View source for Saaremaa

{{Short description|Largest island in Estonia}}
{{Redirect|Ösel}}
{{About|the island}}
{{Infobox islands
| name                            = Saaremaa
| native_name                     = <!-- or | local_name                      = -->
| native_name_link                = 
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| sobriquet                       = <!-- or | nickname                        = -->
| image_name                      = Castlekuressaare.JPG
| image_size                      = 
| image_caption                   = [[Kuressaare Castle]] in Kuressaare
| image_alt                       = 
| map_image                       = Eesti Saaremaa.png
| map_alt                         = 
| map_size                        = 
| map_caption                     = Location of Saaremaa in Estonia
| coordinates                     = {{coord|58|25|N|22|30|E|region:EE-74_dim:200000|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map_caption             = Location within Europe##Location within [[Baltic Sea]] region##Location within Estonia
| pushpin_map                     = Europe#Baltic Sea#Estonia
| pushpin_relief                  = yes
| etymology                       = 
| location                        = [[Baltic Sea]]
| archipelago                     = [[West Estonian archipelago]]
| waterbody                       = 
| total_islands                   = 
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| area_km2                        = 2673
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| country                         = [[Estonia]]
| country_admin_divisions_title   = [[Counties of Estonia|County]]
| country_admin_divisions         = [[Saare County]]
| demonym                         = 
| population                      = 31,435
| population_as_of                = January 2020
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| density_km2                     = 11.7
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'''Saaremaa''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|ɑːr|ə|m|ɑː}}; {{IPA|et|ˈsɑˑreˌmɑː|lang}}) is the largest and most populous island in [[Estonia]]. Measuring {{convert|2673|km2|abbr=on}},<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.saaremaa.ee/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=207&Itemid=259&lang=en |title=Official Web page of Saaremaa}}</ref> its population is 31,435 (as of January 2020).<ref>{{cite web |title="Eesti elanike arv KOV-ide lõikes seisuga 01.01.2020" |url=https://www.siseministeerium.ee/sites/default/files/dokumendid/Rahvastiku-statistika/eesti_elanike_arv_kov-ide_loikes_seisuga_01.01.2020.pdf |website=Ministry of the Interior Official Website |publisher=Ministry of the Interior |access-date=13 August 2020 |archive-date=2 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002234100/https://www.siseministeerium.ee/sites/default/files/dokumendid/Rahvastiku-statistika/eesti_elanike_arv_kov-ide_loikes_seisuga_01.01.2020.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The main island of the [[West Estonian archipelago]] (Moonsund archipelago), it is located in the [[Baltic Sea]], south of [[Hiiumaa]] island and northwest of the [[Gulf of Riga]]. The administrative centre of the island, and of the Saare ''[[Saare County|maakond]]'' (county), is the town of [[Kuressaare]].<!--, which in January 2018, had 13,276 inhabitants.<ref>{{cite web |title="Eesti elanike arv KOV-ide lõikes seisuga 01.01.2020" |url=https://www.siseministeerium.ee/sites/default/files/dokumendid/Rahvastiku-statistika/eesti_elanike_arv_kov-ide_loikes_seisuga_01.01.2020.pdf |website=Ministry of the Interior Official Website |publisher=Ministry of the Interior |access-date=13 August 2020}}</ref>-->

From the 13th century until the first half of the 20th century, the island of Saaremaa was known in most of the world by variants of its other historical name '''Ösel'''.

== Etymology ==
Saaremaa was called ''Eysýsla'' in the [[Iceland]]ic [[saga]]s and other early medieval Scandinavian sources ([[Old Norse]]: {{IPA|non|ˈœyˌsyːslɑ|}}, meaning 'the island district'), and named in contrast with ''Aðalsýsla'' ('the great district') or the Estonian mainland. The island is called {{lang|et|Saaremaa}} in modern [[Estonian language|Estonian]] and {{lang|fi|Saarenmaa}} in [[Finnish language|Finnish]]—literally, 'land of the isle' or 'land of the island',<ref name="traveller.ee">Toomse, Liine. "10 Estonian Islands You Should Visit." http://www.traveller.ee/blog/tallinn/10-estonian-islands-you-should-visit. Retrieved 8 March 2016.</ref> that is, the same as the ancient Scandinavian name for the island.

