Ohessaare – Cliff, Coast and Windmill

Coast and Geological History at Ohessaare Cliff

Ohessaare Cliff lies on the west coast of the Sõrve Peninsula and combines a striking coastal landscape with clearly visible traces of geological history. Ohessaare Cliff is approximately 500 m long and up to 4 m high. The rocks contain many fossils. A cross-section of the layers of the youngest Silurian Ohessaare Stage is also exposed there. The Silurian Ohessaare Stage is a geological unit; its exposed cross-section makes the sequence of rock layers at the cliff visible. This makes the coast tangible to you not only as a landscape but also as a place for geological observation.

Flat stones lie along the shore, and visitors use them to build towers. Ohessaare Cliff and its stone towers are a photo stop on the lighthouse route across the islands. If you are looking for a specific subject during a day by the coast, you will therefore find both the rock formation and the visitor-created stone towers here as clearly distinguishable focal points.

Protected Coastal Area and Paths

The landscape is part of the Ohessaare Landscape Protection Area. It protects bedrock outcrops and coastal communities. People are permitted to stay throughout the entire landscape protection area. Cycling is permitted there on paths. This distinction is important when using the protected area: staying is permitted throughout the entire area, while cycling is restricted to the paths.

Windmill with Sea Views and Accommodation

A second highlight of Ohessaare is the Ohessaare Windmill. It was rebuilt at its former location in October 2010. The windmill offers a 180-degree view of the sea. Overnight stays are also possible at the Ohessaare Windmill. However, this specific accommodation option is subject to strict conditions: the windmill is open to visitors only during the summer season and by prior reservation. If you are considering this place as an overnight destination, making a reservation in advance is therefore an essential part of your preparations.

Next to the windmill is the Ohessaare Windmill Summer Cafe. There, you can drink coffee by the seashore among junipers. Smoked fish is also available at the café when available. The café adds a culinary aspect to this location, while the ceramics studio provides a focus on handicrafts. Right by the windmill, the sea view is thus combined with a food and drink offering whose smoked fish should expressly not be assumed to be available at all times.

Crafts and Local Impressions

The windmill also includes a ceramics studio. Decorative and functional ceramic wares are handmade there using high-temperature firing. This aspect complements the coastal and nature experiences with an insight into local craftsmanship: alongside rocks, sea views and the landscape protection area, Ohessaare also offers handmade objects with decorative or practical functions.

If you would like to compare Ohessaare with other places, you can also view Laadla, Lõupõllu, Iide and Kargi.

For the higher-level travel overview: Torgu Vald.