They not only preserve memories but also help visitors understand and appreciate the local culture while supporting the community that creates them. Though small, souvenirs are meaningful symbols of the experiences and discoveries made during a trip.
When visiting Paris, people buy keychains featuring the Eiffel Tower, whereas in England, the symbols include the Big Ben and red double-decker buses. What is characteristic of Saaremaa? What special things do the islands here have to offer? Here is a small selection of options and ideas for souvenirs you can bring home from your trip.
The many facets of juniper
Dolomite – the marble of Saaremaa
Dolomite, often referred to as Saaremaa marble, is a stunningly versatile and elegant building material. As you explore Saaremaa, you will notice its beauty showcased in several remarkable structures. Notable examples include the Angla Heritage Culture Centre and Kaali Visitor Centre, where the unique charm of dolomite is on full display. While you are on Saaremaa, be sure to seek out items made from the local dolomite. The Saaremaa dolomite is used to craft a variety of practical and decorative products, such as mortars, key rings, candlesticks and bowls. These unique souvenirs can be found at different locations around the island, so keep an eye out and you are sure to find something that catches your interest.
Muddy Saaremaa
Kuressaare, as a resort town, has been attracting visitors to the island for centuries. The first mud bath in Kuressaare was established by Jakob Weise in 1840. However, the first known mud bath in Estonia was founded earlier, in 1824, by Abaja Bay near Kihelkonna by Carl Friedrich von Buxhoeveden, the owner of Rootsiküla Manor. Today, Saaremaa is still known for its spas, with several spa hotels still offering mud treatments. Saaremaa mud is known for its beneficial skincare properties. It hydrates, cleanses, exfoliates and revitalises the skin, leaving it smoother and more radiant. So, if you find yourself on Saaremaa, be sure to experience this natural wonder for yourself.
Black bread
Bread is baked everywhere, but Saaremaa and Muhumaa bread stand out with their unique flavour and local character. While you can find these island breads also on the mainland, buying them locally is a special experience. The bread of Saaremaa and Muhu carries a distinct local flavour and tastes even more special when freshly baked and purchased directly on the islands. There are several well-known bakers on the islands whose products are readily available in local stores. Karja Pagar and Muhu Pagarid are known for their high-quality and traditional artisan breads. Their breads are valued both on the islands and beyond. However, there are even more places on Saaremaa and Muhumaa where bread is baked with love. Many local cafés, restaurants and farms bake their own bread, pastries and sepik that you will not find anywhere else. When visiting home cafés, you may discover true culinary gems, prepared using recipes handed down from generation to generation and made from local ingredients.
Reed drinking straws
Saaremaa, along with other West Estonian islands, is part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere programme, which means that the islanders know how to live in harmony with nature. We have held this title for 30 years. The people of Saaremaa care about nature and contribute to environmental conservation. As a result, many local businesses have discovered that the common reed is the new ‘gold’ of Saaremaa. Abundant on the island, it is now being used to make sustainable drinking straws. The companies making reed straws include Sutu Straws and Strawerry. So, if you visit Saaremaa and do not have the time to make your own straws from reeds picked from the waters, it is worth purchasing one from these local producers.
Cosmetics straight from nature
We always want the best for ourselves and our loved ones. When you are satisfied with the delicious food and drinks from the island, it is worth checking out the natural cosmetics available. For example, HOIA homespa offers a body scrub made with juniper berries and rosemary, leaving your skin soft and moisturised after use. HOIA offers a wide range of products, all made in Saaremaa. Tilk! creams and oils are also made from local Saaremaa plants. So, when you apply the cream to your face and body, the pleasant fragrance will transport you back to the fields of Saaremaa. Mmm… so good! Plus, Tilk! products are travel-friendly: the creams come in small containers, making them perfect for taking with you on the go. The skincare products of by mukk are also inspired by the island’s identity. Their products are made using locally harvested red algae, which provides valuable minerals and skin-restoring properties. There are many other Saaremaa-based cosmetic companies, so when you visit local shops, be sure to ask about Saaremaa products – the sales staff will gladly point you in the right direction.
Label Saaremaa EHTNE
Many of Saaremaa’s finest products proudly bear the logo EHTNE (authentic), which stands for regional quality and authentic Saaremaa products. The EHTNE label serves as a guarantee of quality, making it easy for both locals and visitors to find the most authentic products from Saaremaa and Muhu. This logo ensures that the products are made locally, following the traditions of Saaremaa and Muhumaa, and that they represent the pure flavours and know-how of the islands. Thanks to the EHTNE label, it is easy to discover local delicacies both on Saaremaa, the mainland and across the world. EHTNE products can also be conveniently purchased through the online store, which offers a wide selection of items made in Saaremaa and Muhumaa. This makes it simple to enjoy the local flavours of the islands, even for those who are not currently visiting.
