Saaremaa Car Tours: Top 5 Island Drives Reviewed

Saaremaa, an island that sits just off the coast of Estonia, is arguably more than just a dot on the map; that is, it’s this kind of cool escape, and what I’m getting at is it almost feels like you’re stepping back into a different time, too it’s a cool experience. When you’re looking to actually soak up the authentic vibe of Saaremaa, a car tour really is that golden ticket, or should I say that’s what I consider it to be. Having the freedom to roam at your own pace, discovering some well-kept secrets, so that really does make all the difference. Now, what you might be asking is, which routes genuinely deliver that awesome island experience? Basically, stick with me, as I peel back the layers on what I would consider the five coolest car tours that Saaremaa has waiting for you.

Coastal Charm: Sõrve Peninsula Circuit

First up, really is the Sõrve Peninsula Circuit, and really, it’s so awesome because this drive lets you witness some insane coastal scenery; in fact, it’s a true feast for the eyes, wouldn’t you agree? You start making your way down south from Kuressaare, very a pretty easy spot to get to, that, until you are hugging this western coastline. Yet, what awaits you is not only just some panoramic views of the Baltic Sea, but what I thought was a touching blend of culture and history. The Sõrve Lighthouse, standing tall at the tip of the peninsula, seemingly almost as an historic sentinel, has had this past life marked by battles and changes of guard. When you’re looking around here, soak it all in as you go!

What you should do, by the way, is carve out some proper time to visit the Sõrve Lighthouse; in fact, climbing to the top, too it’s definitely worth it if you are fit and able, and what you will see is more than your fair share of seriously incredible 360-degree views that stretch for miles. Along this way, for example, be on the lookout for spots like the Stebel Coastal Battery; it’s really something else; in fact, its the historical vibe is palpable, very a thing to witness, and what it almost offers is a peek into Saaremaa’s role in Soviet military history. Then, to cleanse that palette, you will see it presents some photo opportunities you probably thought weren’t feasible. Oh, but please, you should not forget to take a pit stop at one of what I think are the cute local eateries that pepper the route; they are somewhat cool, or I like to think that they are; very great if you want to get a sample of some local Saaremaa grub. What I reckon you should try is the smoked fish; as a matter of fact, you could try tucking in with some dark bread — a simple, very genuine kind of delicacy!

I did this once; as a matter of fact, I packed up a little picnic, and very just pulled over on this secluded beach, too it’s actually amazing how serene this was; as a matter of fact, it’s that moment of zen that almost seems like it justifies that road trip! Then, what you need to do is go slow along this route; that is, be chill about it. Then, keep those eyes peeled; actually, those glimpses of some rugged coastlines, of some almost quiet villages, and of that history that is literally embedded into this earth, just slightly makes you question the nature of life. Seriously, as a matter of fact, I can very recommend it.

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The Viking Trail: A Ride Through History

You should know, too it’s so very that the “Viking Trail” is arguably not actually some official, branded route; yet, the name arguably conjures the perfect vision, basically of an exploration into the island’s almost legendary past. A few Vikings used to sail by Saaremaa! Yet, this route can actually cover a pretty wide chunk of the northern coast of Saaremaa, sometimes passing those ancient strongholds, burial sites, and those coastlines that I reckon the Vikings may have known very intimately.

I remember once; as a matter of fact, my initial stop was Kaali Meteorite Crater; it’s a slightly bonkers location; very something from another time; as a matter of fact, some say this has an almost mystical feeling attached to it; arguably its origins being some space debris and a meteoroid from beyond our stratosphere. Anyway, what you should do next is then plot a course towards the Angla Windmill Mountain. Basically, it is a cluster of those almost old-fashioned windmills, literally standing proud on this hill, you know, and they really just offer a look at Saaremaa’s almost rustic history. It kind of blows your mind, so I reckon its cool. When I am picturing it in my mind, as a matter of fact, this spot almost screams “postcard-perfect,” alright? A super good photo location; frankly, you have not really seen anything yet! Now, when you feel you’ve got this urge to find some Viking vibes, it’s worth checking out local museums; that is, to literally clue yourself in about some maritime past, because the exhibits seemingly go back to all those ship-building traditions from a millennium ago. Or what you can even do is search online for sites with a reputation for Viking stuff. Sometimes they aren’t really known to some, yet worth hunting down for others. Frankly, you get to do a thing!

