Located on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia is the town of Kuressaare. Kuressaare is a municipality on Saaremaa Island and is the capital of Saare County. Kuressaare is Saaremaa’s star attraction; ideal for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing...more
Located on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia is the town of Kuressaare. Kuressaare is a municipality on Saaremaa Island and is the capital of Saare County. Kuressaare is Saaremaa’s star attraction; ideal for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday. The town is home to lovely restaurants and cafés, a majestic, renowned castle, charming guesthouses and peaceful streets, among other things. Kuressaare is also famous for its spas. Although most visitors to Estonia visit the more popular Tallin or Parnu, and not Kuressaare; paying a visit to the town will be very enjoyable and incredibly worth it. However, for Muslim visitors, locating Halal-friendly facilities in Kuressaare will prove to be quite tough.
Kuressaare is quite small so finding transport won’t be an issue at all. Tourists can walk everywhere, even to popular tourist attractions. Those visiting Kuressaare should spend a day just exploring the town and discovering what it has to offer. Most of the town’s older buildings; like its Town Hall, are located close to each other in the Town Centre. There are also a couple of churches located nearby that are popular attractions amongst tourists. Tourists can also visit the Town Hall for information on the area or to visit the art gallery and museum located there.
One of the town’s major attractions is the Kuressaare Castle. This 13th century castle was restored in the 1900’s and is said to be one of the best preserved medieval fortifications in Estonia. Today, the castle is home to Saaremaa Museum; which holds items and objects that are centuries old. Visitors can also go inside the castle to buy some souvenirs or to just have a coffee at the café.
The medieval town of Kuressaare is also home to a premier golfing destination in the Baltics; Saaremaa Golf or known simply as Saare Golf. The course is just a mere 15 minute walk from the town and is located in a picturesque natural setting. The 18-hole course is well designed and is also suitable for international tournaments. The Saaremaa golf course also offers packages for sport, spa, and other leisure activities that will keep the entire family occupied and entertained.
When in Kuressaare, tourists must also visit one of the town’s numerous health spas. The town’s first mud bath spa opened in 1840 and Kuressaare is renowned for offering wellness and spa treatments. It is a popular resort and wellness centre in Estonia, and therefore those visiting the town, must include a spa treatment in their to-do list.
The nearest airport to Kuressaare is Kuressaare Airport, which is located approximately 3 kilometres from the center of Kuressaare. This is however only a domestic airport, and therefore the nearest international airport to Kuressaare is Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport. This international airport is located approximately 229 kilometres from Kuressaare. Visitors arriving at the Kuressaare Airport have easy access to buses going towards Kuressaare.
There are no known Halal restaurants in Kuressaare. Muslim tourists will have to dine at local vegetarian or seafood restaurants after making sure the dishes do not consist of non-Halal items. Tourists must be warned that most restaurants in Kuressaare i do serve pork dishes as well as alcohol. If interested, visitors can also travel to the nearby towns and cities that are known to have Halal restaurants.
There are no known Mosques or Islamic Centers in Kuressaare. Muslim visitors will have to locate mosques in neighboring towns and cities, if required, by asking the locals. They are also advised to pray in their hotel rooms before setting out on daily excursions, if possible.