuma Lighthouse. The protected areas and the hike offer different points of interest, depending on whether you are more interested in landscapes or in an activity with a fixed destination.

Landscape and protected areas

The Nässuma hoiuala is a protected area covering 271.7 hectares of land and 1.1 hectares of inland waters. It protects coastal meadows, dry calcareous grasslands, alvars, wooded meadows and calcareous fens. The area figures distinguish between land and inland waters; the habitat types also range from dry calcareous sites to wetland habitats. This variety sets the protected area apart: the hoiuala is not limited to a single habitat type. Coastal meadows, calcareous sites and fens represent different landscape features that together shape the protected area’s diversity.

The Laidevahe Nature Reserve protects Laidevahe Bay, an archipelago and relict lakes. It also extends into the village of Nässuma. In contrast to the meadows and fens of the Nässuma hoiuala, Laidevahe is defined by its bay, archipelago and relict lakes. The Nässuma hoiuala is also associated with the internationally important Sutu lahe linnuala bird protection area.

The Nässuma landscape is designated as a landscape area of local importance. Its landscape structure is well preserved, and it contains numerous geobotanically valuable areas. This local designation complements the specific habitat information by placing the landscape as a whole in context. International importance, by contrast, applies to the associated Sutu lahe linnuala bird protection area. The local landscape designation and the international bird-protection connection are therefore distinct aspects.

Hike to the lighthouse

A hike from Pulga leads to the Nässuma Lighthouse. The route follows village roads on foot, between stone walls and junipers; allow 2.5 to 4 hours. You can include this timeframe as a separate, multi-hour activity in your travel plans. The starting point, destination and character of the route are clearly defined: unlike the protected areas, this is an activity with a named route and a specified duration. If you are planning the hike, check its current availability before your trip.

Dining at Pulga talu

Pulga talu serves Saaremaa smoked fish prepared on site, as well as dishes made with vegetables and herbs grown on the farm. The menu combines Saaremaa smoked fish with dishes made from ingredients grown on the farm, offering a culinary highlight alongside the landscape and hiking themes. If regional cuisine is among your travel interests, this is another point to consider when choosing your destination.

Discover more destinations: Igaküla, Valjala, Tumala, Pidula, Muratsi, Koguva, Haapsu, Kirikuküla

For the broader travel overview: Saaremaa.