Things to do & places to visit in Saare County, Estonia

Saare County #5 destination in Estonia 2023. The average rating score is 4.25 based on 2.059 traveler reviews, of 79 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Tallinn, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 5:53.

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Harilaid (9 reviews)
- Enjoyable Hike
Geologic Formations

Harilaid has an infrequent, elongated trapeze shape with waved boundary lines, extending from South-East to North-West. It is a low plain, the highest point of which in the northeasterly part does not exceed 5 m. The area of the peninsula is 3.62 km². The most northeasterly point of Harilaid is named Kiipsaare and the opposite southeasterly point is Kelba. The Flora of the peninsula represents 261 species of flowering plants and vascular cryptogams. Interesting to know: Harilaid arose from the sea as an island 1000-2000 years ago. There is a lighthouse on the northeasterly point on Kiipsaare cape. See more..
5.0 Medieval Activity Centre Archebald (9 reviews)
- Wonderful place!
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Wonderful place. My wife and daughters (12 and 15) with me spend there full day. The owner is great and kind man with deep knowledge and willing to share it. Everything is build by him and possible to try... Thanks to owner. It was great time. See more..
5.0 St. Madeline's Church (6 reviews)
- Fantastic spiritual experience!
Churches & Cathedrals

St. Madeline's Church in Ruhnu is the oldest known wooden building still standing in Estonia - its construction was started in 1643. After the Ruhnu Swedish left, the purpose of this house of God was forgotten for half a century. The wooden church was newly consecrated in 1999.Good to know:The collection of glass paintings from the Ruhnu wooden church is located in the History Museum in Stockholm.The oldest parts of the building are the polygonal choir and altar, and the nave.The altar is covered with a thin, polished stone slate; the oaken frame stands on sand and is open towards the south. See more..
5.0 Saint Martin's Church (5 reviews)
- Beuatiful church in lovely setting.
Churches & Cathedrals

The construction of Valjala Church was started in 1227. The oldest part of the church is the choir room to which the nave was later added. At Valjala Church you can see a Romanesque baptismal font from the 13th century, which is believed to be one of the most unique pieces of carved stonework in the Baltic states. In the choir room of the church you can marvel the murals which depict six apostles and are painted at the time when the original chapel was built - the later choir room part. Good to know: * Valjala Church is the oldest stone church built on the territory of Estonia. * In the third quarter of the 13th century, the church was transformed into a fortified church * The church tower was built in the 17th century above the vestry. See more..
5.0 Tagaranna Limestone Cliff (5 reviews)
- Make a wish
Geologic Formations

The limestone cliff is 1 km long, the highest point is 5.0 m. There is a second terrace on the Ninase limestone cliff of Jaagarahu dolomites, which is located inland, away from the water. On the cliff you'll find stones with holes the sea has carved, but also marks of fossils that stratified in the stones thousands of years ago. Useful information: A memorial stone to cruise ferry MS Estonia is on the cliff. See more..
5.0 Saare KEK - Muuseum - Kena Elu Keskus (4 reviews)
- A MUST-SEE museum when visiting Kuressaare
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

A humorous glance of Soviet-era everyday life. Interactive museum in the historical building of Saare KEK See more..
5.0 Pihtla Ollekook (3 reviews)
- Very kind owner
Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Estonia's oldest microbrewery located in the island of Saaremaa and famous for the traditional farmhouse style beer. Our notorious cloudy drink has been feeding legends since the 13th century. Unique beer and local island atmosphere can be caught during the summer months in the taproom called Mekituba. Brewery tours are available all year long, but be sure to book in advance to meet the brewmaster himself. See more..
5.0 Muhu Adventure Park (3 reviews)
- Lots of fun :)
Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

Very well thought out tracks, great choice between different levels of difficulty, so something for everyone. Fun thing to do with the whole family. See more..
4.5 Kuressaare Castle (271 reviews)
- Beautiful castle and brilliant exhibitions
Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Castles • History Museums

Kuressaare Castle-Fortress is built in the 14th century. Today, the castle houses the Saaremaa Museum. Saaremaa Museum is one of the oldest (founded in 1865) and biggest museums in Estonia and is visited by 70 000-80 000 people every year. As a county museum its main function is to preserve and strengthen the identity of Saaremaa as a region with extraordinary nature, history and culture. The museum tries to exhibit the essence of the castle and tells its story to the whole world. See more..
4.5 Saaremaa Museum (221 reviews)
- Historic castle
Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Castles • History Museums

The Kuressaare episcopal castle, also known as the Kuressaare Castle, was built in the 14th century. Today, the castle houses the Saaremaa Museum which is devoted to the island’s nature and history. A large part of the fun is exploring the warren of chambers, halls, passages and stairways, apt to fuel anyone’s fantasies. One room near the bishop’s chamber looks down to a dungeon where, according to legend, condemned prisoners were dispatched to be devoured by hungry lions (recorded growls reinforce the mental image). Legend also tells of a knight’s body found when a sealed room was opened in the 18th century, which has given rise to varying accounts of how he met his tragic fate. Upon discovery the knight’s body dissolved into dust but don’t worry, it’s since been re-created. There’s also interesting coverage of daily life under the USSR, including the interior of a typical apartment. On the top floor, the museum has wonderful views over the bay and surrounding countryside. See more..
4.5 Kuressaare Town Park (76 reviews)
- Very nice park
Parks

