Enjoy the Culture 

Time moves differently on the islands in summer more slowly. It is great to just chug along to your own rhythm, without any hurry, enjoying every moment. Should your plans be open to cultural events, we have something for every taste, particularly in summer. Here are some recommendations.

Traditional and Poweful
Summer opens with the Street Festival where spring-time Kuressaare comes to life with good food, drinks, music and bustle on its streets.

The Saaremaa Opera Festival and the Kuressaare Sea Festival are unique quality events that attract visitors with their special programme. Jazz lovers can head to Saare KEK where they can enjoy great jazz all year round, or to Muhu island where the Juu Jääb Festival will be held for the 25th summer.

Powerful emotions can be found at the Mustjala Festival, where the magnificence of natural venues supports and enhances the music.

The natural island environs form a culture in itself, creating a symphony when intertwined with music. At Triigi Philharmonics, you can gaze out to sea at sunset, let the music embrace you and enjoy life in utter relaxation. Those who are looking for an entirely different experience can go to Ruhnu island to attend Estonia’s smallest festival Ruhnu Rahu.

In July, Orissaare is the place to go to attend the I Land Sound Festival, which for many has become a mandatory part of summer with its green world view and organisation.

On Saaremaa, 2021 has been declared the Year of Vikings. The best way to learn about Viking culture is to visit the ‘Vikings be- fore Vikings’ exhibition at Kuressaare Castle, as well as the traditional Salme Viking Market. Folk culture can be enjoyed in the centre of Kuressaare every Saturday when diff erent parishes present their regional culture with dance, song, folk instruments and stunningly beautiful folk dresses.

In September and October, Saaremaa enjoys a wonderful Indian Summer with the warm sun caressing your face and the flvours of the Food Festival caressing your stomach. It is the perfect time to take a moment to partake in the Street Picnic where thousands of people with their picnic baskets gather at one table to eat, drink and dance together. Sports enthusiasts can put themselves to the test at the Ultima Thule Marathon and the Three Day Running Marathon or enjoy the famous Saaremaa Rally.

New and cool

Every year, cool new events fi nd their place on Saaremaa’s cultural landscape. For instance, the hearts of gardening enthusiasts beat faster to the Saaremaa Nursery Peony Festival, where beauty threatens to rob you of your eyesight. Good music and live vibes can be found at the Abruka Ethno Storm ALIVE. Those who like beautiful things should head to Eput Päe at the Beauty Lives on Muhu festival on Muhu island with its rich cultural heritage and wondrous design. Book lovers can instead head to Tagaranna, where they can let their spirit soar and enjoy smoked plaice at the Tagaranna Literature Day.

The summer performances of the Kuressaare Theatre have always been legendary and held at new and innovative venues – this year, theatre lovers are welcomed to Taritu, where they can enjoy Indrek Hargla’s play ‘The Death of the Strimmer Man’. There is also a lot to do indoors – be sure to visit the House of Thule, the WOW Centre and Archebald Medieval Activity Centre. Saaremaa off ers a ton of things to do in nature and in cities, indoors and outdoors, in the forest and by the sea.

Take some time off to enjoy life – culturally.