The old Scandinavian name is also the origin of the island's name in [[Danish language|Danish]] ({{lang|da|Øsel}}), [[German language|German]] and [[Swedish language|Swedish]] ({{lang|de|Ösel}}), [[Gutnish]] (''Oysl''), and [[Latin]] ({{lang|la|Osilia}}). In [[Latvian language|Latvian]], the island is called {{lang|lv|Sāmsala}}, which possibly means 'the island of [[Sami people|Saami]]'. Saaremaa <!--is believed by Estonian medical scholar Raul Talvik and former Estonian president Lennart Meri--> may have been the historic [[Thule|Ultima Thule]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://arhiiv.saartehaal.ee/2015/10/17/raamat-saaremaa-ongi-ultima-thule/|title=Raamat: Saaremaa ongi Ultima Thule|first=Piia|last=Tamsalu|date=October 16, 2015|access-date=September 30, 2020|archive-date=June 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609105641/https://arhiiv.saartehaal.ee/2015/10/17/raamat-saaremaa-ongi-ultima-thule/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.err.ee/550811/saaremaal-arutati-kuidas-ultima-thule-muuti-turundamisel-ara-kasutada|title=Saaremaal arutati, kuidas Ultima Thule müüti turundamisel ära kasutada|first=Margus |last=Muld |date=December 12, 2015|website=ERR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1111/j.1945-5100.2001.tb01830.x|title = Ecological catastrophe in connection with the impact of the Kaali meteorite about 800–400 B.C. On the island of Saaremaa, Estonia|journal = Meteoritics & Planetary Science|volume = 36|issue = 10|pages = 1367–1375|year = 2001|last1 = Veski|first1 = Siim|last2 = Heinsalu|first2 = Atko|last3 = Kirsimäe|first3 = Kalle|last4 = Poska|first4 = Anneli|last5 = Saarse|first5 = Leili| s2cid=55496802 |doi-access = free| bibcode=2001M&PS...36.1367V }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |jstor = 44912445|title = Ultima Thule – liegt die Lösung in Estland?|journal = Osteuropa|volume = 35|issue = 3|pages = 153–157|last1 = Hasselblatt|first1 = Cornelius|year = 1985}}</ref>

== History ==
{{Main|History of Estonia}}
{{See also|Oeselians|Viking Age in Estonia}}
[[File:OeselLivTrty1241.jpg|thumb|right|The 1241 Treaty between [[Livonian Order]], [[Bishopric of Ösel–Wiek]] and [[Oeselians]] at [[National Archives of Sweden]]]]

According to [[archaeological]] finds, the territory of Saaremaa has been inhabited from at least [[5000 BCE]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eestiajalugu.ee/?event=Show_event&event_id=4253&layer=260&lang=est#4253|title=Saaremaa esimesed asukad &#124; Histrodamus.ee|website=www.eestiajalugu.ee}}</ref> [[Nordic Iron Age]] [[Salme ships|ship burials]], dated to 700–750&nbsp;CE, have been found in [[Sõrve Peninsula]]. Sagas talk about numerous skirmishes between the islanders and [[Vikings]]. Saaremaa was {{citation needed span|date=August 2019|text=the wealthiest county of ancient Estonia}} and the home of notorious pirates, sometimes called the Eastern Vikings. The Chronicle of [[Henry of Livonia]] describes a fleet of sixteen ships and 500 Osilians ravaging the area that is now [[Skåneland|southern Sweden]], then belonging to [[Denmark]].

