Saaremaa Island of the Baltic Sea Jaana Harjus ja Kädi Ristkok

Territory 2,922 km² (6,5% of Estonian territory) General information Main town Kuressaare ( inhabitants) Administrative distribution 15 municipalities and 1 town Population (2,6% of Estonian population) Population density 13,5 inhabitants per / km²

Population composition 98% Estonian, 1,2% Russian, 0,24% Finn, 0,22% Ukrainian, 0,34% other Main religions predominantly Protestant (Lutheran), also Eastern Orthodox and Baptist Climate mild maritime Average temperatures summer +19°C winter -1°C

History According to arceological finds, the territory of Saaremaa has been inhabited at least five thousand years. Thanks to it’s favourable climatic conditions and geographic isolation Saaremaa was one of the most densely populated areas in Estonia before the beginning of occupation of Estonia by German crusaders. In Scandinavian sagas of the 8th - 10th centuries Saaremaa was mentioned as Eysysla. In old German and Russian sources its name was Oesel.

Estonia was under the rule of different countries for seven centuries: in January 1227 German rule The next 90 years would see five different conquerors, the Danes, the Swedes Danish invasion, the Russians the Swedes again in Russians in Saaremaa was immediately German troops who left in November After that Estonia got his first Republic till 1940.

According to an ancient tradition the islanders enriched their diet with fish, though only 2 per cent of them were professional fishermen.

Culture The people of Saaremaa have always been keen on following the traditions and keeping the culture of their ancestors. Folk music, folk dances and choir singing have been popular for ages and continue to be today. Saaremaa is rich in cultural events. There are over 200 culture groups in the county, including music, singing, dance, drama, art and different other hobby groups.

Churches Saaremaa`s special rustic scenery is made of landscape covered with juniper shrubs, old stone hedges, farmhouses with readied roofs and old windmills. But like beautiful pearls you can see medieval churches. Decorations made from local dolomite stone are rare art pieces. Entering those sanctuaries one is impressed by sculptures and carvings made by unknown masters. Muhu church built in 13 century is a splendid example of Gothic style with harmonious proportions in its compositions and old mural decorations. Pöide church could equally well be described as a fortress.

Abundant sculptural decorations in Karja church without doubt are true pieces of craftsmanship. Kaarma church is unusual in having two aisles. Kihelkonna church dating originally from the 13 century has a remarkably well preserved altarpiece carved in But also the oldest carved wooden pulpit and organ of Saaremaa churches. Muhu church Valjala being the oldest stone church in Saaremaa is representative of the best in Estonian rural architecture.

Bread, beer and windmills as symbols of Saaremaa Ex-President Arnold Rüütel Bread Saaremaa and sour-sweet bread seem to be inseparable. The islanders love black rye bread, no matter if it is bought from a shop or baked at home in an oven. The old traditions of bread baking are carried on by three larger bakeries. Beer The islanders have always been great brewers and beer drinkers. The tradition of making home-brewed beer is still alive in Saaremaa. The tradition of industrial beer brewing is also very long in Saaremaa. Our visitors should try the bottled beer brewed at Saaremaa's brewery.

Windmills Although there are not many post windmills left in Saaremaa's landscape, they are considered one of the most important symbols of Saaremaa. There are also renovated windmills on the island of Abruka, at Mihkli Farm Museum at Viki, and in the villages of Metsküla and Kuusnõmme. Five windmills stand on the Angla windmill hill near Leisi. People have started to rebuild the windmills because they are an important part of the local culture.

Welcome to Saaremaa!