Kuressaare linnusmuuseum

About the museum

Kuressaare linnus is the medieval fortress of the Saare-Lääne diocese and one of the rarest medieval architectural monuments in Estonia; in the Baltic states it is the only fortress building that has survived intact. The first written references to the castle concern the killing of Bishop Heinrich III in 1381. The side of the late Gothic convent building is 43 metres long, and the seven-storey defence tower is 37 metres high.

The main floor houses the cloister walk, the refectory, the chapel and the bishop’s living quarters; the watchtower Pikk Hermann is one of the best-preserved parts of the castle. The refectory is decorated with an early 16th-century altar relief “Maarja kroonimine” (Coronation of the Virgin), and on the walls of the bishop’s living quarters are Baroque coat-of-arms epitaphs from the second half of the 17th century. The basement floor was renovated in 2023; it houses the museum ticket office, the shop and the halls for temporary exhibitions. The Saaremaa Museum operates in the castle.

Highlights

• Medieval convent building and 37-metre defence tower
• Refectory and chapel
• Bishop’s living quarters and Baroque coat-of-arms epitaphs
• Watchtower Pikk Hermann
• Lossi Tornikohvik (Castle Tower Café) at the top of the defence tower

Permanent exhibition

• Kuressaare linnuse konvendihoone – Visitors can explore the rooms of the medieval convent building: the cloister, refectory, chapel, bishop’s living quarters, watchtower and defence tower.

Operated by

SA Saaremaa Muuseum

Admission & discounts

Free admission also applies to persons subject to repression (1940–1991), Museum Card holders (only during opening hours), ICOM members, press card holders, employees of Estonian museums and members of the Saaremaa Giidide Ühing (Saaremaa Guides’ Association). Holders of the Linnus+ card and the Family Card receive a 20% discount. Entry to the museum shop is free for everyone.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchair users can only reach the renovated basement floor, where the temporary exhibition halls and the museum shop are. The castle has steep stairs and in places low doorways; wheelchair users may need a companion’s help. Vehicles with a disabled badge can park in the castle courtyard; to arrange this, call +372 455 4463 in advance.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

Moving through the whole castle with a pushchair is not possible because of the building’s special features; the pushchair can be left in the castle courtyard.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Lossi Tornikohvik is at the top of the defence tower and is open in the summer season. The museum shop sells Saaremaa handicrafts, books, postcards and souvenirs, including for children.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit