Discover Laadla: ship graves, local history and cuisine

Traditionally, Laadla is divided into Pimeküla, also known as Tagumine küla, in the northwest, and Valgeküla, also known as Esimene küla, in the southeast. Two ship graves dating from the 9th–8th century BC were excavated in the pastures of Lülle and Laadla. The TUI Koduresto home restaurant prepares dishes inspired by Estonian and Saaremaa food culture. Küülikuküla is an animal park in Reinuldi, in the village of Laadla.

The two ship graves were excavated in the pastures of the villages of Lülle and Laadla. Dating to the 9th–8th century BC, they belong to the Bronze Age. Alongside the village’s traditional divisions, they represent a much older layer of history that can be identified through specific archaeological features.

The stone enclosures were shaped like ships and stood in a row on a raised mound along a Bronze Age coastline. Burnt bones and individual grave goods were recovered from the stone cists.

The traditional names refer to two areas, each with a pair of names: Pimeküla, also known as Tagumine küla, lies in the northwest; Valgeküla, also known as Esimene küla, lies in the southeast. These directions and names give the traditional division its specific form. Laadla can therefore also be understood through its local naming traditions, not only through its much older archaeological history.

The wider Torgu region has a historical interpretation that should be treated cautiously: Torgu may have been an episcopal administrative centre in the 14th century. This remains an interpretation and should be distinguished from the established information about the ship graves.

The Kingdom of Torgu had its own currency, called the Kirill. The first coins, bearing the coat of arms of a fire-breathing snail dragon and the profile of Kirill I, were issued on 23 June 1993. A 2024 travel report also lists the shop in Laadla among the places where the Torgu thaler can be used as currency. As acceptance may vary by business, ask there directly if you plan to use it.

At the tip of the Sõrve Peninsula on Saaremaa, the village of Laadla is home to the TUI Koduresto home restaurant. Its dishes are inspired by Estonian and Saaremaa food culture. This gives you an overview of the culinary style; if you have particular dishes in mind, check the current menu details in advance.

Küülikuküla is an animal park in Reinuldi, in the village of Laadla. The restaurant and animal park offer different experiences. If you plan to visit the animal park, check the latest visitor information in advance.

To decide whether Laadla suits your travel plans, weigh up your different interests: the Bronze Age graves and local history, regionally inspired cuisine, or the animal park. First consider the main focus of your stay, then compare hotels for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Kargi, Lõupõllu, Ohessaare, Iide.

How is Laadla traditionally divided?

Pimeküla, also known as Tagumine küla, lies in the northwest, while Valgeküla, also known as Esimene küla, lies in the southeast.

When do the ship graves date from?

The two ship graves excavated in the pastures of Lülle and Laadla date from the 9th–8th century BC. The finds include ship-shaped stone enclosures, as well as burnt bones and individual grave goods from the stone cists.

What culinary and animal-related attractions are there in Laadla?

The TUI Koduresto home restaurant prepares dishes inspired by Estonian and Saaremaa food culture. Küülikuküla is an animal park in Reinuldi, in the village of Laadla.

What is known about using the Torgu thaler in Laadla?

A 2024 travel report names the shop in Laadla as one place where the Torgu thaler can be used. Acceptance may vary by business; ask directly if needed.

For the broader travel overview: Torgu Vald.