The establishment of housing and landscape gardening got into full speed in the second half of the 19th century when Kuressaare became thanks to discovery of medical mud one of the spa cities of Estonia. For park establishment and administration in 1861 was formed a park committee. Versatile help was offered by residents who donated money, seedlings and gave for work horses and vehicles. In 1930 new rare types of trees that were ordered from Tartu University were planted in town park. The plant life of park is rich, here you can find around 80 species of trees and bushes.Interesting to know:Town park is a former cemetery. See more..
4.5 Panga Cliff (68 reviews)
- Beautiful!
Hiking Trails

The maximum height of the cliff is 21.3 m. The cliff runs for about 2.5 km. Panga Cliff stands as a slate wall reaching up straight from the beach. Interestingly, couple of hundred meters from the cliff in the sea there is a steep slope. The location of the slope becomes visible on stormy days as line of foamy waves. Good to know: Panga Cliff is the highest of all Saaremaa and Muhu northern coast cliffs. The cliffs of Saaremaa are all slate cliffs. On the highest point of the Panga cliff there is an ancient ritual site where people sacrificed for the sea. See more..
4.5 Muhu Village Museum of Koguva (53 reviews)
- peaceful and contemplative experience
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

A walk in the village with several stops to see things and to eat other things was a very relaxing and refreshing experience in the beautiful and tranquill island of Muhu. Highly recommended. I'd definitely return to see more nooks and nice views. See more..
4.5 Jarve (49 reviews)
- Great views
Beaches

You can see the Baltic see on the right side of the peninsula and the Riga bay on the left side. Coffee shop and a fish restaurant next to it. Visit the lighthouse too. Cool visit See more..
4.5 Sorve Lighthouse (44 reviews)
- Highlight of Saaremaa Island!
Spent 1-2 hours Lighthouses

In 1646 Livonian governor general Gabriel Oxenstierna had a primitive lighthouse – a beacon – built on a little island located at the tip of Sorve Peninsula. Autumn storms showed that the small island selected for the beacon was unsuitable and the beacon was relocated to the tip of Sorve Peninsula. A stone tower was established there in 1770, but it was destroyed in the Second World War. The present cone-shaped lighthouse of monolithic concrete was built in 1960.Interesting facts: • The height of Sorve Lighthouse from its foot is 52 metres and it is 53 metres above sea level. See more..
4.5 St Catherine’s Church (26 reviews)
- Amazing building
Churches & Cathedrals

Muhu Church has been mentioned in chronicles since 1267. The church is a beautiful building in early Gothic style. The interior of Muhu Church boasts high ceilings with high domical arches and cross vaults in the choir section. Fragments of murals that date back to the 1330s have been preserved on the northern and eastern walls of the church’s choir room.You can see a rare trapeze-shaped grave plate from the 13th or the 13th century in the church wall above the door leading to the staircase.Interesting facts:Muhu Church is one of the rural churches with the most beautiful proportions in Estonia.The pulpit of Muhu Church is one of the oldest in Saare County.The church has also been used as a defence facility. See more..
4.5 Karja Catherine Church (20 reviews)
- History
Churches & Cathedrals

Karja church was built in the beginning of 14th century. The church has retained almost unchanged its initial shape. The church is one-naved and doesn't have bell tower. On top of the altar are extant paganish magic ceiling signs that were painted during construction.In the design of the church You will mostly see elements of early and high Gothic that are combined with some roman lines.Interesting to know: Karja church is one of the richest of sculptures in the whole Northern Europe.The arcs of the church exceed the height of the walls two times.Karja church is the smallest church on Saaremaa. See more..
4.5 Good Kaarma (19 reviews)
- Great Energy & Products
Farms

GoodKaarma is a unique ecofarm which makes organic soaps. In summer our doors are open to everyone. Our outdoor cafe offers drinks and snacks, while our gift shop has a wide range of interesting souvenirs, jewellery, soaps and more. Those interested can even take part in soap-making workshops! See more..
4.5 Vilsandi National Park (14 reviews)
- Exotic, one of a kind
National Parks

Vilsandi National Park covers a number of islands, islets and boulders. The most outlying are surrounded by a 200 metre protection zone stretching towards the open sea. The Vilsandi National Park comprises around 100 small islands, islets and boulders with a total area of 12.9 km². Useful information:Vilsandi is the oldest nature protection area in the Baltics, which was reorganised as the Vilsandi National Park in 1993.Together with the surrounding sea, the Vilsandi National Park amounts to 106.9 km².The biggest and highest island in the national park is 6 km long and 2 km wide See more..
4.5 Ruins of Maasi Fort-Castle (12 reviews)
- 14th-century castles are cool
Historic Sites

