Free Saare County Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Saare County with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Saare County
Saare County photo 2
Saare County photo 3
All photos

Explore Saare County for Kuressaare’s castle, Saaremaa’s coast, Muhu villages, meteorite craters, wildlife and Estonia’s distinctive island heritage.

Saare County occupies Estonia’s western island world, centred on Saaremaa, the country’s largest island, and extending to Muhu, Ruhnu and smaller islands. The landscape alternates between juniper-covered alvars, pine forest, coastal meadows, limestone shorelines and sheltered bays. Distances are manageable by car, yet the islands reward an unhurried approach: roads lead from the county town of Kuressaare into villages where stone fences, wooden farmsteads and wind-bent trees reveal a long relationship with the sea and the land.
Read more about Saare County
Kuressaare, on Saaremaa’s southern coast, is the county’s cultural and practical centre. Its medieval Episcopal Castle, surrounded by a broad moat and park, is one of the best-preserved fortifications in the Baltic region and houses the Saaremaa Museum. The town is also known for its historic resort character, with spa hotels, wooden villas, cafés and a promenade beside Kuressaare Bay. Outside the town, Saaremaa’s identity becomes more rural and maritime. Angla’s traditional windmills, the stone village of Koguva on Muhu, and the fishing settlements of the western and southern coast preserve different aspects of island life.
Natural attractions are central to the county. At Kaali, a group of meteorite craters cuts into Saaremaa’s wooded interior, while Panga Cliff forms the island’s highest limestone coastal escarpment. Vilsandi National Park protects exceptionally varied western landscapes, including islets, coastal meadows, reed beds and important bird habitats. The park’s islands and shoreline are shaped by shallow water and glacial limestone, and access conditions can change with weather. On the southern tip of Saaremaa, the Sõrve Peninsula narrows towards the Baltic Sea, ending at a prominent lighthouse and an area associated with military history and migratory birds.
Muhu, reached by ferry from the mainland before continuing to Saaremaa, has a quieter agricultural character, with traditional farm buildings, stone walls and villages such as Koguva. Ruhnu lies farther out in the Gulf of Riga and has a distinct island history, including a remarkable wooden church and a population shaped by centuries of Swedish-speaking settlement before the Second World War. These islands are not interchangeable: Saaremaa offers the broadest range of services and landscapes, Muhu is closely associated with village heritage and craft traditions, while Ruhnu is a remote destination whose transport requires careful planning.
Food and culture reflect both Estonian and maritime influences. Local tables draw on fish, rye bread, potatoes, dairy products, berries and island-grown produce, while juniper, smoked foods and seasonal preserves recur in regional cooking. Craft traditions include woven textiles, carved wood and practical rural objects. Visitors can combine castle and village heritage with cycling, birdwatching, coastal walking, kayaking and quiet observation of island landscapes, provided they allow time for ferries, weather and the slower rhythm of rural roads.

When is the best time to visit Saare County?

Best: June–August · 20–23°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January135
February130
March530
April1035
May1640
June (best)2050
July (best)2370
August (best)2165
September1765
October1155
November650
December245

Getting to and around Saare County

How to get there

Most visitors reach Saare County by road and ferry from mainland Estonia. The principal ferry route runs from Virtsu on the mainland to Kuivastu on Muhu, from where a road continues across the Väinatamm causeway to Saaremaa. Tallinn is the main international gateway, with onward bus and car connections to the ferry port. Kuressaare Airport is on Saaremaa and may have scheduled domestic air services, but routes and operating arrangements can change, so check current information before booking. Ruhnu is reached separately by seasonal boat or air connections whose availability is particularly weather-dependent.

Transportation

A car is the most flexible way to explore Saaremaa and Muhu, especially for reaching Panga Cliff, Kaali, Angla, the Sõrve Peninsula and remote coastal areas. Public buses connect Kuressaare with several settlements, but services are less frequent in rural districts and may not align conveniently with sightseeing. Cycling is rewarding on quieter roads, although distances, wind and limited roadside facilities should be considered. Kuressaare is walkable, while taxis are most useful for short transfers or carefully arranged excursions. Reaching Vilsandi or Ruhnu requires additional planning because boat access and local transport can be seasonal.