Probably around 1000, [[Gunnar Hámundarson]] from Iceland took part in a Viking raid at Eysýsla (Saaremaa). There he obtained his famous [[atgeir]], by taking it from a man named Hallgrímur. ''[[Njáls saga]]'' tells the following:

{{blockquote|Thence they held on south to Denmark and thence east to Smálönd and had victory wherever they went. They did not come back in autumn. The next summer they held on to Rafala ([[Tallinn]]) and fell in there with sea-rovers, and fought at once, and won the fight. After that they steered east to Eysýsla (Saaremaa) and lay there somewhile under a ness. There they saw a man coming down from the ness above them; Gunnar went on shore to meet the man, and they had a talk. Gunnar asked him his name, and he said it was Tófi. Gunnar asked again what he wanted.

"Thee I want to see," says the man. "Two warships lie on the other side under the ness, and I will tell thee who command them: two brothers are the captains—one's name is Hallgrímur, and the other's Kolskeggur. I know them to be mighty men of war; and I know too that they have such good weapons that the like are not to be had. Hallgrímur has an atgeir which he had made by seething-spells; and this is what the spells say, that no weapon shall give him his death-blow save that atgeir. That thing follows it too that it is known at once when a man is to be slain with that atgeir, for something sings in it so loudly that it may be heard a long way off—such a strong nature has that atgeir in it.}}

The [[Chronicle of Henry of Livonia]] describes a fleet of sixteen ships and five hundred pirates from Saaremaa ravaging the area that is now southern [[Sweden]], then belonging to [[Denmark]]. The XIVth book of [[Gesta Danorum]], [[Saxo Grammaticus]] describes a subsequent battle on [[Öland]] in 1170 in which the Danish king [[Valdemar I of Denmark|Valdemar I]] mobilized his entire fleet to curb the incursions of pirates from "[[Courland|Couronia]]" (Courland) and Saaremaa.

Perhaps the most renowned raid by the inhabitants of Saaremaa occurred in 1187, with the [[Pillage of Sigtuna|attack on the Swedish town]] of [[Sigtuna]] (other candidates as raiders are [[Karelians]] and [[Curonians]]). Among the casualties of this raid was the Swedish archbishop [[Johan (archbishop of Uppsala, died 1187)|Johannes]]. Archaeological excavations have not verified the traditions of destruction of the town. Normal life in Sigtuna continued until town started to slowly lose its importance during 13th century due to navigability problems caused by [[post-glacial rebound]].<ref name="Tarvel">[[Enn Tarvel]] (2007). [http://haridus.opleht.ee/Arhiiv/7_82007/38-41.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011191449/http://haridus.opleht.ee/Arhiiv/7_82007/38-41.pdf|date=2017-10-11}} ''Sigtuna hukkumine''. Haridus, 2007 (7-8), p 38–41</ref>

In 1227, Saaremaa was conquered by the [[Livonian Brothers of the Sword]] during the [[Livonian Crusade]] but the resistance of the local inhabitants remained strong. The crusaders founded the [[Bishopric of Ösel–Wiek]] there. When the Order was defeated by the [[Grand Duchy of Lithuania|Lithuanian]] army in the [[Battle of Saule]] in 1236, the Saaremaa islanders rebelled. The conflict was ended by a treaty that was signed by the Osilians and the Master of the Order. In the following year, the Sword-Brothers were absorbed into the [[Teutonic Knights|Teutonic Order]]. As the crusaders' hold on Saaremaa got stronger, Christianity also became more established on the island, and to this day Saaremaa has a unique set of medieval churches in [[Kirikuküla, Kaarma Parish|Kaarma]], [[Karja church|Karja]], [[Kihelkonna St. Michael's Church|Kihelkonna]], [[Muhu St. Catherine's Church|Muhu]], [[Pöide Church|Pöide]], [[Püha, Saare County|Püha]] and [[Valjala church|Valjala]] churches. The crusader's fortress [[Kuressaare Castle]], known in German as Schloss Arensburg, was built by the [[Teutonic Order]] for the bishops of Ösel–Wiek (Estonian: Saare-Lääne). Construction began in 1380 and it is one of the most well-preserved medieval castles in Estonia and bears testimony to the late Medieval Age.