Here’s what I tell those people hitting this Viking Trail; arguably they should use those tiny roads to kind of snake across the countryside; that is, it sort of feels almost as if you’re doing the ‘Viking thing’! Anyway, those tiny roads may give you access to a handful of some smaller spots where what it feels like is literally every stone may be whispering ancient secrets. Stop wherever you find a place almost worth seeing. So the more chilled out, frankly, the better. And hey, who says that, by the way, you can’t throw on a Viking playlist for those speakers?!

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Kuressaare & Surroundings: A Leisurely Loop

Kuressaare, basically Saaremaa’s main town, has so much to look at, isn’t it? Very somewhere you need to find your feet, too it’s only polite to say so, and yet that local area really provides you the goods, basically when you don’t want something that’s too stressful! I think a nice casual circular route from Kuressaare does tick a large chunk of the boxes.

When you make sure you’ve explored Kuressaare Castle, do you think it might then be a nice move to venture out? And that arguably then could lead to what I think is this chill drive towards what I think is Panga Cliff? Then, what I think that allows is you getting this amazing glimpse out onto the Baltic. From there, seemingly it’s very doable to then swing to the north, but that arguably then means coming to a close to what I would call the utterly enchanting Lake Karujärv. At Lake Karujärv, there is swimming available if the weather permits it. The shores of that, by the way, are really lovely. Do you not find that really compelling? Then you get this super lovely, green forested backdrop as well, you know. Another cool moment on the card to savour!

Oh but listen, what do you make of popping back into Kuressaare via something of an inland route? That allows you to sort of drink in what it feels like the countryside is like! Seriously, arguably this particular part of Saaremaa arguably isn’t only just picturesque, or so I am thinking at least; that’s where these old buildings start appearing, basically because I guess that’s just what Saaremaa does! On top of that, very you might find you start seeing something like some proper local wildlife. That can always make a trip a memorable trip, wouldn’t you agree?

If it all gets to much, what you might very do, arguably just at some stage on that Kuressaare loop, by the way, you might stop somewhere? Well there are countless options here! Maybe somewhere with super lush views, for instance, too it could actually work out awesome; what’s more awesome than that, anyway? I have to say, that’s some trip, right?

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Through the Heartlands: Central Saaremaa Discovery

Fancy ditching the coastline a little bit? Do you reckon what is very sometimes forgotten is arguably that inner Saaremaa is something genuinely worth seeing. Then, to see inner Saaremaa is something very interesting indeed!

Now, a fantastic place to visit, which I know well, very seems to involve driving towards the center of that island? Then you are starting with the aim of discovering what you think you are wanting to do in all honesty, really, very cool that you are making an attempt at that goal! Are you likely to be thinking of places that locals really go to often? How about you plan somewhere where tourists don’t come that frequently, right? When that ends up occurring, something amazing happens – all these epic things can just materialize in all honesty, or what I suspect it is! You should arguably allow something genuinely exciting to become quite real.

Very probably that is going to occur by coming right from Kuressaare, so I am told; so when that becomes the case I think what you are going to be seeing at that juncture is these epic sights coming into the fore, isn’t it great?! And when that feels very great indeed, arguably all I will be saying at that stage is let that moment pass into legend! This seems incredibly exciting!

And hey listen – I saw those meadows – actually, honestly I think they’re pretty mind-blowing. All that local woodland really just makes what seems very obvious as something utterly unique, just you wait!

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Kihnu Island Day Trip: A Cultural Excursion

Kihnu is a cool, somewhat diminutive island, basically lying just a hop, skip and literally jump away from Saaremaa. The main feature I picked up on when on Kihnu is almost its traditions that are pretty crazy! So, as I reckon, here’s my idea about making that day adventure there somewhat stellar.

What happens when the journey to get there is the genuinely awesome experience? Firstly, you might actually need to take a ferry from Saaremaa. Also you will almost certainly think that I just have too much high praise for ferry rides in all honesty, right? During this awesome and frankly utterly majestic boat experience you will witness an ocean view which to be frank seems cool! Anyway if that gets really genuinely mind-blowing what comes after may actually blow your literal tiny minds out into tiny fragments!

Getting an authentic vehicle while there allows an utterly majestic and exciting journey around this truly incredible part of Planet Earth to arguably get super easy in truth. You see these UNESCO world heritage places from time to time I am imagining?! Incredibly its utterly crazy to see!

There aren’t just those fields which seem epic, but so that local community does genuinely seem like something you should visit, and really admire! After spending time here yourself in honesty and utter truth do you see what feels real to you I do honestly wonder! Are these people arguably like you right?! Is Planet Earth so utterly and totally interconnected I would very much suggest!

I really find this island to be utterly great fun. So what? Anyway whatever right?

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