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Largest island in Estonia
Photo: ekke vasli, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Saaremaa is the largest Estonian island. It is on the west coast of Estonia. The capital (and only city) in Saaremaa is Kuressaare, which is covered in a separate article.
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Loode oak forest is one of the few extant naturally growing park-like forests. Rare flora can be found there (including orchids). The forest is equipped with a bird watching platform.
The only remaining group of windmills on Saaremaa is in the village of Angla.
Behind the tiny village of Asva on a low-lying hayfield is one of the most archaeologically important Bronze-Age sites in Northern Europe. Asva has given its name to an entire culture. See Vikings and the Old Norse for context.
Although the present reconstruction dates to 1864, there has been a church here since the Middle Ages.
The most probable age of the Kaali craters is 7500-7600 years. Kaali lake is considered to be the most unique geological object in Estonia. Known as Holy Lake it also has an important place in tradition. There is archaeological evidence that it was a place of offering for many centuries.
The church was probably built after the 1261 rebellion. There is a medieval; baptismal font (13th century) and a wooden sculpture of St. Simon of Cyrene (mid-15th century) standing under the pulpit. The pulpit, dating from 1645, is also worth noting. The present Neo-Gothic altarpiece depicts a painting by O. von Moeller of Christ on the Cross. The Kaarma ring fort is located about 100 m east of Kaarma church.
It is the smallest church in Saaremaa that dates from the Middle Ages, built in the 13th and 14th centuries. There is no separate bell-tower. The church is famous for its many from Romanesque to Gothic and High Gothic style stone sculptures. Karja Church has more decorations, than any other country church in the Baltic countries.
Some fragments of the wall frescoes can be seen. The baptismal font is from 14th century. The pulpit is from 1638. On the choir vaults, in the ceiling, there are several magical symbols, such as the three-legged triskelion, a devil that looks between its legs, and the pentagram, among others.
It is the oldest lake on Saaremaa, it appeared here almost 8000 years ago. The shores on the southern side of the lake are low and muddy. The northern shore is higher and there the shores are of gravel or sandy. The bottom of the lake is mostly sand. On the shores of the lake there is Karujärve Camping where cabins can be rented. There are an outdoor café and playing fields plus water bicycles can be rented.
It is the highest of the Saaremaa and Muhu cliffs, reaching to a maximum of 21.3 metres. The entire cliff is approximately 2.5 km long. Folk tradition cites Panga cliff as a place of worship and sacrifice for the ancient Saarlanders. The last animal sacrifice took place during the 1960s.
Because of its well-thought-out proportions and tasteful details, art historians consider this to be one of Estonia's most attractive baroque manor houses. It is believed that the building dates to the mid-18th century.
Saaremaa's largest and most well-known sacrificial springs are on the Kuressaare-Võhma road, at the 5-km mark, behind Pähkla village on a low field, in a little thicket of trees. The spring is deep green in colour.
Built in the middle of 14th century, one of the biggest country churches in Estonia with several valuable works of art from 16-17th centuries: oldest Renaissance altarpiece in Estonia "Last Supper" from 1591, pulpit from 1604 and organ from 1805. Slim neogothic tower built 1897-1899 rises 60 m above sea level and has served as a landmark for seafarers for more than 100 years. It operated as a lighthouse in the second half of the 20th century. There is a marvellous view from the top of the tower. Just next to the church there is a medieval campanile, bell-tower standing on the hillside (built 1638, renovated in 2009). Numerous sailors from far away countries as well as local ship builders and writers, barons and other outstanding people have found their last rest at Kihelkonna cemetery - one of the biggest on Saaremaa.
A historic cobble stone road of 3 km leads you to Papissaare Harbour – a former shipyard. 36 big sailing ships were built here in the 19th century till the last war 1940. Hydroplane hangars date back to 1913–14 and are among the oldest monolite concrete buildings in the world. Nowadays smoked flat fish can be bought from here during the season and boats to Vilsandi Island depart from here.
Vilsandi Island has given its name to the second oldest nature reserve in Europe – nowadays Vilsandi National Park (1910) – Silurian cliffs and fossils, birds, 36 species of wild orchids, butterflies, grey seals are only some of the highlights here.
The centre of Vilsandi National Park lies 3 km from the central village of Kihelkonna. The complex houses fossil museum, information centre, hotel, tenting area, restaurant, tourism services.
Observation tower
About 9 m high wooden tower along the study trail (≈1.5 km from the parking). Wide views over open bog, bog forest and pools. Stay on the boardwalk and follow local guidance.
Koigi bog boardwalk trail
Saaremaa’s largest bog. The study trail is about 4.8–5.7 km with information boards and several viewpoints. Some sections can be wet depending on season; waterproof footwear is recommended. Cranberries can be found in autumn.
https://www.saaremaaopera.com/
By car
There is a causeway from the island of Muhu, which has a vehicle ferry connection with the mainland.
By bus
Buses run to Kuressaare from Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu. Bus schedules and journey planner can be found at Bussireisid.
By boat
There are ferry connections to the nearby islands of Hiiumaa, Ruhnu and Vilsandi. See: West Estonia and Islands.
By plane
Kuressaare Airport (URE) is the only airport serving Saaremaa – flights solely to and from Tallinn.
Distances are moderate. A car or bicycle offers flexibility for remote nature spots. Local buses link towns and larger villages, though schedules can be sparse outside the peak season.
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Kuressaare · Regional · URE
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