Of Estonia’s 2,222 islands, Saaremaa is the largest covering 1,032 square miles (2,673 sq. km). It occupies a prime location in the Baltic Sea, just off Estonia’s western shore. This has made it both famous and infamous. Centuries ago, it was the richest part of Estonia as pirates, known as the Eastern Vikings, successfully plundered this part of the Baltic Sea. During Soviet times, it was strictly off-limits to all but local inhabitants. Today, Saaremaa’s population numbers about 31,000.

(Thank you for your patience – photos will load momentarily . . .  )