Maasi medieval fort-castle was built with the forced labour of islanders. That's how the ruling Liivi order punished indigenous inhabitants for the uprising, which had destroyed orders previous stronghold. Seaside fort-castle was undefeated until blown up by Danes. 8m walls that survived the destruction have become a landmark.Good to know:On August 11th, 1576, Danish king Frederik II ordered Maasi stronghold destroyed, it has been in ruins ever since. See more..
4.5 Sorve Cape (11 reviews)
- Beautiful Island
Geologic Formations

The peninsula ends with the tip of Sorve, which is continued by a number of islets in the Irbe Strait. According to a legend, they were created by Great Toll. The hero was chasing the Devil out of the country and throwing stones after him. Heavier stones fell down sooner, lighter ones flew further. Good to know: Sorve peninsula was first mentioned in 1234. The peninsula has only 1600 inhabitants. The tip of Sorve is loved by birdwatchers. See more..
4.5 Kaarma Church of Saints Peter and Paul (10 reviews)
- great for Christmas
Churches & Cathedrals

Kaarma one-nave church was established in the second half of 13th century and was later rebuilt to be a two-nave church. Church is decorated with ornamental and figural fragments of frescos in secco technique that are the same age as initial church.Near pulpit You can see polychromous wooden sculpture of St.Joseph that belongs to Northern-German school.Interesting to know:First time on Saaremaa the supporting pillars were used in Kaarma churchThe eastern wall of church's chorus is decorated with rare in Estonia triple windowThe prototype for pulpit of Kaarma church was a pulpit of Lubeck church See more..
4.5 Viidumae Nature Reserve (9 reviews)
- Hilly Saaremaa
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Saaremaa is not so plane, if you visit Viidumäe. Nice hiking trials, take "off" and picnic buscet with you! See more..
4.5 St. Mary's Church (6 reviews)
- Lost and hidden church with an amazing history
Churches & Cathedrals

The Poide Church was built in the middle of the 14th century on the ruins of the Poide Order Castle. The existence of the castle is witnessed by the ruins lying under ground north of the church. Lower parts of the side walls of the church now standing there are the only ones remaining from that period.Near the southern wall of the church, you will see trapezoid-shaped gravestones and their fragments walled into the floor of the choir.Good to know:The Poide Church is the biggest single nave church in Western Estonia and the islands.The rich carved decor of the church is one of the best examples of Estonian High Gothic.The main portal of the church is situated to the south, not to the west like in other churches. See more..
4.5 Mihkli Farm Museum (6 reviews)
- What a fantastic find!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • History Museums

Mihkli Farm Museum was found on the 5th of February in 1959. Mihkli is a farm typical to West-Saaremaa, with many architectural sights as well. Most buildings lie in a circle around the yard, part of which is separated by a stick fence as flower garden. Farm is surrounded by old ash trees, leafy branches used to be cut from them for sheep's winter feed.Good to know:There was no need to search for items for this farm, in addition to a complete set of buildings there was a rich collection of everyday items.Almost all of the items were made by the inhabitants of this farm over 2 centuries. See more..
4.5 Kuressaare Raegalerii (6 reviews)
- Exhibition of contemporary art
Art Galleries

Kuressaare Raegalerii is an art gallery whose exhibitions are aimed at introducing the art heritage of Estonia as well as professional and amateur art created in Saaremaa. You can learn about the building of the Town Hall and its history if you are interested. The halls can be booked for festive occasions. See more..
4.5 Vilsandi National Park Center (6 reviews)
- Info center
Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

This place is a must to start discovering Vilsandi National park. Info about nature and hiking routes are available. See more..
4.5 Odalatsi Springs (4 reviews)
- Mystic secret
Bodies of Water

Odalatsi name derives from the legend in which the Old Devil is fighting with Toll and has his spear broken. The springs that are there are the Old Devil's steps. Interesting to know If you wash your face and hands with this spring water or drink some of it, you will stay young forever. See more..
4.5 Ruhnu Lighthouse (4 reviews)
- Can You expect a Jean Eifell's work on small Estoniam Island?
Libraries

A lighthouse with a red metal cylindrical tower made in the Le Havre plant in France was erected on Håubjarre Hill, the highest spot on Ruhnu Island, in 1877. The metal tower is more than a hundred years old and still in working order.Interesting facts:• the height of the lighthouse is 39.5 metres, 65 metres above seal level• it is the only lighthouse of its type left in the Baltic Sea region• the tower was designed by the same engineer who created the detailed plan of the Eiffel Tower (Gustave Eiffel) See more..
4.5 St. Michael's Church (4 reviews)
- Limited opening hours
Churches & Cathedrals

The church of Kihelkonna was built in the second half of 13th century. Initial church was without tower that was added to the church in the end of 19th century. Most impressive are the high domical hewn arcs with relief keystones.South of the church You will see distinct bell tower - campanile.Interesting to know:The tower of Kihelkonna church was initially used also as lighthouse.The altar wall and pulpit are the oldest in Estonia.The campanile of the church is the only such kind of building in the whole Estonia. See more..