The nature trails of Saaremaa offer the opportunity to discover the diverse nature of the island and immerse yourself in its tranquility. The islands are characterised by vast forests, picturesque coastal areas and crisp juniper thickets.
The nature trails are well-marked and equipped with information boards, ensuring that it is impossible to get lost. As you hike, you can experience the richness and beauty of nature with every step. The nature trails of Saare County offer the perfect escape from routine, allowing you to enjoy fresh air and stunning views.
Hiking opportunities on the islands
You do not have to venture far from the island’s capital to enjoy nature. There are several nature trails that are in the immediate vicinity of the city. Just a ten-minute walk from the centre of Kuressaare, you will find the Kuressaare Health Park, where you can take a quick break from the city’s hustle and bustle on a two-kilometre trail. On the Kudjape-Upa health trail, you can take a break from walking and enjoy a round of disc golf. In the Loode Oak Forest near Kuressaare, beautiful orchids bloom in early summer, adding to the charm of a peaceful walk.
The territory of Vilsandi National Park is particularly rich in hiking trails, including one of the island’s most popular trails. This trail located on the Harilaid Peninsula leads to the iconic Kiipsaare Lighthouse in the sea. On the Elda Peninsula, along the Elda-Soeginina hiking trail, you have a good chance of spotting seals basking on the seashore in spring. In contrast, a completely different landscape awaits you at Koigi Bog. The six-kilometre hiking trail offers tranquility, where you are accompanied only by the sound of your footsteps and the distant calls of wild animals. You can admire the beauty of the shimmering bog lake from the platform at its edge or from the observation tower along the trail. On a hot summer day, the lake offers a refreshing swim.
For avid hikers, there is also a 260-kilometre hiking trail. While not marked in nature, the trail offers guidance for a multi-day hike through the most beautiful nature spots of Saaremaa. The trail connects several existing study and hiking trails. As you would expect, the hike will take you to the seaside, as well as through bogs, forests, meadows, old railways, ringforts, charming villages, alvars, karst areas and springs.
Nature and literature on coastal trails
Saaremaa is also rich in terms of its literature. Many literary classics were born and lived here, and the local nature has inspired many writers who spent their summers here. For an enjoyable and educational experience that combines literature and nature, explore our coastal trails with the help of the NaviCup map. The app allows you to explore the trails on foot or by bike, while listening to stories, poems and engaging excerpts by different authors. Currently, there are three trails to explore: the city of Kuressaare, Nasva trail and Roomassaare. Whether walking or cycling, these trails allow you to immerse yourself in Saaremaa’s natural beauty while discovering literary works that capture the region’s history, people and nature. The coastal trails are therefore a great way to spend time in a healthy and educational way, combining physical activity, natural beauty and literary delights.
Family adventures
To enjoy hiking with children and ensure that the youngest family members have an exciting and educational experience in nature, Saare County offers several child-focused hiking trails. On the Püha-Soobiku discovery trail, you can cross a water obstacles by raft, walk on bridges and admire blooming irises in summer. Throughout the trail, children are guided by fun characters, Soo and Moo, featured on information signs, showing what can be done at each spot and how to stay safe. The Viieristi Nature Reserve located on the Sõrve Uplands, is perfectly suited for younger family members. The picturesque Viieristi study trail winds through an old-growth forest, across wooded dunes and reaches the Kõrgema Võluallikas (magic spring). Along the way, small information boards provide insights into the mysterious Lake Koltsejärv, the old-growth forest, rare plant species and the hills of Viieristi.
Did you know?
Saaremaa is a UNESCO reserve
Saaremaa is a UNESCO biosphere reserve that promotes a sustainable way of life.