During the 14th–16th centuries, and possibly earlier, inhabitants of Saaremaa started to resettle into areas surrounding the Baltic Sea and, for example, to establish villages on the [[Livonian coast]].

Most of Saaremaa was ruled directly by the Bishopric of Ösel–Wiek, while some parts were enfeoffed to the Livonian Order. In 1559, the bishopric and Saaremaa were sold to Denmark, becoming part of [[Danish Estonia]]. From 1570 until 1645 the entire island was under Danish possession.
[[File:Johannes Pääsuke 214 312.jpg|thumb|right|Local shipbuilders at work (Saaremaa, 1913)]]
In 1645, Saaremaa was ceded from [[Denmark–Norway]] to [[Sweden]] by the [[Second Treaty of Brömsebro (1645)|Treaty of Brömsebro]]. In 1721, along with the rest of [[Duchy of Livonia (1629–1721)|Livonia]], Saaremaa (then known by its Swedish name of Ösel) was ceded to the [[Russian Empire]] by the [[Treaty of Nystad]], becoming a part of the [[Governorate of Livonia]].

In 1840, the first spa opened in Kuressaare (then known as Arensburg), and the town experienced renaissance and became a popular seaside resort.

During World War I, the West Estonian Archipelago was conquered by [[German Army (German Empire)|Imperial German Army]] in October 1917 ([[Operation Albion]]) and remained occupied by Germans until the end of hostilities in November 1918. Thereafter Saaremaa became part of the newly independent [[Republic of Estonia]]. Most of the local [[Baltic German]] population of the island was [[Heim ins Reich|resettled to Germany]] following the August 1939 [[Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact|Nazi–Soviet Pact]]. During [[World War II]], the island was first occupied by the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[Red Army]] in June 1940 and, along with the rest of Estonian territory, formally annexed into the [[Stalin]]ist [[Soviet Union|USSR]] in August 1940. On 8 August 1941, Soviet Naval Aviation started a {{ill|1941 Soviet bombing of Berlin|ru|Бомбардировки Берлина советской авиацией в 1941 году|lt=bombing campaign}} on Berlin from Saaremaa. The island was then invaded and occupied by [[Occupation of Estonia by Nazi Germany|Nazi Germany]] later ([[Operation Beowulf]]). German troops were expelled and the island was reoccupied by the Soviet Red Army in the [[Moonsund operation|Moonsund Landing Operation]] in October and November 1944. In 1946, the Soviet military authorities declared Saaremaa a [[closed city|restricted zone]] closed to all non-local civilians, i.e., mainland Estonians and foreigners. It remained a restricted area until 1989. Estonia regained full independence in August 1991.

== Geography ==
[[File:Varahommik ja Panga pank.jpg|thumb|[[Panga Cliff]]]]
The island forms the main barrier between the [[Gulf of Riga]] and the Baltic Sea. To the south of it is the main passage out of the gulf, the [[Irbe Strait]], next to [[Sõrve Peninsula]], the southernmost portion of the island. In medieval times islanders crossed the strait to form fishing villages on the [[Livonian coast]], notably [[Pitrags]]. In those days it was easier and quicker to cross the strait towards nearby [[Kolka, Latvia|Kolka]], [[Saunags]] or [[Mazirbe]], than travel by horse large distances inland. The highest point on the island is 54&nbsp;m above sea level. The [[Kaali crater]] is on the island. The island has much forested terrain. One of the symbols of the island is the [[juniper]].

