Saaremaa and Muhu are certainly ideal destinations for a summer family holiday, but the islands are just as delightful in winter. Wintertime in Saaremaa offers memorable experiences and enjoyable moments in the company of loved ones. As the hustle and bustle of autumn fades, time itself seems to take on a new meaning, flowing a little more slowly.
In winter, the islands offer the chance to enjoy snowy forest trails, explore historical sights, and warm up in cozy spas after a day of adventure. Whether you’re seeking active pursuits or peaceful relaxation, Saaremaa’s winter charm has something for every family member – from little adventurers to those looking for restful escapes.
Explore the windmills
Angla Windmill Mount is open year-round and offers interesting and educational activities for visitors of all ages. It is a place where history comes alive. Here, you can learn about Saaremaa’s traditional windmills as well as the lifestyle, wisdom, and tools of ancient Estonians, giving insight into our ancestors’ daily lives. The Angla windmills are one of the best-preserved groups of windmills in Estonia, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to peek into history. Five proud windmills stand together on the hill — four of them are traditional post mills, with bodies that rotate according to the wind direction, and one is an octagonal Dutch-type mill with a rotating cap.
In addition to the historical windmills, the Angla Heritage Culture Centre houses various exhibits and artisan workshops where visitors can try out old crafts with their own hands. Events and workshops held at Angla offer plenty of discovery and fun for both children and adults. We definitely recommend keeping an eye on their event and workshop schedule to experience everything Angla Windmill Mount has to offer.
Explore the history
Whether in summer or winter – Kuressaare Castle offers the joy of discovery in every season, inviting families to dive into its mysterious halls and exciting passages. The old stone castle is full of captivating stories and legends that reveal glimpses of Saaremaa’s fascinating past.
In 2024, the first floor of Kuressaare Castle underwent a major renovation, making the visit even more immersive and engaging. There’s plenty of excitement here for both young and old explorers. One especially memorable experience awaits in the Lion’s Pit – a place where once only the roar of a lion could be heard, but now visitors might even spot the “lion” itself strolling around, adding a layer of mystery and excitement to the castle experience.
In addition to the Lion’s Pit, a giant cauldron also sparks curiosity. Visitors can climb inside and feel as if they’ve stepped into a fairytale scene – with a “live” fire crackling beneath their feet. As if the adventures weren’t enough, a previously unknown well was discovered during the castle’s renovations – a hidden feature that no one knew existed. Now, visitors can take a closer look at this unexpected find and let their imagination wander, wondering what secrets the well’s depths might hold.
Located in Kuressaare, the Saare KEK Museum – or the Center for the Good Life – is a truly unique place that offers entertainment and discovery for the whole family. This fascinating museum takes visitors on a time-travel journey back to Soviet-era Saaremaa, showcasing the lifestyle, architecture, and colorful details of daily life from that time.
The museum features engaging exhibits that captivate both adults and children. For the younger members of the family, there are playful and interactive activities that make the visit both educational and fun. The more adventurous can test their skills in not just one but two escape rooms, offering the chance to prove their cleverness. The Saare KEK Museum is an ideal destination for those looking to spend a meaningful and enjoyable day together while exploring Saaremaa’s unique history and cultural heritage.
Enjoy the sleigh ride
Saaremaa and Muhu are home to several lovely horse farms that offer memorable experiences for both seasoned riders and those meeting horses for the first time. In winter, these stables provide a range of activities—both active and relaxing—set amidst beautiful snowy landscapes.
For those who wish to get in the saddle, the horse farms offer guided treks through the scenic forest trails and fields of Saaremaa and Muhu. These rides are a wonderful way to experience the wintery nature and enjoy the calm rhythm of horseback riding. Experienced guides ensure that even beginners feel confident and safe.
If you prefer something more relaxing and cozy, a sleigh ride might be just the thing. Wrapped in a warm blanket with snow crunching beneath the runners, the atmosphere is truly magical. Sitting in a sleigh offers a peaceful and comfortable way to enjoy the winter landscape—an ideal activity for the whole family. You can enjoy a sleigh ride at Tihuse Horse Tourism Farm and Teeääre Stable.
Across Saaremaa, you’ll find horse farms where a love for horses and nature is combined with warm hospitality and creative ideas. Whether you’re looking for a gentle horseback ride or a family sleigh ride, Saaremaa’s horse farms offer winter experiences for every taste.
Have fun at the Pidula Winter Park
With the arrival of sub-zero temperatures, Pidula Wakepark transforms into a fun-filled winter destination offering activities for visitors of all ages. A visit to the park promises an adrenaline-fueled winter experience that brings smiles to both young and old.
One of the most popular attractions is the fast and thrilling snow tubing. In this unique tubing park, speeds can reach up to 32 kilometers per hour. What makes it even more enjoyable is the convenience – there’s no need to climb the hill repeatedly. A special tow-lift system takes you effortlessly back and forth, so all your energy can be spent simply enjoying the ride.
