Let us show you the bottomless well of reasons to visit us, and offer even more reasons to stay.
Let us introduce you to everything that Saaremaa, Muhu, Ruhnu, Vilsand and Abruka have to offer. Come and be as enthralled by the islands and their diverse experiences as we are.
There’s a characteristic pull and charm here beyond the sea. The islands’ draw is compelling, even irresistible. We encourage you to visit one more island this time and next, because every one of them offers unique experiences.
Each of our islands has a story to tell, a face and personality of its own, distinct customs and tastes and ways of thinking and being that have evolved over time. Estonia’s largest island, the ancient but modern Saaremaa, known originally as Ösel, is like the smaller islands’ big
Abruka
On Abruka, or Abro, a jungle awaits you just a stone’s throw from Kuressaare. It’s an ideal daytrip destination, but we heartily recommend staying longer.
Vilsandi or Filsand
Vilsandi, or Filsand, is the largest island in the national park of the same name. It’s an island where nature flourishes, and is truly a paradise for birdwatchers.
Ruhnu
Ruhnu, or Runö, is the southernmost island in Estonia. It may not be all that easy to get to, but it’s well worth the effort. A pearl in the Gulf of Riga, it still resonates with Sweden’s cultural influence and heritage.
Muhu
Muhu, or Mohn, is the place in Estonia where people are most satisfied. The folk costumes here are the most colourful of anywhere in the country, and traditional patterns on girls’ shoes turn many heads. It’s an island where time takes a break.
Saaremaa
Each of our islands has a story to tell, a face and personality of its own, distinct customs and tastes and ways of thinking and being that have evolved over time. Estonia’s largest island, the ancient but modern Saaremaa, known originally as Ösel, is like the smaller islands’ big sister.
A tour of the islands: swim, drive or row...
Hopefully you’ve felt the island’s call and want to visit. Touring the islands may not be a walk in the park, but there’s nothing all that complicated about it. We’ll go into more detail about the transport options for each island, but here are some tips to make sure nothing’s too confusing.
If you’re coming from the mainland by ferry, bear in mind that the island of Muhu will be the first to greet you. Take a longer break there and discover what it has to offer.
All boat owners (and those with boat-owning friends) are particularly lucky, as all waterways are open to you and the small harbours on the islands await. They’re in good condition, and though we don’t like to brag, the word ‘idyllic’ is no exaggeration when describing them.
The boatless needn’t worry, either: during the summer season there are regular trips to Abruka, Vilsandi and Ruhnu; almost every day, in fact. A boat can take you to the islands of Abruku and Ruhnu from the port of Roomassaare, which is about 5 km from the centre of Kuressaare. You can get to Vilsandi from Papissaare harbour, which is about 45 minutes away by car.
Timetables and tickets for the Abruka and Vilsandi ferries can be found online at www.saarelaevapiletid.ee. You can get to Ruhnu not only from Saaremaa, but also from Pärnu (on the mainland). For more information on timetables, see tuuleliinid.ee. You can even fly to the island during winter.
Our islands are your islands
We want visitors to experience the somewhat inexplicable island feeling over and over again. Here, you feel like the spa really is all around you. Every island has something unique to it, so come and experience it for yourself!
Take time to enjoy the flavours of the islands. Alongside traditional dishes, a touch of spice is added by international cuisine and more sophisticated techniques – but ‘fresh’ and ‘authentic’ are always the hallmarks.
Saaremaa, together with the other Western Estonian islands, forms part of UNESCO’s ‘Man and the Biosphere’ programme, which means that the locals live in harmony with nature and know how to appreciate their environment. The people here care about nature and hope that visitors will respect the islands, too. In the end, it’s the locals who’ll really make your vacation truly special – so talk to them and listen to what they have to say!
You can read about the small islands around Saaremaa in our blog post ‘Six fascinating stories about the small islands around Saaremaa’.
The islanders are known for their dark sense of humour. We have a particularly good way of joking with or about people from Hiiumaa; it depends how you look at it. If you want to get on our wavelength, here are a few Saare-Hiiu jokes for you.
Fun fact
There are 2317 islands in Estonia, 1066 of which form part of Saare County.