Saaremaa Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Saaremaa, located in the Saare region of Estonia, is a charming island that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and relaxation. With its picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant local culture, Saaremaa is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Estonian experience.

Nature lovers will be captivated by Saaremaa's diverse and unspoiled landscapes. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Kuressaare Beach, where visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports. The surrounding seas are also teeming with marine life, making it an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts or those who wish to explore the underwater world through snorkeling or diving.

For those interested in history and culture, Saaremaa has a rich heritage to discover. The island is home to numerous medieval castles and fortresses, the most famous being Kuressaare Castle. This well-preserved fortress offers a glimpse into Saaremaa's past and hosts various exhibitions showcasing the island's history. Additionally, the charming town of Kuressaare itself is worth exploring, with its cobblestone streets, quaint houses, and charming cafes.

Saaremaa is also renowned for its unique local traditions and cultural events. The island is famous for its traditional handicrafts, such as woolen textiles, pottery, and woodwork. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting craft workshops or attending traditional music and dance performances. The annual Saaremaa Opera Days, held in the historic Kuressaare Castle, attract opera enthusiasts from around the world and showcase the island's vibrant arts scene.

Lastly, Saaremaa offers a tranquil and rejuvenating environment for those seeking relaxation. The island is dotted with peaceful countryside retreats and spa resorts, where visitors can indulge in soothing spa treatments, sauna rituals, and wellness activities. The serene natural surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for unwinding and reconnecting with nature.

Alternative names: Area: 1031.66 mi²Archipelago: West Estonian archipelagoElevation: 92 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 58°22'45"N, 22°29'44"E

Location

SaareEstonia

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Saaremaa Top Attractions

Saaremaa Attractions - What to See and Explore

Saaremaa offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Sõrve Lighthouse, Kaali crater, Kihelkonna St. Michael's Church, Valjala Maalinn. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Lighthouse
Sõrve Lighthouse
Sõrve Lighthouse is a lighthouse located in Torgu Parish, on the island of Saaremaa, in Estonia. The current lighthouse is a cylindrical concrete tower, which was built to replace a temporary wooden structure lighthouse that served as a signal point between 1945 and 1960.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Kaali crater
Kaali is a group of nine meteorite craters in the village of Kaali on the Estonian island of Saaremaa. Most recent estimates put its formation shortly after 1530–1450 BC.
Gothic architecture • Church • Town
Kihelkonna St. Michael's Church
Kihelkonna St. Michael's Church, sometimes simply Kihelkonna Church, is a medieval Lutheran church on Saaremaa island in western Estonia.

