When thinking of the nature typical to Saaremaa, Muhu, Ruhnu and the smaller islands, the first image that comes to mind is the sunlit juniper grove by the sea, pines swaying gently in the breeze and warm summer days that offer peace and tranquility.
But the islands are not just about juniper groves and sea views – there is much more to discover, including unique sights that might not be found elsewhere in Estonia. In fact, about 80% of all plant species found in Estonia grow also here, each adding its own charm to the island landscape and creating a natural treasure for nature enthusiasts.
The beauty of orchids
In Saaremaa, an impressive 36 different orchid species bloom from May to August, showcasing the island’s rich plant diversity. With their stunning blossoms and unique appearance, orchids are an inseparable part of Saaremaa’s landscape, offering beauty to both locals and visitors. The island even has its very own orchid species – Saaremaa Dactylorhiza, discovered in 2003 by local orchidologist Tarmo Pikner. This discovery is truly remarkable, as Saaremaa Dactylorhiza is one of the rarest orchid species in Estonia, found only on Saaremaa. The number of orchid species and their abundance increase from east to west, making Saaremaa’s western coast particularly rich in orchids. There, anyone can admire the breathtaking beauty of these extraordinary flowers.
Unique plants
Saaremaa’s west and northwest coasts are home to the unique Saaremaa broomrape, a plant that, as its name suggests, grows only on Saaremaa. This special and rare herbaceous plant ranges in height from 20 to 50 cm. The Saaremaa broomrape is noteworthy, because it is a hemiparasite, like other broomrapes. This means its root system is underdeveloped and the plant attaches to the roots of other plants through special haustoria to draw the necessary nutrients. Since 1958, this plant has been protected due to the loss of its habitats and its rarity, which have endangered its survival. It is also listed in the Red Book of Estonia, where it is classified as a rare species that must be conserved and protected.
Common ivy is an evergreen climbing plant widely spread across other continents. In Estonia, its natural habitat is moist and shady mixed or deciduous forests. The western Estonian islands are its northernmost home, where it climbs trees, reaching up to six meters in height in places. Ivy can also crawl along the ground, covering it with its dense green foliage. Estonia’s climate is not ideal for common ivy and therefore it rarely flowers or bears fruit. However, if you happen to come across its black berries, it is very important to remember that they are poisonous and should never be consumed. In traditional folk medicine, ivy fruits and leaves were used for medicinal purposes—infusions were made to treat bone diseases and the affected area would be bathed in the concoction, hoping that the medicinal properties of the plant would alleviate the pain.
Both Saaremaa broomrape and common ivy are interesting and diverse manifestations of nature, highlighting the extraordinary richness and at times, fragile balance of the islands’ flora.
The charm of peonies and ornamental gardens
Natural monuments of Saaremaa
A few kilometers from Kuressaare is the Loode oak forest, where a 3 km long educational trail is located. The main attraction of the forest is an oak dedicated to linguist Johannes Aavik, which was measured to be 450-500 years old in 2000. The Loode oak forest is home to many rare plant species, including 14 species of orchids. The grove has been under nature protection since 1955.
On Abruka Island, there is a species-rich broadleaf forest, a remnant of the warmer climate period that prevailed 5,000-7,000 years ago. The dominant tree species on Abruka is the common linden, but there are also ash, oak, maple, and elm trees. The forest became famous through the work of botanist Teodor Lippmaa, whose scientific research brought wider recognition to the forest. In his memory, a uniquely shaped linden tree, Lippmaa’s linden, stands in the forest. Nature protection has been in place on Abruka Island since 1937.
