Saaremaa – the largest island in Estonia

Saaremaa (2672 square km) is the fourth largest island in the Baltic Sea.

The first natural protected area in the Baltic countries, Vilsandi National Park, is located near the western coast of Saaremaa, designated as a protected area already at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1997, Vilsandi National Park was designated as a wetland of international importance. The National Park encompasses Vilsandi Island, the western coast of Saaremaa and approximately 160 small islands with total area of 182 square km. In addition to its original objective, i.e. protection of bird species, the task of the National Park is also to preserve coastal and sea landscapes and species-rich vegetation of West Estonia.