=== Nature ===
[[File:Shore of Saaremaa.konradmagi.jpg|200px|thumb|''Shore of Saaremaa'', by the Estonian artist [[Konrad Mägi]] (1913–1914)]]

More than 10,000 years ago the first parts of Saaremaa arose from the [[Baltic Ice Lake]]. The uplift of the Earth's crust is continuing even today at a rate of {{convert|2|mm|abbr=on}} per year. The West Estonian islands are low-lying plains resting on limestone; their average elevation is roughly {{convert|15|m|sp=us}} above sea level. [[Limestone]] has become denuded in a great number of places, resulting in cliffs, limestone pits and [[quarries]] at [[Mustjala]], [[Ninase]], [[Pulli, Saare County|Pulli]], [[Üügu cliff|Üügu]]<!--etWiki confirms--> and [[Kaugatuma]].

Because of its mild maritime climate and a variety of soils, Saaremaa has a rich [[flora]], illustrated by the fact that 80% of the plant species found in Estonia are represented here. Altogether 1200 species of vascular plants can be found in Saaremaa. About 120 of the local plant species are rare ones that have received special protection status. The most famous endemic species is [[Rhinanthus osiliensis]], a rare little flower growing mostly in spring fens. Rare and beautiful flowers are widespread; out of the 36 species found in Estonia, 35 of them are found on Saaremaa and its adjacent islands.

Over 40% of Saaremaa is covered with forests, most of which are mixed forests, but in some areas, one can find broad-leaved (deciduous) trees, which are relicts of plant communities of former milder climatic periods. [[Wooded meadow]]s were common in Saaremaa before [[World War II]], but many of these unique natural complexes have gradually become overgrown and thus converted into the ordinary forest. The same is true for [[alvar]]s (limestone areas covered with thin soil and stunted vegetation). Once a typical and exclusive landscape element in Saaremaa alvars are now in decline. Nature conservation planning for Saaremaa now includes protection of the largest and most unusual alvar areas.

Saaremaa has a wide variety of rare wildlife species, ranging from insects to seals. The smallest protected wildlife species in terms of size include the [[clouded apollo]] butterflies and [[Roman snail]]s.

The coastal areas of Saaremaa are well-known seal habitats; in fact, the indigenous [[gray seal]] can be found in three large permanent resting areas on the islets off the coast in the western and southern parts of Saaremaa. Nowadays, the local population of said seals is slightly increasing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-20 |title=A record number of grey seals counted in Estonian waters |url=https://estonianworld.com/knowledge/a-record-number-of-grey-seals-counted-in-estonian-waters-this-year/ |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=Estonian World |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Ringed seal]]s can be encountered everywhere in the coastal waters of Saaremaa but, because of their timidity, it has not been possible to make an estimation of their number.

The islands lie in the [[East Atlantic Flyway]], a migration route of waterfowl. This "bird road" connects northeastern Europe with Arctic regions. Each year hundreds of thousands of migratory birds visit Saaremaa in spring and autumn. The [[barnacle goose]], [[mute swan]], [[whooper swan]], [[common eider|eider]], [[common shelduck|shelduck]] and a great many other [[bird]] species have been given protection status. But on the whole, the islands are somewhat poorer in wildlife species than the mainland. Neither [[European mole|mole]], [[mink]], nor [[European otter|otter]] can be found here, whilst the [[Eurasian lynx]] and the [[brown bear]] are infrequent guests.<ref>http://www.saaremaa.ee/eng/general/default.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314131906/http://www.saaremaa.ee/eng/general/default.htm |date=2008-03-14 }}<br />Saaremaa County&nbsp;– nature</ref>

=== Kaali Meteorite ===
{{Main|Kaali crater}}
[[File:Kaali main crater on 2005-08-10.3.jpg|thumb|The nearly circular main [[Kaali crater|Kaali meteorite crater]]]]

Kaali is a small group of nine unique [[meteorite]] [[impact crater|craters]] on Saaremaa. The largest of the craters measures {{convert|110|m|abbr=on}} in [[diameter]] and contains a small lake, known as Lake Kaali ({{langx|et|Kaali järv}}). The meteor cluster had an impact velocity of {{convert|10|–|20|km/s|0|abbr=on}} and a mass of {{convert|20-80|t|sp=us}}. At the altitude of {{convert|5|–|10|km|0|abbr=on}} the meteor broke into pieces. The largest fragment produced the main crater with a depth of {{convert|22|m|abbr=on}}.