Pidula Wakepark also caters to those who love the refreshing contrast of winter dipping. For cold-water swimming enthusiasts, a specially designed area is available where you can take a dip in icy water and then warm up both body and mind in a hot sauna. This alternation between cold and heat is both relaxing and invigorating, giving your winter day a healthy boost of energy.
When weather conditions allow, a well-maintained and safe ice-skating trail is also opened in the park. Gliding over the ice offers a great chance to practice your skating skills or just enjoy a fun time with family.
Pidula Wakepark is the perfect place for adventure-seekers and families looking to stay active together.
Whether it’s the thrill of tubing, the refreshing chill of a winter swim, or the joy of skating, Pidula Wakepark guarantees a vibrant, experience-rich day in the snowy nature of Saaremaa.
Enjoy the magic of cinema
If the weather doesn’t quite cooperate during your holiday—or you simply want to enjoy some relaxing time indoors—Saaremaa also has plenty to offer in the world of cinema. Two unique cinemas in Kuressaare provide entertainment for film lovers of all ages.
A family vacation gets a nice change of pace with a cinema visit, where everyone can unwind and enjoy memorable moments together. Apollo Kino offers a modern movie experience, featuring popular animated films and thrilling adventures on the big screen—perfect for both children and adults.
Located in the center of Kuressaare, Thule Kino offers something a bit more special. Here, the focus is often on culturally rich, educational, and locally inspired films. The cozy atmosphere at Thule Kino makes every screening a pleasant and intimate experience. In addition to film screenings, Thule Koda also houses an alternative history museum, where not everything you see should be taken as fact—adding a playful and imaginative twist to your visit.
Say hello to the animals
Saaremaa Zoo is a special place offering a unique opportunity to meet nearly a thousand different animals and birds. It is Saaremaa’s first real zoo and has quickly become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors from afar. The creators of the zoo have poured their heart and soul into making this place feel like home—not only for the animals but also for guests who can have close encounters with them.
The zoo is constantly evolving, with new residents and exciting exhibits added each year. Its inhabitants include exotic birds, curious rodents, adorable furry four-legged friends, and reptiles whose behavior is fascinating to observe. Both children and adults can learn a lot about animals, as Saaremaa Zoo also focuses on education—the staff gladly share knowledge about the animals’ lives and habits.
In addition to daily visits, the zoo organizes themed events and workshops that provide excitement for visitors of all ages. All this makes Saaremaa Zoo an ideal destination for a fun family day out as well as an educational experience that enriches the whole family’s holiday on Saaremaa.
For a completely different kind of animals, visit the Stone Sheep community in Karala village. The humorous world of the stone sheep is like a tiny kingdom where every stone hides a funny detail and a new character ready to bring a smile. Here lives a flock of 101 stone sheep, who are always ready to greet curious guests from their rocky throne throughout the year.
Though one might think the friendliness of stone sheep made of rocks could be a bit cold, the reality is quite the opposite—the Stone Sheep warmly welcome all visitors. Whether summer or winter, the stone sheep world offers fantastic entertainment for families who want to add a bit of humor and fantasy to their holiday.
Spend time either outdoors or indoors
Winter offers endless opportunities for fun and memorable activities, especially when you spend it in the beautiful nature of Saaremaa. The wonderful crisp winter weather invites you to explore, and it’s always most fun together with your family! When the ground is covered with a blanket of snow, it’s time to grab your gloves and hats and head outside to let your imagination run wild.
A classic and always fun first step is making snow angels! Just lie down on your back in the snow and wave your arms and legs to create beautiful angel shapes. Of course, winter wouldn’t be complete without snowmen—let your creativity soar as you decorate your snowman with fun details, whether it’s a carrot nose, pebble eyes, or a colorful scarf.
When the snow covers the land and hills become sledding paradise – it’s time to grab your sleds and slide! Sledding knows no age limits and brings joy to both young and old. Also, be sure to bring skis and skates—Saaremaa’s nature offers plenty of lovely trails for skiing, and frozen lakes provide perfect spots for ice skating.
When the weather is crisp and cold, don’t forget to bring bubble blowers! See who in your family can blow the most beautiful and longest-lasting “glass bubbles.” In subzero temperatures, soap bubbles become wonderfully fragile and patterned—a true winter artwork!
After playing outdoors, if your toes and fingers feel a bit cold, there’s a perfect solution—Saaremaa has several spas to warm you up.
Kuressaare is home to many spa hotels offering a wide range of relaxing treatments, pools, and saunas. Relaxing at the spa provides the perfect balance to an active holiday, allowing your body and mind to truly unwind. If the kids need a bit more action, splashing in the pools is always a hit! Many spas have kids’ pools where little ones can play while parents relax in a quieter corner or enjoy a sauna.
