
Causeway of Väike Väin Straits
The causeway or locally known as Väinatamm is the name of the largest in Estonia. It is 3,5 km long and connects Muhu island to Saaremaa island. People crossing the causeway either by foot or with horses had to pay a crossing fee in the beginning. The causeway was opened in 1896, before that locals had to use a boat to get to the neighbouring island or to transport goods. Stones from the Muhu stronghold walls were used to build the causeway. During the years, the causeway has been reconstructed many times and is a popular spot for birdwatchers and for enjoying beautiful sunsets.
The first sketches of the causeway were drawn up on 1865 and according to the plans the causeway would cost around 60 000 – 78 000 rubles (about 2,3 – 2,5 million Euros in today’s currency). The cost was too high for the government and the plans did not move forward at first. In 1876 the issue was raised again and a new budget was set – 28 000 rubles (about 1 million in today’s Euros) The government agreed to pay about half and the rest was covered by local Baltic German landlords. By 1870 the building had still not started because one of the landlords had gambled away all the money.