Our story

We, several generations of Ilmjärv family, run the Vanalinna Hotel. The accommodation facility was established 29 years ago by my enterprising parents, Kaie and Ants. Initially, it was called Vanalinnna Võõrastemaja and also housed a bakery and a restaurant. The restaurant closed its doors in 2008, but the Vanalinna Cafe thrived and expanded, adding a café area. Multiple generations of our family are involved in this family business. We do everything with passion. We share hospitality and create memorable experiences for our guests. In 2024, we will celebrate our 30th anniversary.

The hotel and bakery are located on the historic property in the heart of Kuressaare, at Kauba Street 8. The rich history of the building and the lively resort life in the early 20th century have inspired us in the interior design and creating experiences at the Vanailnna Hotel.

We have some exciting facts about our hotel, where you are warmly welcomed.

Our building can already be found on the city plans of Kuressaare from 1762.
In 1786, the property belonged to the brewer Carl Johan Westrehn.
In 1865, it was acquired by Theodor Lange, an agent of a fire insurance company, who also owned the first shipping agency Osilia.
In 1872, Theodor Lange purchased F.R. Eupel’s bookstore in Arensburg (Kuressaare). The bookstore operated until Theodor Lange’s death in 1909 when his son Viktor became the owner of the property.
In 1911, the adjacent building was converted into a single-story stone commercial building with an Art Nouveau façade adorned with rich carved details. The Art Nouveau capitals are skillfully crafted and have distinctive forms.

Viktor Lange (1867-1945) was the honorary consul of the Netherlands, a bookstore owner, a postcard publisher, and an insurance entrepreneur in Kuressaare from 1905 to 1939. He donated a library consisting of 5,000 volumes to the city.
In 1919, a stone warehouse building with a barn was built on the plot.
In 1925, Saaremaa Merchants’ Company Stabil began its operations at Kauba Street 8, but it ceased its activities in 1936. Immediately after that, Kuressaare Merchants’ Company Kaubaladu continued its work in the same premises.
In 1994, we opened the renovated historical building as Vanalinna Võõrastemaja, a guesthouse, restaurant, and bakery. The restaurant discontinued its operations in 2008, while the bakery expanded. Today, all hotel guests awaken to the enticing aromas and make their way to the cozy café to enjoy fresh coffee, healthy Sume smoothies, or freshly baked pastries straight out of the oven.

We are waiting for You!
When are You coming? 🙂

Kadi Hiie
CEO
Vanalinna Hotel