Eight smaller craters with diameters ranging from {{convert|12|to|40|m|abbr=on}} and depths varying from {{convert|1|to|4|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} are all within {{convert|1|km|sp=us}} of the main crater. The age estimates of the crater vary, with 4000 ± 1000 [[Common Era|BCE]] being a commonly accepted estimate,<ref>{{Cite Earth Impact DB | name = Kaalijärv | linkname = kaalijarv | access-date = 2008-12-30 | nocat = 1 }}</ref> though other estimates suggest the explosion was as recent as 660 ± 85 [[Common Era|BCE]].<ref name="MPS">{{cite journal|title=Ecological catastrophe in connection with the impact of the Kaali meteorite about 800–400 BC on the island of Saaremaa, Estonia
| first1=Siim|last1=Veski|first2=Atko|last2=Heinsalu|first3=Kalle|last3=Kirsimäe|first4=Anneli|last4=Poska|first5=Leili|last5=Saarse|journal=Meteoritics & Planetary Science|volume=36|issue=3|pages=1367–1375|year=2001|url=http://www.gi.ee/pdfid/10200.pdf|doi=10.1111/j.1945-5100.2001.tb01830.x|doi-access=free| bibcode=2001M&PS...36.1367V}}</ref> The energy of the impact—about 80 [[joule|TJ]] (20 kilotons of TNT), comparable with the [[Hiroshima bomb (unit)|Hiroshima bomb]]—burned forests within a radius of {{convert|6|km|abbr=on}} of the impact site. There are numerous legends related to the crater; these are summarized by former Estonian President [[Lennart Meri]] in his book ''Hõbevalge''.<ref name="MPS" />

=== Resources ===
[[File:Mihkli Talumuuseum 2009 - 004.JPG|thumb|The Mihkli Farm Museum in [[Viki, Estonia|Viki]]]]

[[Dolomite (rock)|Dolomite]], [[limestone]], [[curative mud]], [[mineral water]], [[Fire clay|ceramic clay]], [[sand]], and [[gravel]] are the major local resources. Of these local resources, dolomite is perhaps the most famous above all.<ref>http://www.saaremaa.ee/eng/general/default.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314131906/http://www.saaremaa.ee/eng/general/default.htm |date=2008-03-14 }}<br />Saaremaa County&nbsp;– resources</ref>

== Characteristics ==
The majority of the island's population is [[Estonians|Estonian]] (97%). The two most numerous ethnic minorities, [[Russians]] and [[Finns]], together comprise less than 3% of the inhabitants. Compared to the Republic of Estonia on the whole, the population of [[Saare County]] and particularly of [[Kuressaare]] town is younger, whereas the number of the retired people is considerably smaller. Saaremaa is located in the heart of the [[Baltic Sea region|Baltic region]], which is one of the most rapidly growing markets in Europe, with 70 million consumers. The island's "Gates to the West" include the reconstructed [[Kuressaare Airport]] and [[Roomassaare Harbour]], the operation of modern ferries between Saaremaa and the Estonian mainland, and the rapid development of the telecommunications. Saaremaa is also a significant tourist destination, revisited by 35% of foreign and 95% of domestic tourists.<ref>http://www.saaremaa.ee/eng/general/default.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314131906/http://www.saaremaa.ee/eng/general/default.htm |date=2008-03-14 }}<br />Saaremaa County&nbsp;– population</ref>

== Transportation ==
[[File:Roads on Saaremaa Island.jpg|thumb|A typical road on Western Saaremaa]]

Saaremaa is reached by [[TS Laevad]]'s [[ferry|ferries]] from [[Virtsu]] on the Estonian mainland to [[Kuivastu]] on [[Muhu]] island, which is itself connected to Saaremaa by a [[causeway]], the [[Väinatamm]]. Saaremaa can also be reached by ferry from [[Sõru]] on the island of [[Hiiumaa]] to Triigi. There are also passenger services from [[Roomassaare]] to the smaller island of [[Abruka]]. During many winters it is possible to drive to Saaremaa by an [[ice road]] between the mainland and Muhu or between Saaremaa and the island of [[Hiiumaa]].

