In Tõstamaa, architectural history, regional traditions and independent hiking offer different ways to spend your stay. The Lutheran Maarja Church, the manor house and the museum provide insights into the history of the area; the Käsitöökeskus is dedicated to regional craft heritage and folk traditions. There is also the Tõstamaa hiking trail and events at the open-air stage. When planning your trip, consider whether culture, nature or a particular event date is your priority.

Church, Manor House and Regional History

The present-day Lutheran Tõstamaa Maarja Church was built of fieldstone between 1763 and 1768, under the direction of master builders from Pärnu. Its tower also has historical significance: it was an important landmark in the Kihnu Strait. The building’s history and the tower’s role show two distinct aspects of this church—its origins and its importance as a point of reference in the strait.

Tõstamaa Manor is considered to have medieval origins and today has a late-classical appearance. This building brings together different historical layers: its attributed origins and the later influences that shaped its present form. Those interested in regional history can complement this perspective with a visit to the Tõstamaa Museum. In its vaulted basement hall, several exhibitions display tools, school supplies and household items, as well as objects relating to the Soviet era and marine exploration. Items from fishermen’s lives are also included.

The Tõstamaa Käsitöökeskus preserves and collects regional craft heritage and folk traditions. Together with the museum exhibitions, it draws attention not only to buildings but also to objects and inherited cultural practices. This makes it possible to shape your stay around a theme that spans architecture, everyday life and craft heritage.

Landscape and Independent Hiking

The Tõstamaa–Värati area lies entirely within Kihnu Strait Marine Park. The park around Tõstamaa Manor covers a different scale: 15 hectares. These two figures provide a concrete frame of reference for the destination’s landscape, but they relate to different areas. If you want to combine culture and scenery in your trip planning, you can consider these distinct geographical areas separately.

The Tõstamaa hiking trail is intended for independent hiking. It is a good option if you would like to set aside time for a hike during your stay. The open-air stage at Tõstamaa Rahvamaja also offers a venue beside a reservoir in a scenic setting. Events held there include bonfires for St John’s Eve, fairs, concerts, community days and more. If a particular celebration or concert is the reason for your trip, plan around the specific event date.

Getting Your Bearings and Practical Planning

There is an information point in Tõstamaa Manor offering assistance, information, maps and brochures introducing the region. This service may be seasonal. Regional buses run between Pärnu and Tõstamaa; if you plan to use this connection, check the current timetable before travelling. This will help you coordinate your journey with the cultural or nature-related interests that appeal to you most in the area.

A local product may also be relevant to your plans: Tõstamaa keeks is sold every Tuesday at Tõstamaa Kauplus. If you would like to buy it during your trip, check availability in advance. When looking for a holiday apartment in Tõstamaa, it helps to decide first what you would like to focus on during your stay—for example, architectural and museum history, independent hiking or an event.

Discover more destinations: Kiraste, Ermistu, Seliste

Return to the main travel overview: Tõstamaa.