Things to do in Kuressaare
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Saaremaa Regional Museum
Housed in the majestic Kuressaare Castle is the Saaremaa Regional Museum. On the ground floor look for the hüpokaust (hypocaust) on the southwestern side - a furnace that fuelled a medieval central heating system. According to legend, condemned prisoners were dispatched through a small room without a floor near the bishop's chamber, to be received by hungry lions.
Legends also tell of the body of a knight found when a room previously sealed with bricks was uncovered in the 18th century. It is said that, upon discovery, the knight's body dissolved into dust, which has given rise to varying accounts of how the unfortunate captive met his tragic fate.
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Spas
Saaremaa's reputation as a major spa destination may be a bit premature, but there are still some excellent opportunities for pampering, detoxing and/or sliding into a bathtub full of slippery coastal mud - a Saaremaa remedy for over 150 years. You'll also encounter some downright bizarre (some would say innovative) treatments - anyone up for a NeoQui Energy Cocoon? But whatever your yin, if you've come to Saaremaa, give a treatment a try.
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Historic Buildings & Churches
The best of Kuressaare's other old buildings are grouped around the central square Keskväljak, notably the town hall (built in 1670), on the eastern side, with a pair of fine stone lions at the door, and the weigh-house (now Vaekoja pub) across from it, both 17th-century baroque. There's a handsome Lutheran Church at the northeast end of Keskväljak and an Orthodox Church (Lossi tänav 8).
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Kuressaare Castle
This is the best preserved castle in the Baltics and the only medieval stone castle in the region that has remained intact. The inside of the castle is a warren of chambers, halls, passages and stairways that will feed anyone's fantasies about Gothic fortresses. It also houses the intriguing Saaremaa Regional Museum.
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Vaekoja
One of several inviting restaurants on the main square, Vaekoja serves eclectic fare (rainbow trout with blue cheese, grilled ostrich, salads) amid historic elegance. The front terrace is a popular meeting/drinking spot in the summer.
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Beaches
The best beach in the Kuressaare area is Järverand at Järve, about 14km west, some 2km past Mändjala. There's also a beach at Sutu, 12km east. Salme, Torgu or Sääre buses from Kuressaare go to Järverand.
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Aaviks Museum
Aaviks Museum is dedicated to the life and works of linguist Johannes Aavik (1880-1973), who introduced major reforms to the Estonian language, and his musically talented cousin, Joosep Aavik (1899-1989).
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Raekelder
Another winner for the ambience, the stone floors, old beamed ceiling and antique sitting room of the town hall basement is a fine place for coffee. The food and service is less enticing.
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Õuemaja
This popular no-frills restaurant serves decent, not terribly healthy food in a hurry. Noted writer and linguist Johannes Aavik and his musician cousin Joosep Aavik once lived here.
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Valguse Galerii
One of several galleries on Lossi, Valguse Galerii contains a small variety of works by Estonian artists. You'll find ceramics, woodblock prints, sculptures and paintings.
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Veski
This cosy multilevel restaurant is set inside a windmill; unfortunately, the chef is wildly inconsistent. The menu features grilled fish, roasted meats and other dishes.
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Hansa Café
One of Kuressaare's finest cafés, Hansa exudes old-world bohemian ambience. Fresh homemade pastries and a vibrant art gallery next door add to the charm.
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Boat hire
If the weather's nice, you can hire rowboats and float idly around the castle. Boat hire is available at Lossi Konn café, part of the Lossi Hotel.
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Kuursaal
Inside a former early-20th-century spa hall, Kuursaal is a fine stop-off for a coffee or light meal, but time your visit well to avoid tour-bus troops.
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Kulapood
If you're self-catering, this is the place for fish-lovers. Don't miss the delicious smoked salmon. An iron fish marks the downstairs entrance.
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La Perla
A handsome new addition to the dining scene, this Italian restaurant serves tasty brick-oven baked pizzas and plenty of other Italian options.
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Kodulinna Lokaal
This atmospheric cellar restaurant and bar makes a pleasant retreat during chilly weather. Grilled fish, meats and salads are on offer.
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Central market
You'll find dolomite vases, wool sweaters, honey, strawberries and other Saaremaa treats at this small market near the square.
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Antik
Antik sells all sorts of antiques, from 19th-century farm tools to Soviet memorabilia. It's a fun place to browse.
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Bella Mimi Kohvik
This superfriendly café provides a cosy setting for lattes, waffles and fresh-baked cakes. Entrance on Kohtu.
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Lonkav Konn
This battered, easy-going pub attracts a mix of locals and tourists. It sometimes gets lively on the weekends.
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Wildenbergi Kohvik
On the main square, this charming café is a lovely place for a drink - it has a fantastic tea selection.
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Archery
At Kuressaare Castle, there are a few targets where you try your hand at archery for a small fee.
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John Bull Pub
This friendly bar has a pleasant outdoor deck facing the castle; an unbeatable spot in summer.
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Kapteni Kõrts
The old saloon-like feel and the summer terrace draw a lively crowd to this pub.
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