Top city travel guides in Saare County

The cities of Saare County, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Saare County

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Saare County

Saare County’s attractions range from medieval architecture and meteorite geology to protected coastlines and living village heritage. Kuressaare Castle is the principal historic attraction on Saaremaa, combining a substantial fortress with museum displays about the island’s archaeology, politics and culture. Inland, the Kaali meteorite field offers a compact but unusual geological experience, while Angla presents a group of traditional windmills and insight into rural building traditions. The western coast and Vilsandi National Park are especially valuable for birdwatching, coastal walks and observing limestone shores, islets and semi-natural meadows. Panga Cliff provides one of Saaremaa’s most accessible high coastal viewpoints, and the Sõrve Peninsula brings together lighthouse scenery, maritime history and open landscapes. Muhu adds a slower cultural dimension through Koguva village, whose stone walls and farm buildings preserve a distinctive island settlement pattern. Cycling, kayaking, fishing excursions and nature walks are best planned around local weather and transport conditions, while Kuressaare contributes museums, galleries, spa facilities and a walkable resort town atmosphere.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Saare County

Kuressaare Castle is Saare County’s defining architectural landmark, with a medieval episcopal core, later defensive works and a moat that gives the fortress a powerful presence beside the park. In the town itself, resort-era wooden villas, historic streets and the coastal promenade reflect Kuressaare’s nineteenth-century development as a spa destination. On Muhu, Koguva’s stone walls, farm buildings and village lanes form an unusually coherent rural heritage landscape, while St Catherine’s Church at Liiva is an important historic religious building. Saaremaa’s natural landmarks include Panga Cliff, where exposed limestone meets the Baltic shore, and the Kaali crater lake, created by a meteorite impact in the prehistoric past. The Sõrve Lighthouse marks the narrow southern peninsula and is associated with the island’s maritime and military geography. Ruhnu’s wooden church, traditionally dated to the seventeenth century, is a particularly significant reminder of the island’s former Swedish-speaking community and distinct architectural history.

Show more landmarks

Explore Saare County on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Saare County

Dining in Saare County draws on the produce of a cool maritime climate and a strong rural tradition. Fish, rye bread, potatoes, dairy products, berries, mushrooms and seasonal vegetables appear widely, while smoked or preserved foods reflect the practical needs of island households. Juniper is a familiar local flavour and is used in some savoury products, drinks and sweets. Kuressaare has the county’s broadest choice of cafés, modern restaurants, hotel dining rooms and relaxed pubs, with menus that combine Estonian cooking with contemporary European techniques. In the countryside, farm-based food businesses, village cafés and rural inns may focus on local ingredients and traditional baking, though opening arrangements can be seasonal. Muhu is associated with carefully preserved village culture and homemade-style produce, while fish shops, farm stalls and market events offer opportunities to buy regional food directly. Visitors should expect some smaller establishments to accept cash or require advance planning outside the main summer period.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Saare County

Nightlife in Saare County is concentrated in Kuressaare and is generally sociable rather than large-scale. The town’s pubs, hotel bars, cafés and restaurants provide places for local beer, cocktails, live music and late-evening conversation, with activity increasing during the summer season and cultural events. Traditional pubs and rural inns elsewhere in Saaremaa and Muhu tend to close earlier and are better suited to food, conversation and tasting local drinks than to clubbing. Small breweries, cider producers and farm-based drink makers contribute to the island’s contemporary food-and-drink scene, but availability and opening arrangements vary. Kuressaare may have occasional concert, theatre and festival evenings, while remote villages offer little organised nightlife. On Ruhnu, the evening experience is primarily quiet and landscape-focused, with limited services that should not be assumed to operate late.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Saare County

