Kustkohast

Kustkohast is a small coastal locality in the northern Baltic region. It lies on a sheltered inlet with white-sand beaches, dune systems, and pine forests. The harbor serves local fishing boats and seasonal ferries to the mainland, and the village is connected by a regional road to nearby settlements.

Name and etymology: The name combines Estonian roots kust and kohast, reflecting historical navigation terms used in the archipelago. Locals sometimes explain it as “the place from which one begins,” alluding to origins of voyages and trading routes in the area.

History: The first permanent settlement appeared in the 16th century as a seasonal fishing camp. In the 18th and 19th centuries it developed into a harbor-based community with fish processing, timber trade, and small shipyards. The 20th century brought modernization, but traditional crafts have persisted, and coastal weather events shaped portions of the shoreline.

Economy and infrastructure: Today the economy centers on fishing and seafood processing, small-scale tourism, and boat maintenance. The village hosts a harbor market and a craft cooperative. Transportation includes a ferry service to the mainland town of Valnäs and a regional road that links Kustkohast with neighboring villages.

Culture and landmarks: The Kustkohast Lighthouse, built in 1892, remains a civic landmark. The Maritime Life Museum presents exhibits on local fishing history and coastal ecology. An annual Coastal Day festival features boat parades, music, and regional cuisine.