There are regular bus services from [[Tallinn]], [[Pärnu]] and [[Tartu]] on the mainland, which use the ferry from Virtsu to Muhu.

[[Kuressaare Airport]] offers regular flights to Tallinn operated by [[NyxAir]]. There are regular services to [[Ruhnu]] and [[Pärnu]] operated by [[Diamond Sky]].

Historically there was a Soviet air base at [[Aste Airfield]] during the [[Cold War]]. Plans to connect Saaremaa to the mainland by either bridge or tunnel are being studied.

== Sport ==
[[FC Kuressaare]] competes in the first tier of Estonian football, the [[Meistriliiga]]. Saaremaa has been competing in the biannual [[Island Games]] since 1991.

There are three main international traditional sport events in Saaremaa:

[[Saaremaa Rally]] takes place every year in October and attracts thousands of rally fans. The first rally was an amateur competition and it took place in 1974. The first professional competition took place in 1975 and from 1993 the rally has been international.<ref>Saaremaa Rally homepage http://www.saaremaarally.eu/</ref>

Saaremaa Velotuur is a group race of road cyclists that is oldest in the Nordic countries (held since 1957) and the only international one in the Baltic states.<ref>Saaremaa Velotuur homepage http://www.saaremaavelotuur.ee/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616103519/http://www.saaremaavelotuur.ee/ |date=2012-06-16 }}</ref>

Saaremaa three-day running marathon takes place on the roads around Kuressaare town and Sõrve peninsula. The main race consists of three different runs, which are held on three sequential days (10+16,195+16=42,195&nbsp;km). The first marathon was held in 1974.<ref>Saaremaa 3-day running marathon homepage http://www.saaremaajooks.ee/</ref>

== Notable people ==
* [[Hannibal Sehested (governor)|Hannibal Sehested]] (1609–1666), Dano-Norwegian statesman and son-in-law of King [[Christian IV of Denmark|Christian IV]].<ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Sehested, Hannibal | volume= 24 |last= Bain |first= Robert Nisbet |author-link= Robert Nisbet Bain| page = 586 |short= 1}}</ref>
* [[Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen]] (1778–1852), leader of the second expedition to successfully cross the [[Antarctic Circle]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen {{!}} Antarctic, Circumnavigation & Discovery |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Fabian-Gottlieb-von-Bellingshausen |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Louis Isadore Kahn]] (1901–1974), one of the most influential architects of mid-20th century.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-08 |title=Louis Kahn {{!}} Modernist Architect, Monumental Building |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Louis-Kahn |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Paul F. Saagpakk]] (1910–1996), author of the largest Estonian-English dictionary (published in 1982).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://archives.lib.umn.edu/repositories/6/resources/7724 |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=archives.lib.umn.edu|title=Collection: Paul Saagpakk papers &#124; University of Minnesota Archival Finding Aids}}</ref>
* [[Arnold Rüütel]] (1928–2024), politician, President of Estonia 2001–2006<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arnold Rüütel |url=https://president.ee/en/republic-of-estonia/heads-of-state/23/ |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=president.ee}}</ref>
* [[Ott Tänak]] (born 1987), rally driver<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Ott Tänak |url=https://www.wrc.com/en/drivers/ott-tanak |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=FIA World Rally Championship}}</ref>
<!--
== Trivia ==
Saaremaa has more spas than anywhere else in Estonia.<ref name="traveller.ee" /> -->

