Kuressaare

The capital of Saaremaa and the largest town on the islands, centered on a beautifully preserved medieval bishop's castle surrounded by a moat and park. Its resort-town atmosphere, spa hotels and charming old streets make it the natural base for exploring the archipelago.

Things to do

• Kuressaare Episcopal Castle — Explore the remarkably intact 14th-century bishop's castle, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the Baltics, now housing the Saaremaa Museum.
• Walk the castle park and moat — Stroll the landscaped park surrounding the castle bastions and walk the ramparts overlooking the water-filled moat.
• Relax at a spa hotel — Soak in the mineral-rich mud and thermal treatments that made Kuressaare a health resort since the 19th century.
• Explore the old town and Town Hall Square — Wander the charming streets around the Baroque Town Hall with its stone lions and the historic Weigh House.
• Kuressaare Yacht Harbour and promenade — Walk to the marina and coastal promenade for sea views and boats heading out into the archipelago.
• Day trip to Panga cliff and Kaali crater — Use Kuressaare as a base to reach Saaremaa's dramatic Panga limestone cliff and the ancient meteorite crater at Kaali.
• Visit Angla windmills — See the row of iconic wooden trestle windmills that symbolize the island's rural heritage, a short drive north.

Food to try

• Saaremaa black bread — Try the dense, slightly sweet rye bread that is a staple of every island meal.
• Fresh Baltic fish — Sample smoked or fried flounder, herring, and pike-perch caught in the surrounding waters.
• Saaremaa beer — Taste the island's own craft and traditional home-brewed beers, a proud local drink at festivals.
• Kuressaare mud and spa cuisine — Many spa hotel restaurants serve hearty island fare using local lamb, potatoes, and seasonal produce.
• Juniper products — Look for juniper-smoked meats, syrups, and schnapps made from the abundant island juniper bushes.
• Home-cured island lamb — Saaremaa's free-grazing sheep produce flavorful lamb dishes featured on many local menus.

Local customs & good to know

• Islanders value calm and self-reliance — Saaremaa people have a reputation across Estonia for being unhurried and independent, so expect a relaxed pace.
• Book spa treatments ahead in summer — Kuressaare's spa hotels fill quickly during the July high season, so reserve treatments and rooms in advance.
• Bring cash for smaller spots — While cards are widely accepted, small rural stalls and markets outside town may prefer cash.
• Respect the quiet off-season — Outside summer many attractions and cafes reduce hours, so check opening times before visiting in autumn or winter.

Nearby

• Kuressaare Episcopal Castle — 1 km
• Kaali Meteorite Crater — 17 km
• Angla Windmill Hill — 30 km
• Kihelkonna — 32 km