The island of Saaremaa is a wonderful land, which previously included the territory of the entire Moonsund archipelago. The former name is Kupessaare, which means "land of storks". Another name he was awarded is Ezel.
Location
This site is the largest island formation in all of Estonia, as well as in such a territory as the Moonsund Archipelago. The area is more than 2.6 thousand square meters. km, and the population is slightly less than 30,000.
The Gulf of Riga in the north is in contact with the Syrvesyaar Peninsula. In the Baltic Sea, only Gotland, Zealand and Funen are larger than Saaremaa. The center of administration here is Kuressaare. Measuring this plot of land surrounded by water, you can count 88 km between the extreme southern and northern points, and between eastern and western - 90 km. There is a connection with Muhu, an island in the neighborhood. There is a dam on the VĂ€ike-VĂ€in Strait, through it you can drive along an organized road. Between the ports of the villages Kuivastu and Virtsu are moved by ferry.
Place Features
In the capital of the island of Saaremaa - Kuressaare - there are 16 thousand inhabitants. There is a bay with the same name on the south side. The largest city is followed by Orissaare, which can be reached by heading to the northeast. The length of the embankments is 1300 km. 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, SÔrve is located. Its end is at the southern point of the archipelago. There is the village of Sayare. A notable object is a lighthouse 52 meters high, which was built in 1960.
The island of Saaremaa (Estonia) has rocky shores. There are cliffs. For example, the height of Panga Punk, located in a bay called Kudema, is 22 meters. Undva-Punk located on the territory of Tagamyzy in the north-western side can also be called steep.
Land wealth
Kaali meteorite crater is one of the attractions that attracts increased attention of tourists. The landscape is mostly flat in nature. The highest point is a hill called RaunamÀgi (54 m), which is near Kihelkonn, in its western part. In 1957, the ViidumÀe Nature Reserve was founded here.
There is also a large number of woodlands (about forty percent of the territory occupied by the island of Saaremaa). The largest lakes here are Suur-Laht, KarujÀrv, as well as Mullutu-Laht, which is near Karl. Geologists are extremely interested in dolomite mined in local quarries. During the late ice age there was a vast ice layer that pressed against the crust of the earth. It is for this reason that the territory described today 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 by an average of 15 meters.
Nature
The climatic conditions here are largely due to the fact that this island is located in the east of the Baltic Sea. The weather there is mild, mild, which is typical for areas close to the sea.
Holidays in the Baltic states are good because in summer it is quite warm. Also soft is the winter period. Possibly high rainfall and rapid weather changes due to strong winds. Typically, this occurs 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 Island is also characterized by a rich flora and fauna, which is greatly facilitated by the mild climate of the okrug. 80 percent of the types of vegetation characteristic of Estonia can be found on just one of the islands. The state protects most of them.
One of the rarest types can be called rattles, which grows in lowlands with swamps. There are as many as 35 species of orchids. There are many interesting animals here. Seals have chosen coastal areas. Here the birds fly. Also for birds this is a place of rest in spring and autumn. To a large extent, it was chosen by loons and geese. Once here, you can look at the ostrich farm.
Fortress
The wonderful island of Saaremaa is especially recommended for visiting all tourism lovers. Its sights are numerous and interesting. In the 13th century, a stone castle was built here.
Pikk Herman Tower became the central building of the fortress. This building functioned as the center of administration. A lot of people gathered here. During the uprisings and wars there was complete security.
In the 20th century, restoration took place. The result was a sample of a knight's fortress. Some researchers have suggested that before the appearance of the structure of stone there was a wooden structure.
You can have a great time and relax in the city park zone of Kuressaare. In the 19th century, the gardening process began here. It was then that this point began to gain fame as a resort area.
When purchasing tours to Estonia, people paid much more attention to the island of Saaremaa. This was due to the beginning of the hospital, which used the valuable properties of local clay.
In 1861, the formation of the park committee. In addition, for the development of this territory, a lot of efforts were made by the residents of the city who made donations, brought seedlings, helping with carts and horses. In 1930, representatives of the plant world of rare species appeared here. They were pre-ordered from the University of Tartu. So the flora here was created just wonderful and varied. There are about 80 types of bushes and trees.
Architecture
Holidays in the Baltic States are a great way to get rid of stress and saturate the soul with vivid impressions. It will not be superfluous to visit the local town hall, the beginning of construction of which is dated 1654. This building was created on the initiative of Count Delagardi.
The architecture of the building is simple and rigorous. It can be attributed to the northern baroque. The impression from the inspection of the town hall is quite strong. A majestic detail is the portal on which the date 1670 is printed, as well as an inscription in Latin in the area of ââthe cornice. Once inside, you can see the largest painting on the ceiling in all of Estonia. Walking along the first floor, visitors get to the tourist information center, as well as to the gallery of the town hall. It is also possible to look into the City Council.
Tours to Estonia are bought up quite quickly thanks to the many local attractions. Without moving 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, the hoses were dried in the building, starting in 1958. Subsequently, a new depot was created near the bus station. Then the old point was leased. Now they own it on a private basis. Today you can visit here to eat in the restaurant "Squats grill and bar."
Interesting places
No less remarkable point is the Kurzal, which was created according to the project of a local pharmacist. The building was built over 8 months. Opened in June 1989.
A restaurant complex was located in the central white room, and offices and a kitchen block were located on the territory of the right wing. 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.
Itâs nice to go to the tavern called Veski, which is a windmill . There are only two more such buildings, which are located in the city limits 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, as such was the name of its owner and creator. This item was founded in 1899 and successfully functioned until the Second World War. In 1972, restoration was carried out here, so that already in 1974 it was possible to get to the local cafe. The state assigned the mill the status of an important architectural monument. Its height is 24 m taking into account the blades.
Curious to visit
The tower of the city of Kuressaare was built in accordance with the plan of the Swedish tycoon Count Delagardi, who was the ruler of these lands from 1648 to 1654. In 1663, all construction work on this project was completed.
The building style is considered baroque. The building is cut out of stone on a step-type pediment. Jewelery make up volutes. The forged weather vane on the spire dates from 1664. This place in the past was used to weigh goods. In the 19th century, the city's postal station was founded here. Since 1906, the private telephone station of the island began operating.
In addition, the described lands have many more interesting aspects, wanting to see which people come here from all over the world. Estonia is truly rich in beautiful territories, one of which is Saaremaa.