Nightlife in Saare County is concentrated in Kuressaare and is generally sociable rather than large-scale. The town’s pubs, hotel bars, cafés and restaurants provide places for local beer, cocktails, live music and late-evening conversation, with activity increasing during the summer season and cultural events. Traditional pubs and rural inns elsewhere in Saaremaa and Muhu tend to close earlier and are better suited to food, conversation and tasting local drinks than to clubbing. Small breweries, cider producers and farm-based drink makers contribute to the island’s contemporary food-and-drink scene, but availability and opening arrangements vary. Kuressaare may have occasional concert, theatre and festival evenings, while remote villages offer little organised nightlife. On Ruhnu, the evening experience is primarily quiet and landscape-focused, with limited services that should not be assumed to operate late.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Saare County

Shopping in Saare County is strongest in Kuressaare, where the centre contains everyday shops, independent boutiques, galleries, craft outlets and food retailers within a compact town setting. Local craft traditions are represented by woven textiles, knitwear, woodwork, pottery, jewellery and products featuring juniper, an emblematic island material. Farm shops and seasonal stalls may offer bread, preserves, honey, berries, smoked fish and other regional produce, although selection depends on the time of year. Muhu is particularly associated with textile and craft traditions, including the island’s recognisable embroidered clothing heritage, and village-based makers can provide a more direct connection with local production. Markets and fairs are useful places to look for food and handmade goods, but dates and locations change. Visitors should distinguish durable local products from generic souvenirs, and should buy plants, historic objects or wildlife-derived materials only through legitimate sellers.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Saare County, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Saare County essentials

Currency and Payment
Saare County uses the euro, with the currency code EUR, as part of Estonia. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Kuressaare, ferry-related services, larger shops and many accommodation providers. Carry some cash for small rural businesses, market stalls, unattended honesty systems and places on smaller islands where connectivity or card facilities may be limited. Estonia is generally highly accustomed to electronic payment, but remote island travel benefits from having a modest reserve of euros.
Safety
Saare County is generally a straightforward destination for visitors, but rural and coastal conditions require ordinary care. Check weather and sea conditions before boat trips, coastal walks or kayaking, and keep well back from cliff edges and unstable shorelines. Forest paths and limestone terrain can be slippery after rain. On rural roads, watch for cyclists, farm vehicles and wildlife, and allow for darkness or poor visibility outside settlements. In protected areas, stay on permitted routes and do not disturb nesting birds or other wildlife.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 throughout Estonia for police, ambulance or fire and rescue services. Give the exact island, village, road or landmark when possible, since location can be less obvious in sparsely settled areas. For a non-emergency question about public services, Estonia’s national information line is 1247. On the coast or at sea, follow instructions from rescue authorities and provide boat or shoreline details. Keep in mind that medical and rescue response times can be longer on smaller or remote islands, so carry essential medication and check local conditions before departing.
Do's and Don'ts
Treat beaches, forests, coastal meadows and protected areas responsibly: keep dogs controlled where required, take rubbish away and do not collect plants, fossils or archaeological material. Ask permission before photographing people, homes or working farmyards, particularly in small villages. At churches, museums and historic sites, follow photography and access rules. Estonian dining etiquette is generally relaxed, but tipping is discretionary rather than compulsory. Do not assume that a marked rural track is a public road, and do not enter private yards or traditional farm buildings without invitation.
Local Tips
Base yourself in Kuressaare for services, then allow separate days for northern, western and southern Saaremaa rather than zigzagging across the island. Muhu is worth more than a ferry stop, especially for its village architecture and rural landscapes. Visit popular heritage sites earlier in the day during summer, when coach groups and ferry traffic can increase. For birdwatching, bring binoculars and check seasonal access rules in Vilsandi National Park. Island weather changes quickly, so a waterproof outer layer is useful even in warmer months.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloTere[te-re]
GoodbyeHead aega[head ai-ga]
YesJah[yah]
NoEi[ay]
Please/You're welcomePalun[pa-lun]
Thank youAitäh[ai-tah]
Excuse me/SorryVabandust[va-ban-dust]
How are you?Kuidas sul läheb?[kwee-das sul leh-heb]
Fine. And you?Hästi. Ja sina?[hes-ti. yah si-na]
Do you speak English?Kas sa räägid inglise keelt?[kas sa ray-gid in-gli-se kelt]
I don't understandMa ei saa aru[ma ay za ah-ru]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTahaksin näha menüüd, palun[ta-hak-sin na-ha me-nuud, pa-lun]
I don't eat meatMa ei söö liha[ma ay sœ li-ha]
Cheers!Terviseks![ter-vi-seks]
I would like to pay, pleaseTahaksin maksta, palun[ta-hak-sin mak-sta, pa-lun]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aita![ai-ta]
Go away!Mine ära![mi-ne e-ra]
Call the Police!Kutsu politsei![koot-su po-li-tsei]
Call a doctor!Kutsu arst![koot-su arst]
I'm lostMa olen kadunud[ma o-len ka-du-nud]
I'm illMa olen haige[ma o-len hai-ge]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Tahaksin osta...[ta-hak-sin os-ta]
I'm just lookingMa lihtsalt vaatan[ma li-salt vaa-tan]
How much is it?Kui palju see maksab?[kwee pal-yu se mak-sab]
That's too expensiveSee on liiga kallis[se on li-ga kal-lis]
Can you lower the price?Kas sa saad hinda alandada?[kas sa saad hin-da a-lan-da-da]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Mis kell on?[mis kell on]
It's one o'clockKell on üks[kell on üks]
Half past (10)Kell on kaksteist ja pool[kell on kak-steist ya pool]
MorningHommik[hom-mik]
AfternoonPäev[päev]
EveningÕhtu[õh-tu]
YesterdayEile[ei-le]
TodayTäna[tä-na]
TomorrowHomme[hom-me]
1Üks[üx]
2Kaks[kaks]
3Kolm[kolm]
4Neli[ne-li]
5Viis[viis]
6Kuus[kuus]
7Seitsme[sei-ts-me]
8Kaheksa[ka-he-k-sa]
9Üheksa[ü-he-k-sa]
10Kümme[küm-me]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kus on...?[kus on]
What's the address?Mis on aadress?[mis on aa-dress]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kas sa saad mulle näidata (kaardil)?[kas sa saad mul-le nai-da-ta (kaar-dil)]
When's the next (bus)?Millal tuleb järgmine (buss)?[mil-lal tu-leb jär-gmi-ne (buss)]
A ticket (to ....)Pilet (....)[pi-let]

