Hiiumaa Literature Festival Celebrates Lighthouses and Local Tales This June
The Hiiumaa Literature Festival returns this summer, running from June 5 to June 7. Organisers promise a packed programme of readings, workshops, and cultural events centred around the island’s rich storytelling traditions. This year’s festival will focus on lighthouses and tales tied to Hiiumaa. The event also marks the 495th anniversary of the Kõpu Lighthouse, one of the world’s oldest continuously operating beacons.
Most activities will take place at Kärdla’s Factory Square. Attendees can enjoy author meet-and-greets, book launches, concerts, and even literary-themed treks across the island. The Hiiumaa Museum will contribute with a special book exhibition at the Long House, highlighting local writers celebrating milestone birth anniversaries in 2025. Notable Estonian figures such as poet Doris Kareva, writer Valdur Mikita, and musicians Toonu Õnnepalu and Contra will join the festival. Organiser Tiina Maiberg calls the event a vital summer gathering for writers and readers alike.
The festival blends literature, history, and local culture into a three-day celebration. With a mix of performances, discussions, and outdoor activities, it offers something for both book lovers and casual visitors. Events will run across Kärdla, with the Long House and Factory Square serving as key venues.
