RISTNA TULETORN
Hiiumaa Island, Estonia
We drove back out to the gravel road we came out here on and headed west to the tip of Ristna. They knew where to go and before long, we were pulled over by the gate into private property. Big old chain link fence enclosing the compound. You could walk half of the perimeter which is what I did, since the sun behind the tower from where we were parked. They stayed and I hiked. Found the remains of an old surfboard rental place at the sea side of the compound.
According to the date over the door, Ristna was constructed in 1874, although its appearance seems more modern. Sitting only 7 meters over sea level, the tower reaches only 30 meters higher. As bright as this tower's color is, I could not see it from the commanding view I had in every direction from the tower top of Kõpu.
Here's how I saw it:
OF THE MOUNTAINS
John B Caddell
Copyright 2001