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Valjala maalinn 2.jpg|Ruins of 13th century Estonian [[Valjala Stronghold|fortress]] in [[Valjala]] 
File:Panga-pank.jpg|The cliffs near the village of [[Panga, Lääne County|Panga]] on the north coast of Saaremaa
File:National clothes in Saare countyIMGP6244.JPG|Women in traditional Saaremaa dress performing a folk dance
File:Kuressaare-linnus, 2010.jpg|[[Kuressaare Castle]] in winter
File:Kuressaare-1.JPG|Historic buildings near the center of [[Kuressaare]]
File:Loode tammik Saaremaal.jpg|Saaremaa countryside
File:Old farmhouse.JPG|Farmhouse in [[Järveküla, Saare County|Järveküla]]
File:TagalahtBayPanorama.jpg|[[Tagalaht]] Bay panorama
File:Valjala kirik, 2007.jpg|[[Valjala Church]]
File:Kihelkonna Mihkli kirik 2009.jpg|[[Kihelkonna St. Michael's Church]]
File:Karja kirik Leisi vallas Saaremaal.jpg|[[Karja Church]] in the village of [[Linnaka]]
File:Angla tuulikud Saaremaal.jpg|Angla windmills in [[Leisi Parish]]
File:Kiipsaare leaning lighthouse.jpg|[[Kiipsaare Lighthouse|Kiipsaare leaning lighthouse]]
File:Sõrve tuletorn 2013.jpg|Lighthouse at [[Sõrve Peninsula]]
File:Ring fort.JPG|[[Kaarma]] ring fort
File:Pidula veskioja 02.jpg|[[Odalätsi]] springs
File:Hirved1.jpg|Red deer in winter near [[Leisi]]
File:Nasva klubi-saaremaa-andres larin.jpg|Nasva Club
</gallery>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Estonia}}
* [[4163 Saaremaa]], asteroid
* [[List of islands in the Baltic Sea]]
* [[List of islands of Estonia]]
* [[Œsel]]&nbsp;– Œsel (Œselia), ancient Estonian independent eldership in the present territory of [[Saare County]]
* [[Saare County]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* Taylor, Neil, & Thea Karin (2008). ''Saaremaa: A History and Travel Guide''. Tallinn: OÜ Greif. {{ISBN|978-9985-3-1606-1}}.
* [http://www.centralbalticgeotourism.eu/travelguides_assets/saaremaa_and_hiiumaa_download.pdf Geotourism highlights of the Saaremaa and Hiiumaa islands] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225025344/http://www.centralbalticgeotourism.eu/travelguides_assets/saaremaa_and_hiiumaa_download.pdf |date=2021-02-25 }} (2009; 23 Mb PDF)

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
* [http://www.visitsaaremaa.ee/ VisitSaaremaa – Official Tourism page of Saaremaa and Muhu] 
* [http://www.saaremaa.ee/ Saaremaa]
* [https://saaremaa.org/ Saaremaa.org – #1 Saaremaa info portal]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110322003347/http://www.saaremaa.tk/en/ Saaremaa for tourists. Photos and stories.]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040616011219/http://www.neomobile.ee/ Neomobile] provide local bus services across the island
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081109034158/http://www.estonian-air.ee/ Estonian Air] fly between Tallinn and Kuressaare
* [http://www.saaremaa.ee/webcam/ Watch Saaremaa online via webcam] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812182034/http://www.saaremaa.ee/webcam/ |date=2017-08-12 }}
* [http://www.estonica.org/en/Nature/West-Estonian_islands/Saaremaa/ Saaremaa] [[Estonica]]

{{Islands of Estonia}}
{{Islands in the Baltic Sea}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Saaremaa| ]]
[[Category:Estonian islands in the Baltic]]
[[Category:Gulf of Riga]]
[[Category:Kreis Ösel]]
[[Category:Landforms of Saare County]]