35 facts about West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve (2/5)

The Western Estonia Biosphere Reserve (BR) is Estonia’s only UNESCO biosphere reserve. It was established in 1990 with the aim of protecting a unique natural environment and promoting sustainable development. The reserve is part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. Since 1990, the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve has been part of the UNESCO MAB network and includes the largest islands – Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormsi, and Ruhnu. The total area of the reserve is approximately 1.5 million hectares. 

Facts about Saaremaa

1. Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia, with an area of 2,683 km². It makes up approximately 40% of the total area of all Estonian islands. But did you know that Saaremaa has the highest number of spas per island area in Estonia?

2. The geographic center of mainland Europe is located in Mõnnuste, Saaremaa. The center lies in Mõnnuste village if one includes all islands far from the mainland and extends Russia's borders up to the Ural Mountains.

3. Estonia is home to 38 species of blooming orchids, and an impressive 36 of them can be found in the diverse nature of Saaremaa. Because of this, Saaremaa has gained widespread fame as an orchid paradise, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.

4. The Kaali meteorite crater field, which draws curious visitors from across the globe, is another unique feature of Saaremaa. It consists of one main crater and eight smaller ones, formed at least 4,000 years ago due to a meteorite impact. The main crater, with a diameter of 110 meters, holds a small lake—Kaali Lake—fed by rain and groundwater, with a maximum depth of 6 meters. Beneath a few meters of water lies a 4–6 meter layer of lake mud and peat.

5. In addition to its stunning nature, Saaremaa is known for its unique climate. Only the westernmost parts of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa belong to the mild maritime climate zone with relatively warm winters. These local climate differences are mainly caused by the surrounding Baltic Sea, which warms the coastal areas and islands in winter and cools them in spring. The warmest place in Estonia on average is Vilsandi, an island belonging to Saaremaa. It recorded the country’s highest annual average air temperature of +8.8°C in both 2015 and 2019. For comparison, Tartu’s record is +7.4°C in 2015. Vilsandi is also the least snowy place in Estonia.

   • Saaremaa weather records:

   Lowest air temperature: –31.8°C, recorded on January 24, 1942, at Vilsandi coastal station.

   Highest air temperature: +32.4°C, recorded on August 4, 2014, also at Vilsandi.

   Thickest snow cover: 74 cm, measured at Uue-Lõve hydrometric station on February 24, 2010.

   Estonia’s highest recorded daily precipitation: 148 mm, measured in Metsküla on July 4, 1972.

6. The islanders of Saaremaa, known as skilled seafarers and pirates, participated in various military campaigns during the Middle Ages. For example, in 1187, the Saaremaa people attacked the Swedish town of Sigtuna, which was then an important center of trade and religion. This event is a significant example of Saaremaa’s maritime activity in medieval times.

7. Saaremaa Zoo is the first of its kind on the island, offering an engaging experience for both children and adults. Located in Mäeküla, this privately-owned zoo boasts a wide variety of animal and bird species and is considered to have the most remarkable private animal collection in Estonia.

   
   

   Find out more about: Saaremaa vald, VisitSaaremaa

   
   

   Event picture by Harri Kaert

   
   

Stay tuned for facts about all the other islands!

Facts collected by West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve Activity Centres:

TalTech Kuressaare kolledz, Hiiumaa Arenduskeskus