History of Saare County

Early Settlement and Saaremaa’s Maritime World

The islands of Saare County have been settled since prehistoric times, with communities taking advantage of fertile pockets of land, coastal fishing grounds and maritime routes across the Baltic Sea. Archaeological evidence from Saaremaa and Muhu includes stone structures, burial sites and fortified settlements. The sea connected the islands to the wider region, bringing trade as well as conflict. Saaremaa’s position made it an important centre of seafaring in western Estonia, and later historical accounts preserve the reputation of its inhabitants as capable sailors and politically independent islanders.

The Viking Age and Strongholds of Saaremaa

During the Viking Age and the centuries that followed, Saaremaa participated in Baltic exchange networks linking Estonia with Scandinavia, Finland, Latvia and Rus’. Fortified sites such as the hill fort at Kaarma and other strongholds protected communities and controlled movement across the island. The islands were not isolated from regional politics; their seaborne connections could support commerce, raiding and diplomacy. Although written sources are limited, archaeological remains indicate organised settlement and a society capable of building defensive earthworks, producing goods and maintaining contacts across the eastern Baltic.

The Livonian Crusade and Medieval Rule

In the early thirteenth century, the islands were drawn into the Livonian Crusade and the political order created by German-speaking ecclesiastical and secular powers. Saare-Lääne Bishopric established authority over much of the region, while the Teutonic Order also became influential. Christian churches, manors and fortifications altered the landscape. Kuressaare Castle, developed from the thirteenth century onwards and expanded into a substantial Gothic-style fortress, became the most visible expression of episcopal power on Saaremaa. Medieval religious and administrative structures shaped settlement patterns that remain legible today.

Kuressaare Castle and Early Modern Powers

Saaremaa passed through the spheres of Denmark, Sweden and Russia as Baltic power politics changed. Kuressaare Castle was strengthened and adapted as military technology developed, while nearby Kuressaare grew as an administrative and trading settlement. Manor estates expanded agricultural production, and Lutheran reforms altered religious life after the sixteenth century. Warfare, plague and changes in trade affected the island population, but Saaremaa retained importance because of its position at the entrance to the Gulf of Riga and its command of maritime routes between the mainland and the western Baltic.

