The leaning lighthouse of Kiipsaar, the Kiipsaare Tuletorn, is slowly disappearing into the sea. The lighthouse is located on the Harilaid peninsula. We have visited it in 1997 and again in 2004. Between these two visits things have changed.
The entire Harilaid peninsula is part of the Vilsandi National Park, a nature reserve on the Estonian island of Saaremaa. The lighthouse is 20 km away from the nearest (tarmac) road. In 1997 the place was totally deserted and you could drive straight to the lighthouse over badly maintained dirt roads. In 2004 you had to park your car at the entrance of the park and walk the remaining 5 km to the lighthouse. Although not overcrowded, we were no longer the only people visiting as in 1997. The park has clearly gained in popularity.
The major attraction is the lighthouse, the Kiipsaare Tuletorn. It was built in 1933 and is 26 meters high. Originally it was placed 25 meters from the coastline but with time the coastline must have shifted since the lighthouse is now in the sea. The first time we visited, in 1997, it was still on the beach.
My first impression in 1997 was that this was even more amazing than the leaning tower of Pisa! Since there is no attempt whatsoever to save this leaning lighthouse this beautiful sight will disappear one day!
A more detailed analysis of the evolution of the leaning lighthouse is made on the next page.
Copyright Otto de Voogd 1997 & 2004
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