Nässuma

Nässuma between coastal meadows and relic lakes

Nässuma is a destination for you if the landscape is to define the character of your trip. Coastal meadows, calcareous grasslands, mires, a protected bay and relic lakes shape the natural features available here. There is also a specifically described hike from Pulga to the Nässuma lighthouse. The place therefore combines different ways of experiencing a coastal landscape: along paths through the village surroundings, across designated protected areas and through local cuisine connected to the island of Saaremaa.

Protected landscape with diverse habitats

The Nässuma hoiuala is a protected area with 271.7 hectares of land and 1.1 hectares of inland waters. It protects coastal meadows, dry calcareous grasslands, alvars, meadows with groups of trees and calcareous fens. Open, dry areas stand alongside wetter habitats and areas where groups of trees structure the meadows. The habitats differ in their moisture levels and vegetation.

Another key feature is the Laidevahe nature reserve. It protects Laidevahe Bay, an archipelago and relic lakes, and also extends into the village of Nässuma. The Nässuma hoiuala is also connected to the internationally important Sutu lahe linnuala bird protection area. If you are choosing accommodation based on a place's natural character, these protected areas are the most important geographical reference points for Nässuma.

Landscape character and local significance

It is not only individual protected areas that are designated; the landscape of Nässuma itself is also designated as a landscape area of local significance. Its landscape structure is well preserved, and there are also numerous areas of geobotanical value. For visitors, this does not result in a single sightseeing itinerary, but rather a place whose appeal lies in the combination of different landscape elements. Nässuma is therefore particularly interesting if you would like to get to know nature not only through a single viewpoint, but through the interplay of meadows, bodies of water, coastal features and the village surroundings.

On foot from Pulga to the lighthouse

One specific way to explore Nässuma on foot begins in Pulga. From there, a 2.5- to 4-hour hike leads to the Nässuma lighthouse. The route follows village paths on foot between stone walls and junipers. The stated duration is therefore significantly different from that of a short walk and describes a longer hike through the surrounding area. At the same time, the route remains closely connected to the visible elements of the cultural landscape: village paths, walls and junipers accompany the way to the lighthouse.

Saaremaa cuisine at Pulga talu

The surroundings also have a culinary connection to the island of Saaremaa. Pulga talu offers Saaremaa smoked fish prepared on site, as well as dishes made with vegetables and herbs grown on the farm. Pulga thus complements the natural and landscape features with an offering that combines products from the island and the farm.

If you would like to compare Nässuma with other places in your travel selection, you can also find Metsaääre, Mustjala, Nurme, Kuressaare, Rannaküla, Orissaare, Muratsi and Tumala.

For the higher-level travel overview: Saaremaa.