Discover Lilbi: Village History and Landscape

Lilbi’s village history comes into focus through archaeological finds, old forms of its name and the historic manor estate structure. The village’s character is also shaped by farmsteads, stone walls, paths and a pine forest bordering it to the west. For travel planning, the leisure activities at Holiday Village Suur Töll and the Suure Töllu Körts tavern are also relevant. If you are considering Lilbi as a destination, you can distinguish between cultural history, settlement landscape and a specific leisure offering.

Archaeological Finds and Local History

Between 2016 and 2024, a farmer from the village of Lilbi handed over hundreds of prehistoric objects found on his land to the Saaremaa Museum. Finds from Lilbi include Viking Age silver coins and the first animal-shaped weight discovered on Saaremaa. The finds bring together two distinct aspects: Viking Age coins and a weight whose animal shape is key to its classification. The handover to the museum is part of the village’s recent history, while the objects themselves are prehistoric.

The recorded place names also represent different points in time. The form Lilpe Jurg is recorded for 1630–1631, while Lilbi is attested as a historical name around 1900. In the 18th century, Lilbi (Lilby) was an independent manor estate. Between 1744 and 1750, it was separated from Uuelõve and Vanalõve. The older forms of the name and a change in the manor estate structure thus stand side by side as two distinct aspects of local history.

Village Structure and Landscape

Among the settlements covered by the local plan, the centre of Lilbi has the best-preserved structure of farmsteads, stone walls and paths. The structure is therefore evident not only in the farmsteads: walls and paths are also among the surviving features. A man-made pine forest borders the village to the west. Lilbi is also a typical example of a settlement landscape with a clustered settlement pattern in the southern part of the former Kaarma Suurvald municipality. The farmsteads, walls and paths define the village centre, while the clustered settlement pattern places Lilbi in a broader historical context.

Leisure and Dining

Holiday Village Suur Töll has a nine-hole adventure mini-golf course. The course features various sights of Saaremaa, incorporating island motifs. There is also a low ropes adventure course. When comparing the activities, the nine holes with Saaremaa motifs can be contrasted with the course’s low height. Check the availability of activities before your visit.

The Suure Töllu Körts tavern in Lilbi serves home-cooked food and traditional Estonian dishes made with fresh produce from the island. This regional dining option complements the village’s cultural and historical themes and its landscape. Menus and opening hours may change; check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Kuressaare, Nässuma, Ruhnu, Igaküla, Tumala, Haapsu, Metsaääre, Rannaküla.

For the broader travel overview: Saaremaa.