This coastal town on Estonia's largest island centers around a medieval fortress. Visitors can explore local beaches, see the Kaali crater, and enjoy the local bars.
In Kuressaare, you can climb the towers of a 14th-century stone castle, walk through streets lined with baroque buildings, and swim at the Baltic Sea beaches. This calm town of 15,000 residents on Estonia's Saaremaa Island has preserved its medieval center, where you'll find craft beer pubs, summer music venues, and the ornate Town Hall. The surrounding Gulf of Riga coastline adds a maritime atmosphere with its fishing boats and waterfront promenades.
Historic Town Center
Walk through Kuressaare's old town to see 18th and 19th-century architecture, including the Northern Baroque Town Hall (built 1654-1670). Inside, you'll find Estonia's largest ceiling painting. Stop at St. Nicholas Church and Laurentius Church to compare their different architectural styles, or visit the 1899 windmill and 1663 harbor yard. The tourist information center on the Town Hall's ground floor provides maps and current event schedules.
Cultural Events Throughout Summer
Summer brings multiple festivals to Kuressaare's streets and venues. Watch opera performances during the Saaremaa Opera Days in July (running since 1999), or attend classical concerts at the Kuressaare Chamber Music Days (since 1995). The Maritime Festival (established 1998) fills the harbor with boats and sailing demonstrations each August, celebrating the island's seafaring traditions.
Exploring the Medieval Castle
Walk across the moat bridge to enter the 14th-century Kuressaare Episcopal Castle, which contains the Saaremaa Museum (established 1865). The museum's exhibition halls tell the island's story through artifacts and interactive displays. Try archery in the courtyard or join a treasure hunt through the stone corridors. This fortress has kept its original walls, towers, and defensive structures intact, making it an excellent example of medieval military architecture in Northern Europe.
Getting Around and Transportation
Fly to Kuressaare Airport from Tallinn (daily flights) or Ruhnu Island (seasonal service). To reach mainland Estonia, take a ferry from Kuivastu on Muhu Island to Virtsu. Buses run regularly across Saaremaa Island and to the ferry terminal. You can walk between most attractions in the compact town center.
Modern Resort Facilities
The town's wellness tourism tradition dates to the 19th century, centered around Castle Park and Kuressaare Kursaal. Today, you can choose from several spas and health centers offering mud treatments and thermal pools. Most visitors come from mainland Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Latvia to enjoy these facilities and the Baltic seaside location.
