Flights to

Kuressaare

Sights and activities in Saaremaa

Kuressaare Castle – one of Estonia’s best-preserved fortresses, this medieval castle has a lot of stories to tell. Walk around the castle yard and learn about Saaremaa’s history at the museum housed within the castle. 

Old Town – stroll around Kuressaare Old Town to admire historic buildings and discover cosy restaurants. 

Spas – with a long history as a resort, Saaremaa boasts many different spas, most of which are located in Kuressaare. Take your pick and unwind in hot tubs, saunas and pools or pamper yourself with massages and treatments. 

Saaremaa Veski – windmills are a major part of Saaremaa’s heritage, and at Saaremaa Veski, you have the opportunity to dine in one. This windmill from 1899 has been converted into a restaurant, offering delicious food in an exciting setting. 

Saare KEK museum – located in what used to be Saaremaa's collective farm construction office, the KEK museum takes you on a humorous trip through the Soviet everyday life in the 1970s–1980s. If you’re looking for extra excitement, you can also visit the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic-themed escape rooms. 

Tip of Sõrve Cape – travel to the tip of the Sõrve peninsula, which is located in the southwest of the island, for scenic views of land meeting sea. You can marvel at Sõrve lighthouse, and if you’re visiting in the summer, climb to the top of the lighthouse. Sõrve Cape is located approximately 45 minutes by car from Kuressaare, and about 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus. 

Sõrve Museum – located on Sõrve Cape, only a kilometre away from Sõrve Lighthouse, this museum showcases Saaremaa’s general and military history, as well as a nature exhibit. 

Angla Windmills – at the Angla hilltop, you can see five traditional windmills from the 19th and 20th centuries in all their glory. The ticket to the mills also includes access to the Angla Heritage Centre. You can reach the Angla Windmills from Kuressaare in about 30 minutes by car or around 40–50 minutes by bus. 

Kaali crater – see the rarest natural wonder in Estonia, the meteor crater created by an impact 7500–7600 years ago. Nearby, you can also visit the Kaali Museum of Meteoritics and Limestone. It takes about 15 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bus to get to the Kaali crater from Kuressaare. 

Panga cliff – on the northern coast of Saaremaa, the Panga cliff majestically towers above the sea. Marvel at the views, do some birdwatching, have a picnic and try out the village swing. You can reach Panga Cliff from Kuressaare in approximately 35 minutes by car or 1 hour and 15 minutes by bus. 

Mändjala beach – summer fun for the whole family awaits at the southernmost beach in Estonia. The sandy beach is set against a background of a picturesque pine forest and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. You can get to the beach from Kuressaare in about 15 minutes by car or 25 minutes by bus. 

Koigi bog – enjoy the serene bog on a 4.8-kilometre hiking trail with a wooden boardwalk. The journey will take you past the beautiful Lake Pikkjärv, and an observation platform on the trail allows you to take in the scenic views from a higher vantage point. The bog is located about 40 minutes from Kuressaare by car. Unfortunately, there is no public transport to the bog. 

Valjala Church – discover the oldest stone church in Estonia, boasting a unique Romanesque baptismal font from the 13th century. It is about a 20-minute car ride or a 30-minute bus ride away from Kuressaare.

Things to see and do near Saaremaa 

If Saaremaa doesn’t quench your thirst for the calm island way of living, there are many more islands to discover nearby – some smaller, some bigger. 

Muhu – visit Saaremaa’s neighbouring island with its own fascinating history and traditions. Visit the Muhu Museum and stroll through the beautiful Pädaste Manor Park, or encounter exotic animals at the Muhu Ostrich Farm. Saaremaa and Muhu are connected by a bridge, and you can get to Muhu from Kuressaare in about 50 minutes by car or 2 hours by bus. 

Hiiumaa – just north of Saaremaa lies Estonia’s second biggest island. Walk through beautiful pine forests, go seal watching, enjoy island cuisine and visit Kõpu lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in the Baltic states. You can travel from Saaremaa to Hiiumaa by ferry, with the journey taking about 1 hour. 

Vilsandi – the largest island in Vilsandi National Park, it is the perfect day trip destination for lovers of hiking and birdwatching. Admire the boundless sea from the Vilsandi lighthouse and discover more than 30 species of wild orchids. You can reach the island in about 30 minutes by boat. 

Abruka – another one of Saaremaa’s neighbouring islands. The 8.8-square-kilometre Abruka offers a haven of peace and tranquillity, with the forest, sea and Scottish Highland cattle as your main companions. The boat trip from Saaremaa to Abruka takes about 30 minutes. 

Ruhnu – Estonia’s southernmost island, often named the pearl of the Gulf of Livonia. On Ruhnu, you can feel a special kind of calm and stillness. Discover Estonia’s oldest wooden church, take a dip at Limo beach or see Ruhnu Lighthouse, which is rumoured to have been designed by Gustave Eiffel. During the summer, you can reach Ruhnu in 2 hours from Saaremaa by boat.