What to do and see in Saaremaa, Saare County: The Best Nature & Parks

The peninsula ends with the tip of Sorve, which is continued by a number of islets in the Irbe Strait. According to a legend, they were created by Great Toll. The hero was chasing the Devil out of the country and throwing stones after him. Heavier stones fell down sooner, lighter ones flew further. Good to know: Sorve peninsula was first mentioned in 1234. The peninsula has only 1600 inhabitants. The tip of Sorve is loved by birdwatchers.

The ecological reserve was established in 1957. The area of the ecological reserve constitutes 1873 ha. Different forest types can be seen here, from swamp forests to high pine forests. The Burgundy snail, the biggest land snail in Estonia, lives on the grasslands and greenwoods. The wooded meadows, semi-natural biotic communities that are typical for Saaremaa but almost extinct, are preserved in the Viidumae ecological reserve by means of traditional maintenance methods.Good to know: The Viidumae ecological reserve is located in the highest and oldest part of Saaremaa.85% of Viidumae are covered with woods.

The establishment of housing and landscape gardening got into full speed in the second half of the 19th century when Kuressaare became thanks to discovery of medical mud one of the spa cities of Estonia. For park establishment and administration in 1861 was formed a park committee. Versatile help was offered by residents who donated money, seedlings and gave for work horses and vehicles. In 1930 new rare types of trees that were ordered from Tartu University were planted in town park. The plant life of park is rich, here you can find around 80 species of trees and bushes.Interesting to know:Town park is a former cemetery.

The former king of Saaremaa, Suur Toll, is still honoured by the locals. We managed to establish the Clearing of Suur Toll on the shore of a river, where you can test your strength and skills on the short hiking trail, which is full of obstacles associated with different heros. There are swinging spots, places to test your balance and strength, all equipped with legends on this health trail by the shore. The trail is a few hundred metres long.

It can be assumed that the older generation trees of Loode oak forest have remained from the fleet building campaign started by Peter the I. Oak forest is a growing place for several rare herbs. 14 species of orchids were found there. The trees that accompany the oaks are silver birch, downy birch, aspen, ash and mountain ash.Interesting to know:Forest is under nature protection from 1955.In 2003 a bird watching platform was opened there.Loode oak forest is one of the few extant naturally growing park-like forests.