Forts and castles
Valjala Maalinn
The Valjala Stronghold was a major ringfort on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia. Established in the 12th century, at the time it was the most important Oeselian stronghold. Its surrender in 1227 finalized the crusader conquest of Estonia.
Nature • Cliff • Natural attraction
Panga cliff
Panga Cliff is a coastal cliff located on the northern shore of Saaremaa, at the end of the Kuressaare - Võhma road, close to Panga village. It is the highest of the Saaremaa and Muhu cliffs, reaching a height of 20 meters. The entire cliff is approximately 2.5 km long. Panga cliff consists of at least three terraces.
Gothic architecture • Church
Valjala Church
Saint Martin's Church of Valjala is a Lutheran church in Valjala, on the island of Saaremaa, Estonia. It is the oldest stone church on Saaremaa and possibly the oldest surviving church in Estonia.
Protected area
Panga Landscape Conservation Area
Panga Landscape Conservation Area is a nature park which is located in Saare County, Estonia. The area of the nature park is 27 ha. The protected area was founded in 1959 to protect Panga Cliff and its plant communities.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Karujärv
Karujärv is a lake of Estonia. It is located in the western part of Saaremaa.
Lighthouse
Kaavi Lighthouse
Kaavi Lighthouse is a lighthouse located in Sõrve Peninsula, in the village of Kaavi, Torgu Parish, in the island of Saaremaa, in Estonia. The lighthouse is a concrete square tower, with a gallery but no lantern, mounted on a concrete square block.
Lighthouse
Kübassaare Lighthouse
Kübassaare Lighthouse is a lighthouse located in Kübassaare Peninsula, in the easternmost point of Saaremaa; in Estonia. The lighthouse is 18 metres in height, a round cylindrical concrete tower with a lantern and gallery. The current lighthouse had a height of 11 metres, before it was extended to 18 metres in 1939.
Protected area
Kaali Landscape Conservation Area
Kaali Landscape Conservation Area is a nature park situated in Saare County, Estonia. Its area is 39 ha. The protected area was designated in 1938 to protect Kaali crater and its surrounding areas. In 1959, the re-designation took place. In 2000, the borders were widened.
Lighthouse
Laidunina Lighthouse
Laidunina Lighthouse is a lighthouse located in Kahtla Peninsula, Laimjala Parish, on the island of Saaremaa, in Estonia. The lighthouse was built in 1907, built out of brick with a gallery and a one-story hexagonal stone base.
Lighthouse
Sääretükk Lighthouse
Sääretükk Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on the island of Saaremaa, in Estonia. The lighthouse was built in 1954, with a concrete structure. With an automatic glare configuration since 1995, with the sequence of: 0.5 s on, 1 s off, 0.5 s on, 8 s off.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Mullutu-Suurlaht
Mullutu-Suurlaht is the fourth largest lake in Estonia. It is located on the island of Saaremaa, about 2 kilometres west of the town of Kuressaare. It has an area of 1,440 ha and the max. depth is 2.1 metres.
Forts and castles
Maasilinna Castle
Maasilinn Castle is located in Maasi village in Orissaare Parish, Saare County, Estonia. It served as the centre of Eastern Saaremaa and Muhu in Medieval times.
Lighthouse
Anseküla Lighthouse
Anseküla Lighthouse is a lighthouse located in Anseküla, on the eastern side of the Sõrve Peninsula, on the island of Saaremaa, in Estonia.
Gothic architecture • Church
Pöide Church
Pöide St. Mary's Church is located on Saaremaa island, in Pöide Commune, Saare County, Estonia.
Protected area
Järve Dunes Landscape Conservation Area
Järve Dunes Landscape Conservation Area is a nature park situated in Saare County, Estonia. Its area is 96 ha. The protected area was designated in 1959 to protect Järve Dunes. In 2005, the protected area was redesigned to the landscape conservation area.
Harbor
Saaremaa Harbour
Saaremaa Harbour is a deepwater harbour on the north coast of the Estonian island of Saaremaa. With a natural depth of 10 metres, the two quays are capable of serving the largest cruise ships sailing in the Baltic Sea. There is also a floating berth for small vessels.

Day trips

Saaremaa – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Saaremaa, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Kuressaare Castle (Kuressaare), Kõpu tuletorn (Hiiumaa), Kiipsaare Lighthouse (Vilsandi National Park).

9.2 miS
Historical place, Park, Forts and castles
Kuressaare Castle, Kuressaare
Nestled in the quaint town of Kuressaare on Estonia's largest island, Saaremaa, stands the formidable Kuressaare Castle. This medieval fortress, surrounded by a scenic moat, is a testament to the island's storied past, and is considered one of the best-preserved...
39 milesN
Enduring lighthouse built in 1531
Kõpu tuletorn, Hiiumaa
Kõpu Lighthouse is one of the best known symbols and tourist sights on the Estonian island of Hiiumaa. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world, having been in continuous use since its completion in 1531.
25 milesW
Lighthouse
Kiipsaare Lighthouse, Vilsandi National Park
Kiipsaare Lighthouse is located on the tip of the Harilaid peninsula on the island of Saaremaa, Estonia, in the territory of Vilsandi National Park. The lighthouse was built from reinforced concrete in 1933.
31 milesNE
Church, Gothic architecture
Muhu St. Catherine's Church, Muhu
Muhu St. Catherine's Church, sometimes simply Muhu Church, is a medieval Lutheran church on Muhu island, in Saare County, Estonia.
49 milesN
Vernacular architecture, Lighthouse
Tahkuna Lighthouse, Hiiumaa
Tahkuna Lighthouse is a lighthouse located in the Tahkuna Peninsula, Hiiu Parish, on the island of Hiiumaa, in Estonia.

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Best Time To Visit Saaremaa

Learn when is the best time to travel to Saaremaa weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, March, April and May. Most of it rains in August, September, October and November.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Saaremaa?

The top attractions to visit in Saaremaa are:

What is the best time to visit Saaremaa?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Saaremaa Travel Guide

Facts and practical information

Saaremaa Attractions - What to See and Explore

Saaremaa plan & book

Saaremaa – popular in the area (distance from the center)

Best Time To Visit Saaremaa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Saaremaa?

What is the best time to visit Saaremaa?