The grey seal rookeries along the coast, where up to 200–300 seals can sometimes be seen competing for space on the rocks, form an integral part of the nature of Saaremaa. Seal watching on Saaremaa is possible year-round.
The best area for seal watching is the west coast of Saaremaa, particularly within Vilsandi National Park. In winter, seals can be spotted moving on the sea ice from the beach with binoculars, while in summer, you will need to venture further out to sea to observe them. Several companies offer this opportunity.
Hiking trails
The nature trails of Saaremaa offer the opportunity to discover the diverse nature of the island and immerse yourself in its tranquility. The shortest nature trails span only a kilometre, while the longest stretch up to several dozen kilometres. As you hike, you can experience the richness and beauty of nature with every step.
Seal watching
The grey seal rookeries nestled along the coast form an integral part of the nature of Saaremaa. The best area for seal watching is the west coast of Saaremaa – Vilsandi National Park. In winter, seals can be spotted moving on the sea ice from the beach with binoculars, while in summer, you will need to venture further out to sea to observe them.
Birdwatching
Twice a year, Saaremaa serves as a stopover site for migratory birds on their long journey. In both spring and autumn, the island’s coasts and waters come alive with diverse birdlife. During the breeding season, the shallow bays along the southern and western coasts are particularly rich in avian activity. This makes Saaremaa an excellent destination for birdwatching.
Fishing
Fish has always been an important accompaniment to bread on Saaremaa. Each spring, the riverbanks of Saaremaa fill with hordes of fishermen. This marks the start of roach season. However, roach fishing is just the beginning, as the sea offers fishing opportunities all the way until winter.
Photo safari
For nature photographers, the most exciting time on Saaremaa is during the spring bird migration and shortly after, when they hatch their chicks. This is a truly special time and Saaremaa is one of the best places to capture it. The islands also offer numerous opportunities to photograph other forest animals.
For botanical enthusiasts
When thinking of the nature of Saaremaa, the first image that comes to mind is the sunlit junipers by the sea. However, there are many other unique wonders to discover here that you might not find elsewhere. In fact, around 80% of all plant species found in Estonia can be found on Saaremaa. You can also enjoy the beauty of plants in the many beautiful gardens scattered across the islands.
Orchids
A total of 38 species of flowering orchids have been recorded in Estonia and an impressive 36 of them can be found on Saaremaa. This is one of the reasons why Saaremaa has earned its reputation as an orchid paradise. Orchid enthusiasts are the first to kick off the tourist season. On Saaremaa, the beauty of orchids can be admired from May to August.
Stones and rocks
During your travels on Saaremaa, you have likely visited the Kaali Meteoritics and Limestone Museum, taken a stroll among the stone walls of Koguva village or admired the beautiful stone houses in the old town of Kuressaare. In addition to these, Saaremaa offers a number of other fascinating rocky spots that might not immediately catch your eye but are well worth discovering.
Forest bathing
Saaremaa is known for its stunning nature. Being in the natural environment is something that makes us feel better – this is a scientifically proven fact! To make the experience even more beneficial, it is being in nature in a conscious way that helps us the most. This is where the practice of forest bathing comes in!
