Kuressaare is the capital of Saaremaa. The town, located at the Livonia Bay, has territory of about 15 sq.km and a population of about 15,000.

First written data 1424
The freedom of town 8 May 1563
Self-governing status 1 October 1990
Territory 15 km2

World Health Organisation European Healthy Cities Network member


Kuressaare obtained freedom of a town in 1563 and it has been called with different names throughout its existence. The historic German-like name, Arensburg, was replaced by Kuressaare in 1917. During the Soviet period in 1952-1988 it was called Kingissepa after the bolshevik Viktor Kingissepp who was born here.

Kuressaare was the first town in Estonia where the self-governing status was restored in October 1990. Today, Kuressaare is a safe and healthy city, open for international cooperation and communication and having eight twin-towns.

Population 14 926 (Jan.1 2010)

Distance from other bigger cities in Estonia:

From Tallinn 216km
From Tartu 330km
From Narva 429km
From Pärnu 152 km
From Viljandi 249km