Exploring the Historic Charm of Kuressaare Castle

Giants, Windmills, and Antique Finds

Today was a day of embracing the local legends and delving into the historical ingenuity of Saaremaa. It’s remarkable how a single day can be filled with so much to see and learn, especially when you allow yourself to wander without a rigid plan. I find these impromptu explorations often lead to the most delightful discoveries.

My day started, as it has each morning, with a simple but satisfying breakfast at the Johan Spa Hotell. The fresh bread and local cheeses are a perfect way to prepare for a day of walking and exploring. The hotel’s central location makes it easy to set off in any direction, and today I decided to head towards the castle, drawn by the promise of windmills and ancient tales. The weather in Kuressaare today was mostly cloudy, with a temperature of 3 °C. It felt a bit colder, around 1 °C, and the humidity was at 68%. Thankfully, the chance of rain was minimal, but I did regret not packing my raincoat. Live and learn, I suppose; I’ll certainly remember it for future trips.


Discover ultimate relaxation at Johan Spa Hotell in Kuressaare - where luxury meets tranquility amidst stunning natural beauty.

My first stop was the statue of Suur Tõll and Piret. These mythical giants are central figures in Saaremaa’s folklore, and the statue depicting them carrying a boat full of fish is quite striking. It is located near the Kuressaare Castle. According to legend, Suur Tõll was the ruler of Saaremaa, and his wife Piret was always by his side. They lived in the village of Tõlluste, and Tõll was known for his incredible strength and his habit of tossing huge rocks at his enemies. He even had a cabbage patch on the island of Ruhnu, and when Piret started cooking, he would walk across the sea to get the cabbages, returning in half an hour.


Explore the captivating legends of Suur Töll and Piret in Kuressaare, where folklore meets stunning landscapes in the heart of Saare County.

Standing there, gazing at the statue, I couldn’t help but think of Hans-Peter. He would have loved the sheer scale of the figures and the stories behind them. I could almost hear him chuckling as I recounted the tale of Piret crying over a stubbed toe, her tears forming a bog. It’s these little human touches in the grand scheme of legends that always amuse him. I made a mental note to find a postcard of the statue for him. He always appreciates a little something from my travels.

Legends are not just stories; they are the echoes of a people’s history and values, resonating through generations.

From the giants, I ventured towards the Kuressaare kindluse pukktuulik, the windmill located within the castle grounds. As I approached, I could see the traditional post mill standing proudly against the sky. It felt like stepping back in time. This windmill is not just a pretty sight; it’s a working piece of history. Windmills were once a common sight in this area, and this particular one has been reconstructed to show how they were used to grind grain. According to the Saaremaa Museum, windmills were a typical part of the Kuressaare Castle. One stood on the western bastion in the 17th century. Later, in 1787, a merchant built a new Dutch-style windmill on the northern bastion, but it burned down in 1795. The current windmill was rebuilt to mark the Republic's 100th anniversary.


Experience the enchanting beauty and rich history of Kuressaare Castle, a medieval treasure in Saare County, Estonia, perfect for every traveler.

Inside, the miller explained the process of grinding grain using the wind's power. The knowledge that this windmill is a reconstruction of one that stood here centuries ago added a layer of depth to the experience. I imagined the lives of the people who depended on these mills for their daily bread, their livelihoods intimately connected to the whims of nature. The wind, seemingly capricious, was their source of sustenance. It was opened during the Saaremaa Maritime Days.

For lunch, I decided to try omnom sööki & jook, a place recommended for its local fare. I opted for a simple fish dish, wanting to taste the freshness of the local catch. It was delightful, and the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant made it a perfect midday stop. The staff were friendly, and I enjoyed a brief chat with one of them about the local events happening this month. Apparently, the Saaremaa Young Soloists Competition SPRING 2025 is today at the Kuressaare kultuurikeskus. Also, the Kuressaare Street Festival 2025 will be held on Kuressaare raekoja plats on May 24.


Discover the authentic flavors of Estonia at Omnom Söök & Jook in Kuressaare – where culinary creativity meets local charm.

After lunch, I decided to indulge in a bit of antique hunting. Arensburg Antiik OÜ caught my eye, and I couldn’t resist popping in. As an archivist, I have a soft spot for old things, and I am always curious to see what treasures I might find. The shop was a trove of interesting items, from old furniture to vintage jewelry. While I didn’t buy anything, I enjoyed browsing and imagining the stories behind each piece. It reminded me a bit of Hans-Peter’s workshop back in Berlin, filled with the scent of old wood and the quiet hum of restoration. The Arensburg Antiik OÜ is located at Lossi 9, 93819 Kuressaare.


Explore the charm of Kuressaare at Arensburg Antiik OÜ, where every antique tells a story and reveals the rich history of Estonia.

As the afternoon waned, I made my way to Pritsumaja Grill & Bar for dinner. The place was buzzing with locals and tourists alike, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. I ordered some grilled fish, which was cooked to perfection. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring. Pritsumaja Grill & Bar is named after a fire station that dates back to 1868.


Experience the best of Estonian cuisine at Pritsumaja Grill & Bar in Kuressaare - where local flavors meet international flair.

One of the highlights of my day was a chance encounter with a local artist near the castle. We struck up a conversation about the history of Kuressaare, and he shared some fascinating insights about the town’s past. He spoke of the resilience of the Saaremaa people, their deep connection to the sea, and their ability to preserve their cultural heritage despite the many challenges they have faced over the centuries. It was a reminder of why I love traveling – the opportunity to connect with people and learn from their experiences.

As I walked back to the Johan Spa Hotell, I reflected on the day’s adventures. From the legends of Suur Tõll and Piret to the ingenuity of the Kuressaare kindluse pukktuulik, every moment was filled with discovery. It reminded me of my Latvian roots and the importance of preserving our history and culture. I am looking forward to tomorrow, when I plan to visit the Kuressaare birdwatching tower and the Dendropark. I might also visit the Wine Terrace bar.

Perhaps I’ll find more stories to share, more hidden corners to explore. For now, though, it’s time to rest and recharge for another day of adventures.

I’m also hoping to find a travel adapter soon, as I forgot to pack one [TripDetails]. It is making it difficult to charge my camera and other devices.