Aegna - island you can reach by ferry from center of Tallinn in 30 minutes
Welcome to the heart of Tallinn! Sounds rather strange, doesn’t it, when we’re talking about an island? But that’s exactly the case: the island, located about 10 km from the capital, is part of Tallinn, although there is, of course, little sign of the city there. Although Aegna itself is only 3 km² in size, the island welcomes visitors with a fascinating history and diverse nature. From behind Tallinn’s Linnahall, Vegtind takes passengers across the sea in just half an hour, transporting them into what feels like another world. You can even pick up a light snack and a drink at the harbour before the journey through time begins.
During the hike, we travel through several centuries, from the 13th century to the present day. We talk about how the island was formed, what life may have been like back then, what people did for a living, as well as shipping routes and pirates. Our journey takes us past an old cemetery and the huge glacial erratic boulders left behind by the Ice Age. We also visit a viewpoint that many people don’t bother to climb to, but which offers a wonderful view of the open sea and a sense of complete solitude. There is a place on the island where the 13th and 20th centuries meet in one and the same spot. The ruins of military structures make you reflect on how powerful, yet at the same time unpredictable, the island’s history has been.
As we travel through history, the island’s mysterious nature is impossible to overlook. The forest and vegetation change every so often in ways I have never encountered anywhere else. One moment you are surrounded by dense forest, and the next you can see all the way from one shore to the other through a line of trees.
Nature lovers will certainly find plenty to discover here. The twisted pine trees and abundance of rare plants make it impossible to simply keep walking. You are constantly stopping in awe—either looking up at the trees or looking down to discover yet another fascinating plant.
I have visited Aegna at least four times this season, and every single time I have come back having discovered something new. I already can’t wait for my next visit!
Season lasts until end of September. If you are interested in guided hike on Aegna island – please contact us, we will be happy to assist.
tatjana.siipan@gmail.com
