Military heritage of Hiiumaa Island
This one-day tour of Hiiumaa Island introduces Estonia's military heritage from World War I and the War of Independence to World War II and the Cold War. Students will visit coastal defense batteries, a military museum, historical fortifications and memorial sites that tell the story of the soldiers' daily lives, their courage and the impact of war on the local population. The route offers an opportunity to explore history in an authentic environment, combining learning with practical and emotionally engaging experiences.
What the tour includes
On this excursion, students will be able to get to know the objects of Estonian coastal and military history, see authentic fortifications and memorial sites, as well as learn about the life and heroism of soldiers in different times. The wreck of the ship “Alar” in Seru harbor is a good example for learning how ships were used for defense and naval operations. The Tohvri coastal defense batteries provide an opportunity to get to know historical coastal defense structures. Students will be able to see gun positions and fortifications, understand how soldiers protected the coast and how military defense was organized. The Hiiumaa Military Museum offers an extensive exhibition of military history – from fortifications to weapons and soldiers' equipment. Students will be able to see samples of authentic equipment and equipment, as well as get to know the military history of the island from the First World War to the Cold War. The 180 mm coastal artillery battery BB-316 allows you to get to know a specific coastal artillery object – a gun battery with concrete fortifications. Here you can see shafts, cannon emplacements and ammunition depots, imagine the day and work of soldiers in such positions. The Monument to the Fallen in World War II Hiiumaa is a memorial site that helps to remember the victims of war and understand the personal and family tragedies associated with the events of World War II in the lives of the inhabitants of Hiiumaa. The Monument to the Inhabitants of Hiiumaa , who participated in the War of Independence allows you to learn about the role of the inhabitants of Hiiumaa in the Estonian independence struggles, understand the value of freedom and the courage of people, as well as honor their participation in the War of Independence. Overall, the excursion will allow students to see, feel and understand the military heritage and heroism, getting to know both the fortifications and memorial sites, as well as military equipment and ships. Students will be able to both study the objects and participate in practical activities, for example, imagine the everyday life of soldiers and understand how the defense on the coast was organized.