Russian Imperial Administration and Island Society

After the Great Northern War, Saaremaa and the other islands became part of the Russian Empire. Imperial administration brought new legal and military frameworks, while local manors continued to dominate much of the countryside. Orthodox institutions appeared alongside older Lutheran traditions, and military installations reflected the islands’ strategic location. Rural communities remained closely tied to fishing, small-scale farming, seafaring and seasonal work. The period also saw growing interest in the islands as a health and leisure destination, laying foundations for Kuressaare’s later resort culture.

Kuressaare as a Baltic Resort

Kuressaare developed into a recognised seaside resort during the nineteenth century, particularly after the establishment of bathing and spa facilities. Visitors were attracted by the mild maritime climate, coastal setting and therapeutic traditions, while wooden villas, parks and promenades gave the town a distinctive resort landscape. The growth of tourism complemented rather than replaced the older island economy. Fishing, agriculture and craft production remained central outside Kuressaare, creating the contrast between an elegant spa town and a predominantly rural archipelago that still characterises the county.

War, Occupation and Military Landscapes

Saare County was affected profoundly by the upheavals of the twentieth century. The islands were occupied by the Soviet Union, occupied by Germany during the Second World War and reoccupied by the Soviet Union in 1944. Military installations, coastal restrictions and population movements reshaped daily life, while battles and evacuations left traces across Saaremaa and Muhu. Ruhnu’s historically Swedish-speaking community largely departed during the wartime and post-war period, changing the island’s social character. Former military sites and memorials remain part of the region’s difficult modern history.

Restored Heritage and Contemporary Island Life

Since Estonia restored independence in 1991, Saare County has combined renewed local government with a growing emphasis on heritage, nature conservation and sustainable island tourism. Kuressaare’s castle, historic resort architecture, village landscapes and traditional crafts have gained new visibility, while Vilsandi National Park and other protected areas safeguard coastal habitats. Improved ferry connections and visitor services have made the islands more accessible, although depopulation, seasonal employment and transport dependence remain important issues. Contemporary island identity is therefore shaped both by cultural revival and by the practical challenges of living in an archipelago.

Saare County in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Saare County

The closest regions to Saare County, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Estonia
More of the region

Explore more of Estonia

Discover Estonia: A perfect blend of medieval charm, modern innovation, and natural beauty in the heart of Northern Europe.

Explore Estonia
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Saare County, Estonia

Discover Saare County with Evendo: A 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more!

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Download Evendo, your comprehensive travel guide to Saare County, Estonia. Discover attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and book hotels, tours, and experiences with ease.

  • Comprehensive history of Saare County.
  • Travel essentials for visiting Saare County.
  • Curated local advice to maximize your visit.
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and destination.
  • “Near Me” feature to find nearby attractions and amenities.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.
  • Global coverage of over 7,000 other destinations.

Imagine exploring the picturesque Saare County, Estonia, with the ease and convenience of having a local guide in your pocket. Evendo, your ultimate travel guide app, ensures you make the most out of your trip by providing detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in the area.

Discover the rich history of Kuressaare Castle, stroll through the beautiful Angla Windmill Park, or unwind at the serene Kuressaare Beach. With Evendo, you’ll also find the best dining spots, such as the Arensburg Restaurant and the Saaremaa Veski, offering authentic Estonian cuisine.

The app offers a rich set of information for each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. This makes it incredibly easy for you to plan and organize your trip, ensuring you won’t miss any must-see attractions or hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for the perfect hotel, an exciting tour, or tickets to a local event, Evendo has it all in one place.

One of the standout features of Evendo is its “Near Me” functionality, allowing you to see what attractions and amenities are around you no matter where you are in Saare County. Plus, the app is packed with curated local tips, so you can experience Saare County like a true local. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Beyond Saare County, Evendo covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, making it your go-to travel companion for future adventures. Download Evendo today and start exploring Saare County and beyond with ease!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.