Harju County Islands – How to Get There and What to Do?

With Tallinn included, the mainland coastline of Harju County stretches for approximately 320 kilometres. The county is home to 74 islands and islets, six of which have permanent residents. Aegna Island is administratively part of Tallinn.

Year-round scheduled ferry services operate to Prangli Island, while seasonal ferry connections run to Aegna and Naissaar. Other islands, including the Pakri Islands, Keri, Mohni, and Rammu, can be visited by private boat or on pre-arranged boat transfers.

Just a short distance from the capital, these small islands offer a peaceful escape from city life. Each has its own distinctive history and culture, while all share clean sea air, quiet surroundings, and beautiful coastal nature.

Aegna island

Aegna Island, just off the coast of Tallinn, is served by ferries from May to October. Sandy beaches and pine forests define the island, making it a popular destination for family day trips. A network of walking trails crosses the island, while its beaches provide pleasant places to relax in the sun. There are no cars on the island, making it ideal for exploring on foot or by bicycle.

Harju County islands

Author: Simo Sepp

Naissaare saar

Naissaar island

Naissaar, Estonia’s fifth-largest island, covers 18.9 km² and measures approximately 9 kilometres in length and 4 kilometres in width. Seasonal ferries reach the island in about an hour from Tallinn (from Seaplane Harbour and Pirita Harbour). Naissaar is known for its military heritage, dramatic coastal cliffs, marked hiking trails, and long sandy beaches.

During summer, visitors can join ride on dropside truck, attend concerts, café festival, and music festivals, or explore former coastal defence batteries and other military sites. The island is also home to around 40 kilometres of narrow-gauge railway dating from the early 20th century, with a short section on few kilometres still operating for visitors today.

The seasonal visitor centre offers refreshments and practical information. As a protected nature area, Naissaar provides excellent hiking opportunities through forests, along the cliffs, and to sandy beaches with clear seawater suitable for swimming. Designated camping areas allow visitors to stay overnight.

Prangli island

Located close to Tallinn, Prangli Island is one of Estonia’s oldest permanently inhabited islands and is home to around 100 residents. Its fishing village traditions have been preserved for centuries, and regular ferry services from Kelnase harbour to Leppneeme harbour operate throughout the year. Visitors can explore a small museum, several hiking and cycling routes, and sandy beaches ideal for swimming and relaxing. The island can be explored independently by bicycle or on tours sitting inside of drop side truck.

Author: Simo Sepp

Throughout the summer, Prangli also hosts a variety of local events and home café days.

Pakri islands

The Pakri Islands, consisting of Väike-Pakri and Suur-Pakri, lies just a few kilometres off the coast near Paldiski. Their landscape is characterised by limestone cliffs, large glacial boulders, and open coastal scenery. Once used as a Soviet military area, the islands are now protected nature reserves. Visitors can hike across the islands and enjoy spectacular sea views. Boat transfers can be arranged from Kurkse Harbour (link in Estonian) or Paldiski (link in Estonian).

Mohni island

Mohni Island is located near Viinistu in Kuusalu Parish and is part of Lahemaa National Park. Covering less than one square kilometre, the island lies about four kilometres from the mainland. Its main attractions include a lighthouse, glacial boulders, sand dunes, and former Soviet border guard buildings.

The island’s Swedish name, Ekholm, refers to the oak trees that once grew here. Today, just one protected Mohni linden tree remains from the ancient, lush oak and linden forest. On this small island, you’ll find both sandy beaches and rocky shores. Part of the island is connected by a wide wooden boardwalk that is also suitable for strollers.

Mohni Island can be reached from Viinistu with the help of a local art muuseum boat operator.

Harju County islands

Author: www.evente.ee

Pedassaare matkarada

Author: Suuroja / Wikimedia Commons

Pakri islands

Pedassaar Island, located about one kilometre off the coast near Salmistu in Kuusalu Parish, is another excellent destination for a day trip. Although covering less than one square kilometre, the island offers a marked nature trail, peaceful walking opportunities, and clear seawater for swimming. Visitors wishing to stay overnight can use the forest cabin with a sauna or camp in designated areas. Pedassaar can be reached by charter boat from Salmistu Harbour, while experienced paddlers may also choose to arrive by sea kayak.

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