Saaremaa, along with its neighbor Muhu, creates a distinct world where folklore and geology meet. The journey begins on the ferry to Muhu, where a stop at the Muhu Ostrich Farm allows kids to feed emus, alpacas, and even zebras. Crossing the causeway to Saaremaa, the landscape opens up into fields dotted with juniper bushes and traditional wooden windmills. The Angla Windmill Park is not just a museum but an active heritage center where children can participate in workshops to bake rye bread or craft juniper souvenirs.
The capital, Kuressaare, is home to the best-preserved medieval castle in the Baltic region. Unlike many museums where exhibits are behind glass, Kuressaare Castle encourages exploration. Kids can navigate the maze-like corridors, climb the defense towers, and look down into the (now dry) moat. The town is also known as a spa capital, with numerous family-friendly spa hotels offering water parks and slides, making it a great year-round destination even when the weather is cool.
Nature on Saaremaa tells dramatic stories. The Kaali Meteorite Crater is a perfectly round lake formed by a cosmic impact thousands of years ago; walking the rim helps children visualize the scale of the event. For a view of the power of the sea, visit the Panga Cliff on the northern coast or drive to the tip of the Sõrve Peninsula, where a lonely lighthouse marks the spot where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga. The beaches here are often rocky and wild, perfect for fossil hunting and stone stacking rather than just sunbathing.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers unique ecosystems like the Vilsandi National Park and juniper forests, ideal for birdwatching and hiking in a safe, pristine environment. Peak summer months provide the mildest temperatures for trail exploration, while shoulder months are crisp but beautiful for wildlife activity.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Home to the exceptionally preserved Kuressaare Episcopal Castle and the authentic Koguva ethnographic village, offering deep historical immersion. Peak months allow for full access to outdoor museums and heritage sites, whereas winter months see significant closures and freezing conditions.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The Kaali Meteorite Crater field is one of the most significant and accessible scientific sites in Europe for families. Summer months provide the best visibility and accessibility for guided geological and historical education across the islands.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Kuressaare is a historic spa town world-renowned for its therapeutic mud treatments and high density of wellness retreats. Peak season aligns with mild summer weather for walking between treatments, while shoulder months offer a quiet, contemplative atmosphere for discerning travelers.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Features world-class golfing at Saare Golf and exceptional flat-terrain cycling routes perfect for families. Peak summer conditions provide the necessary daylight and warmth for active recreation, while high humidity and cold winds make winter unsuitable.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Hosts the internationally acclaimed Saaremaa Opera Days and authentic Midsummer (Jaanipäev) celebrations. Peak timing is specific to these major summer cultural events, which offer high-quality experiences for sophisticated global visitors.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Excellent, quiet roads lead through picturesque landscapes of windmills and thatched-roof villages. Summer months offer peak visibility and long daylight hours for driving; winter brings dangerous icy conditions and poor visibility.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
The Baltic waters are pristine but remain cool (rarely exceeding 20°C), appealing more for sailing and coastal scenery than swimming. Peak summer is the only time for water-based activities, as temperatures drop rapidly in the shoulder seasons.
Attractions (44 total)
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Angla Windmill Park
Angla
A historic hilltop featuring five iconic wooden windmills and a heritage center showcasing traditional Estonian rural crafts and tools.
Visit website →Muhu Ostrich Farm
Nautse
An exotic animal park where families can encounter ostriches, zebras, kangaroos, and emus in a rural island setting.
Visit website →Asva Viking Village
Asva
A family adventure park that blends Viking-age history with a petting zoo containing sheep, goats, rabbits, and horses.
Visit website →Mihkli Farm Museum
Viki
An authentic 18th-century farmstead preserved in its original location, offering a deep dive into historical Estonian island life and architecture.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Baltic Coastal Hiking Route (E9)
Kuivastu
340km moderate long-distance trek across Muhu and Saaremaa islands, following the rugged coastline. Typical duration 15-20 days with minimal elevation gain. Part of the European long-distance path E9. Official guide: coastalhiking.eu
Visit website →EuroVelo 10 / National Cycle Route 1 Saaremaa Loop
Kuivastu
280km easy multi-day cycle loop around the island on quiet paved and gravel roads. Typical duration 4-6 days with negligible elevation gain of approximately 350m. Bike rental: Bivarix (bivarix.ee), Saarebike (saarebike.ee).
Visit website →Koigi Bog Study Trail
Koigi
4.8km easy loop featuring wooden boardwalks through the largest bog system on the island. Typical duration 1.5-2 hours with negligible elevation gain. Includes a 9m observation tower with panoramic wetland views.
Visit website →Panga Cliff Nature Trail
Panga
2.5km easy coastal walk atop the highest limestone cliff in Western Estonia, reaching 21m in height. Typical duration 1 hour with minimal elevation gain. Famous for dramatic sea views and ancient sacrificial sites.
Visit website →Harilaid Hiking Trail
Kihelkonna
11km easy day hike through the Vilsandi National Park to the leaning Kiipsaare lighthouse. Typical duration 3-4 hours with less than 20m elevation gain. Trail features diverse coastal landscapes and bird watching sites.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Kaali Meteorite Crater Field
Kaali
A rare prehistoric impact site featuring a perfectly circular green lake in the main crater, offering a unique scientific and legendary experience for families.
Kuressaare Episcopal Castle
Kuressaare
The only intact medieval stone castle in the Baltics, featuring a museum and atmospheric ramparts that children love to explore.
Visit website →Muhu Museum (Koguva Village)
Koguva
An exceptionally preserved 18th-century stone-walled fishing village where kids can explore traditional thatched-roof houses and farm equipment.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Kaali Meteorite Museum
Kaali
A specialized museum dedicated to the geology and history of the Kaali meteorite craters, featuring impact-related minerals and historical artifacts.
Saaremaa Museum Natural History Department
Kuressaare
Located inside Kuressaare Castle, this museum features extensive natural history exhibitions detailing the island's unique ecosystems, flora, and fauna.
Visit website →Sõrve Visitor Centre
Sääre
A discovery center featuring interactive maritime history and natural science exhibits focused on the unique birdlife and shipwrecks of the Sõrve Peninsula.
Visit website →Thule Koda
Kuressaare
An interactive discovery center exploring Saaremaa's role as the legendary Ultima Thule through quirky multimedia exhibits and alternative history displays.
Visit website →WOW Experience Centre
Kuressaare
An interactive family entertainment center where science and fun meet through physical activities, water play, and visual illusions.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Kuressaare City Park
Kuressaare
A historic 19th-century formal park surrounding the medieval castle, featuring a rich dendrological collection with nearly 80 species of trees.
Visit website →Loona Manor Park
Loona
The manor grounds serve as the Vilsandi National Park visitor center, featuring a specialized herb garden and a collection of local limestone-loving flora.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
North Saaremaa Heritage Route
Circular
115km paved circular route (4-6 hours) covering the island's most famous landmarks. Key stops include the Kaali Meteorite Crater field, the Angla Windmill Park, the Karja Church, and the dramatic 21-meter high Panga Cliff overlooking the Baltic Sea.
Visit website →Sõrve Peninsula Scenic Drive
Kuressaare
52km paved coastal route (1.5-2 hours) leading to the southern tip of Saaremaa. Highlights include the Tehumardi battlefield, Salme Viking ship burial site, and the iconic 52-meter high Sõrve Lighthouse offering views across the Irbe Strait to Latvia.
Visit website →Muhu Island Coastal Trail
Kuivastu
45km paved route (2-3 hours) through the historic landscape of Muhu Island. Starting at the ferry port, it passes through the Liiva village center to the remarkably preserved Koguva fishing village and across the Väinatamm causeway into Saaremaa.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Panga Cliff
Panga
The highest dolomite cliff on Saaremaa offers stunning Baltic Sea views and scenic walking paths perfect for family outings.
Sõrve Lighthouse
Sääre
Located at the tip of the Sõrve Peninsula, this iconic lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Irbe Strait and the Latvian coast.
Visit website →Tuhkana Beach
Tuhkana
Known as one of the best swimming spots on the north coast, this wild sandy beach is surrounded by pristine pine forests.
Kiipsaare Lighthouse
Harilaid Peninsula
A famous leaning lighthouse situated in the water off the Harilaid Peninsula, accessible via a beautiful coastal hiking trail.
Visit website →Mändjala Beach
Mändjala
A popular family-friendly destination featuring wide sandy dunes, shallow warm waters, and a surrounding pine forest.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Saaremaa Museum (Kuressaare Castle)
Kuressaare
Housed in a 14th-century episcopal castle, this museum features significant fine art collections and rotating Baltic art exhibitions within its medieval walls.
Visit website →Saaremaa Art Studio (Saaremaa Kunstistuudio)
Kuressaare
A vibrant gallery in the town center that features professional fine art exhibitions alongside creative workshops suitable for families and children.
Visit website →Kuressaare Raegalerii (Town Hall Gallery)
Kuressaare
Located in the historic town hall, this professional gallery showcases high-quality Estonian and international contemporary art in a classical setting.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Sõrve Nature Reserve
Sääre
A narrow, windswept peninsula known for its iconic lighthouse, rich military history, and as a world-class destination for bird migration watching.
Visit website →Vilsandi National Park
Kihelkonna
Estonia's oldest national park is a coastal sanctuary famous for its grey seals, diverse birdlife, and rugged limestone landscapes.
Visit website →Üügu Bluff
Kallaste
Muhu Island's most impressive cliff landscape features ancient coastal caves and a unique flora-rich environment perfect for hiking.
Visit website →Viidumäe Nature Reserve
Lümanda
Located on the island's highest point, this reserve features rare endemic plants and an observation tower providing views over pristine forests.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Sõrve Peninsula
Sääre
The southernmost tip of the island featuring a narrow coastal strip, a historic lighthouse, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Visit website →Harilaid Peninsula
Tagamõisa
A wild and remote peninsula within Vilsandi National Park, famous for the 'leaning lighthouse' that stands directly in the sea.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Hallikivi Adventure Park
Kõljala
A family-oriented forest park featuring four adventure trails of varying difficulty levels and a specialized low-altitude course for younger children.
Visit website →Muhu Adventure Park
Lõu
Situated on Muhu Island, this park provides a range of aerial challenges and ziplines integrated into the island's unique juniper and pine landscape.
Visit website →Kuressaare Adventure Park
Kuressaare
Located by the sea, this park offers five aerial obstacle courses and a long zip-line descent providing views of the nearby castle and beach.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Muhu St. Catherine's Church
Liiva
One of the oldest churches in Estonia, this 13th-century landmark features rare medieval mural fragments and unique trapezoid tombstones.
Angla Windmill Mount
Angla
A historic cluster of five traditional Estonian wooden windmills where families can explore the interiors and participate in heritage craft workshops.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Saaremaa Zoo
Tehumardi
A diverse wildlife park housing exotic birds, primates, and reptiles, offering an educational and interactive experience for families.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Angla Windmill Park & Heritage Centre
Angla
This cultural site features iconic wooden windmills and a heritage center where visitors can try their hand at traditional Estonian crafts and see historic machinery.
Visit website →Koguva Village
Koguva
A perfectly preserved ethnographic village where families can stroll through narrow stone-lined lanes and visit a museum dedicated to traditional island culture.
Visit website →