Saaremaa Island (Estonia): description, attractions. Holidays in the B altics

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

The island of Saaremaa is a wonderful land, which used to include the territory of the entire Moonsund archipelago. The former name is Kupessaare, which means "land of storks". Another name given to him is Ezel.

Location

This point is the largest island formation in all of Estonia, as well as among such a territory as the Moonsund Archipelago. The area is more than 2.6 thousand square meters. km, and the population is just under 30,000.

The Gulf of Riga in the north touches the Syrvesyaar peninsula. In the B altic Sea, only Gotland, Zeeland and Funen are larger than the island of Saaremaa. The administrative center here is Kuressaare. By measuring this piece of land surrounded by water, one can count 88 km between the extreme southern and northern points, and between the eastern and western points - 90 km. There is a connection with Muhu - an island located in the neighborhood. There is a dam on the Väike-Väin strait, you can drive through it on an organized road. Ferries travel between the ports of Kuivastu and Virtsu villages.

Features of the place

Bthe capital of the island of Saaremaa - Kuressaare - has 16 thousand inhabitants. There is a bay with the same name on the south side. Orissaare is next in size to the main city, which can be reached by going to the northeast. The length of the embankments is 1300 km. The peninsulas go deep into the sea for a long distance. The number of small islands reaches six hundred.

In the Gulf of Riga, at a distance of 30 km from the main land, Syrve is located. Its end is at the southern point of the archipelago. There is a village called Sayare. A notable object is the 52-meter-high lighthouse, which was built in 1960.

The island of Saaremaa (Estonia) has rocky shores. There are breaks. For example, the height of Panga Pank, located in a bay called Kyudema, is 22 meters. Undwa Pank, located on the territory of Tagamõisa, in the northwestern side, can also be called steep.

We alth of the land

Kaali meteorite crater is one of the attractions that attracts increased attention of tourists. The landscape is mostly flat. The highest point is a hill called Raunamägi (54 m), which is near Kihelkonn, in its western part. Viidumäe Nature Reserve was established here in 1957.

There is also a large amount of wooded areas (about forty percent of the territory occupied by the island of Saaremaa). The largest lakes here are Suur-Laht, Karujärv, as well as Mullutu-Laht, which is near Kärla. Geologists are extremely interested in dolomite mined in local quarries. During the late ice age, there was an extensive ice layer that pressed on the earth's crust. It is for this reason that today the described territory is characterized by depression.

When the Moonsund archipelago was subject to melting, the surface began to rise. In a year it reaches two millimeters. Above sea level, the island rises an average of 15 meters.

Nature

Climatic conditions here are largely due to the fact that this island is located in the east of the B altic Sea. The weather there is moderate, mild, which is typical for areas close to the sea.

Recreation in the B altics is good because it is quite warm here in summer. The winter period is also soft. There may be a large amount of precipitation and rapid weather changes due to strong winds. This usually happens in autumn and winter. In July and August, the average temperature ranges from 16 to 20 degrees, sometimes 25. The coolest period is February, when frost can be minus 4.

Flora and fauna

Saaremaa is also characterized by a rich flora and fauna, which is greatly facilitated by the mild climate of the near-sea territories. 80% of Estonian vegetation species can be found on one of the islands. The state protects most of them.

One of the rarest types can be called a rattle that grows in lowlands with swamps. As many as 35 varieties of orchids are represented. There are also many interesting animals here. sealsembraced coastal areas. Birds fly here. Also for birds, this is a place of rest in spring and autumn. For the most part, it was chosen by loons and goose. Once here, you can look at the ostrich farm.

Fortress

The wonderful island of Saaremaa is especially recommended for all tourism lovers. Its sights are numerous and interesting. The local stone castle was built in the 13th century.

Pikk Herman Tower became the central building of the fortress. This building functioned as an administrative center. There were a lot of people here. During the uprisings and wars, there was complete security here.

Restoration took place in the 20th century. The result was a sample of a knight's fortress. Some researchers have suggested that there was a wooden structure here before the appearance of the stone structure.

You can have a great time and relax in the urban park area of Kuressaare. In the 19th century, the landscaping process began here. It was then that this item began to gain fame as a resort area.

Purchasing tours to Estonia, people paid much more attention to the island of Saaremaa. This was due to the beginning of the work of the clinic, which used the valuable properties of local clay.

In 1861, the park committee was formed. In addition, residents of the city made a lot of efforts for the development of this territory, who made donations, brought seedlings, helping with carts and horses. In 1930, representatives of the plant world of rare species appeared here. Thempre-ordered from the University of Tartu. So the flora here was created just wonderful and diverse. There are about 80 types of bushes and trees in total.

Architecture

Rest in the B altics is a great way to get rid of stress and saturate the soul with vivid impressions. It would not be superfluous to visit the local town hall, the beginning of construction of which dates back to 1654. This building was created on the initiative of Count Delagardie.

The architecture of the building is simple and austere. It can be attributed to the northern baroque. The impression of visiting the town hall is quite strong. A majestic detail is the portal, on which the date 1670 is inscribed, as well as an inscription in Latin in the area of the cornice. Going inside, you can see the largest painting in all of Estonia on the ceiling. Walking along the first floor, visitors enter the tourist information center, as well as the gallery of the town hall. You can also visit the City Council.

Tours to Estonia are sold out pretty quickly thanks to the numerous attractions here. Without going too far from the town hall, you can stumble upon another interesting point - the tower, which was previously used as a fire station. It was erected in 1911, hoses were dried in the building, starting from 1958. Subsequently, a new depot was created near the bus station. Then the old point was leased. Now they are privately owned. Today you can visit here to have a delicious meal at the Pritsumaya Grill and Bar restaurant.

Interesting places

No less remarkable point is the Kursaal, which was created according to the project of a local pharmacist. The building was built over 8 months. Opened in June 1989.

In the central white hall there was a restaurant complex, on the territory of the right wing there were offices and a kitchen block. The theater hall served as a stage for performances by Estonian artists.

Often there were troupes from Germany. This building functioned only during bathing, that is, in the summer. In 1989, the building was awarded the title of the best architectural composition created in 1988 in Estonia.

It's also nice to visit a tavern called Veski, which is a windmill. There are only two more similar buildings that are located within the city and are still functioning.

Another institution is no less popular. It is located on the territory of the former mill. Previously, this place was called Trey, since that was the name of its owner and creator. This point was founded in 1899 and functioned successfully until the Second World War. In 1972, restoration was carried out here, so that already in 1974 it was possible to get into the local cafe. The state has given the mill the status of an important architectural monument. Its height is 24 m including the blades.

Curious to visit

The tower of the city of Kuressaare was built in accordance with the plan of the Swedish magnate Count Delagardie, who was the ruler of the local lands from 1648 to 1654. In 1663, all construction work on this project wasover.

The building style is considered baroque. The building is carved out of stone on a stepped pediment. Decorations make up volutes. The forged weather vane on the spire dates from 1664. In the past, this place was used for weighing goods. In the 19th century, the city's postal station was established here. Since 1906, the island's private telephone station has been operating.

In addition, the described lands have many more interesting sides, wanting to see which, people come here from all over the world. Estonia is truly rich in beautiful territories, one of which is Saaremaa.