Leisi

Leisi is a small town in northern Saaremaa, located about 40 km north of Kuressaare. With a population of roughly 800, it is the main settlement in the northern part of the island. The town sits amid gently rolling farmland and forest, with the coast of the Baltic Sea just a few kilometres to the north.

The area has been settled since ancient times, and Leisi developed as a local market town and parish centre. The Leisi church, a stone Lutheran church built in the 19th century, is the focal point of the village. Agriculture and tourism are the main economic activities, with many visitors passing through on their way to the northern coast and the Angla windmill hill.

For travellers, Leisi is a convenient stop for provisions and a look at rural life in northern Saaremaa. It is also the nearest settlement of any size to the scenic northern coastline of the island. The best time to visit is May–September.

By Plane

Kuressaare Airport (URE) is 45 km south. From the airport, take a taxi or bus (45 minutes).

By Train

There is no railway on Saaremaa.

By Car / Road

From Kuressaare, take the main road north for 40 km (40 minutes). From Orissaare, it's 25 km west (25 minutes). From the Muhu ferry, it's 35 km (35 minutes). Buses from Kuressaare run a few times daily.

Leisi is small and walkable. For exploring the surrounding countryside, a bicycle or car is needed.

• Leisi Church — A 19th-century Lutheran church with a striking tower. The interior features a carved wooden altar and historic stained glass.

• Angla Windmill Hill (5 km east) — A group of five historic wooden windmills on a hilltop, one of Saaremaa's most iconic sights. The windmills date from the 19th century and are open to visitors in summer. There is also a small open-air museum and café. Entry €4.

• Panga Cliff (10 km north) — The highest cliff on Saaremaa (21 m), a dramatic dolomite escarpment on the northern coast. A site of great natural beauty with wide views over the Baltic Sea.

• Visit Angla Windmills — The windmill hill is a must-see on a Saaremaa trip. Climb one of the windmills for panoramic views.

• Hike at Panga Cliff — The cliff and surrounding coastal meadows are beautiful for a walk.

• Cycling — The quiet roads of northern Saaremaa between Leisi, Angla, and Panga are excellent for cycling.

• Leisi Kohvik — A small café in the town centre with Estonian home cooking. Mains €4–8.
• Angla Windmill Café (at the windmill hill, summer only) — Simple meals and drinks with a view.

The café serves coffee, soft drinks, and beer. No dedicated nightlife.

• Budget: Leisi Guesthouse — Simple rooms from €25.
• Mid-range: Countryside farmstays in the Leisi area — from €35–50/night.

Leisi has a small grocery shop and a local market. For more options, Kuressaare is 40 km south.

• Angla Windmill Hill — 5 km east, iconic Saaremaa windmills (10 min by car).
• Panga Cliff — 10 km north, the highest cliff on Saaremaa with dramatic sea views (15 min by car).
• Kihelkonna — 30 km west, a historic village with a medieval church (30 min by car).
• Kaali Meteorite Crater — 25 km south, the ancient meteorite impact site (25 min by car).
• Kuressaare — 40 km south, the island capital with the Bishop's Castle (40 min by car).
• Orissaare — 25 km east, the gateway at the Muhu causeway (25 min by car).