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City guide

Saaremaa & Muhu islands

Saaremaa is the largest and most populous island in Estonia. Measuring 2,673 km2 (1,032 sq mi), its population is 31,435.

Type CityPopulation 31,435

Why go

  • Largest island in Estonia.
  • Served by Kärdla Airport (KDL).

History

Saaremaa is the largest and most populous island in Estonia. Measuring 2,673 km2 (1,032 sq mi), its population is 31,435. The main island of the West Estonian archipelago, it is located in the Baltic Sea, south of Hiiumaa island and northwest of the Gulf of Riga. The administrative centre of the island, and of the Saare maakond (county), is the town of Kuressaare.

Airports

Kärdla Airport (KDL) 49 km to the centre
Kärdla, 39, EE — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Muhu Airfield 7.1 km to the centre
Muhu, 74, EE
Outdoor
Vormsi Airfield 43 km to the centre
Vormsi Island, 57, EE
Outdoor
Paslepa Airfield 50 km to the centre
Paslepa, 57, EE
Outdoor
Lyckholm Airstrip 52 km to the centre
Saare, 57, EE
Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

Kuivastu harbour
Ferry terminal · 10 km from the centre · Saarte Liinid
Outdoor
Virtsu Harbour
Ferry terminal · 17 km from the centre
Outdoor
Virtsu — Kuivastu
Ferry route · TS Laevad OÜ
Outdoor

Where things are

Full geo-intelligence in Better Mapping →
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map © OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Kärdla Airport (KDL); 4 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By water: 2 ferry terminals within 20 km (nearest: Kuivastu harbour, 10 km); routes include Virtsu — Kuivastu.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Saaremaa & Muhu islands. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Local transit

Public transit · Schedules & GTFS data