Excursion Nature of saaremaa & capital kuressaare tour at Saaremaa

Get acquainted with the unique nature of Saaremaa Island along with a visit to the capital Kuressaare - a health resort.

Saaremaa - the biggest island of Estonia, 2922 km2 (1128 square miles) in area, is known as a good recreation place with unique nature and a lot of sights. In the villages, there are still stone fences and farm houses with thatched roofs that cannot be seen elsewhere in Estonia. Junipers, dolomite, windmills and local home-brewed beer are the symbols of Saaremaa.

Panga Cliffs

The tour starts from the harbour with a drive through Mustjala parish along the coastal cliff road to Panga Cliff which stands as a slate wall reaching up straight from the waterfront and, with its height of 21 m, offers a scenic view over the sea.

Karja Chirch and Windmills

Next, stop at Angla where 5 windmills on a hill slope give an impressive sight. The medieval Karja Church in its turn impresses visitors with its almost unchanged original shape dating back to the beginning of the 14^th century.

Lake Kaali

The next attraction is much older than the church - Lake Kaali formed about 4000 years ago. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is one of the most recent meteorite craters created by an impact event which occurred in a populated area giving rise to many mythological stories among local people as well as neighbouring nations.

A short coffee-break is provided in Kaali Tavern before the tour continues with the 15-minute drive to Kuressaare, the capital of the island, and a sightseeing tour there.

Kuressaare Old Town

The old part of the town, now a protected national heritage, shaped out already at the end of 17^th century and has still preserved its centuries-old milieu. Among its marvelous sights, the Town Hall, Weighhouse, Kuursaal (Beach Saloon), House of the Nobility can be mentioned. But the most important sight in Kuressaare is the Episcopal (Bishop's) Castle, built of chiseled dolomite blocks in the late 14^th century. Among the medieval castles in the Baltic countries this is one of the best-survived. A visit to the castle-fortress gives the opportunity to admire the building also from inside.

Before driving back to the port, enjoy some free time for shopping at the castle.

Please note: Tour involves moderate to extensive walking and is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. We suggest guests dress in seasonal attire and wear flat, walking shoes. The order of sites visited may vary.

Note