A former military island with sandy beaches, pine forest and about 15 km of walking routes.
Aegna is a small island in Tallinn Bay, about 12 km north of Tallinn, and is part of the city's administrative area. A seasonal passenger ferry leaves from the Linnahall quay (Patareisadam) on Mere puiestee and reaches Aegna Harbour in about 30 minutes. The ferry runs six days a week until 30 September, carries up to 100 passengers and 30 bicycles, and allows pets. Tickets are sold online through the City of Tallinn site. The return fare was about EUR 6 (about USD 6.90) in 2022, but the current fare is set by the City of Tallinn and should be checked before travel. Private boats from Pirita Harbour are available by charter only.
The island served as a military base for much of the 20th century, and was closed to the public during the Soviet period. Today it is quiet, with sandy beaches, pine forest and about 15 km of walking routes. Remains of coastal-defence batteries, including concrete bunkers and gun emplacements, lie among the trees and can be explored on foot. A small number of summer residents live on the island, but there are no shops, so visitors must carry their own food and water. Swimming is popular at the sandy beaches in warm weather.
A suggested day takes a morning ferry, walks the main trails through the forest and past the batteries, then spends the middle of the day swimming or picnicking on the beach. The return ferry leaves in the late afternoon or evening, and checking the last departure time before landing is essential, since missing it would leave visitors stranded. Cyclists can bring bicycles on board, which makes covering the island's tracks faster, although most routes are also comfortable on foot.
May to September is the operating and best season, with the warmest water in July and August. The terrain is flat, with sandy or gravel paths, and the walk is gentle, so the trip is easy overall. Because there is little shade on the beaches and no services, sun protection, insect repellent and enough water are sensible. Outside the ferry season, access is not normally available to casual visitors.
| Distance | About 12 km north of Tallinn |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 30 minutes by seasonal ferry |
| Getting there | Seasonal passenger ferry from Linnahall quay (Patareisadam) to Aegna Harbour, six days a week until 30 September; tickets online via the City of Tallinn site |
| Cost | Return fare was about EUR 6 (about USD 6.90) in 2022; the current fare is set by the City of Tallinn |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Linnahall quay (Patareisadam), Mere pst, 10111 Tallinn |
How to get there
- Ferry from Linnahall quay (about 30 min; 100 passengers and 30 bicycles; pets allowed)
- Private boats from Pirita Harbour (charter only)
Location
Linnahall quay (Patareisadam), Mere pst, 10111 Tallinn
59.4467, 24.7547 View on map
Highlights
- Sandy beaches
- Pine forest
- Coastal-defence batteries
Tips for visiting
- The island has no shops; carry food and water.
When to visit
May to September while the ferry runs, with the warmest swimming in July and August; take a morning ferry and confirm the last return departure.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors reach Aegna Island?
A seasonal ferry leaves from Linnahall quay (Patareisadam) in Tallinn and takes about 30 minutes, six days a week until 30 September.
Are there shops or cafes on Aegna?
No. The island has no shops, so visitors should bring food and water.
Can bicycles and pets travel on the ferry?
Yes. The ferry carries up to 100 passengers and 30 bicycles, and pets are allowed.
What is there to do on the island?
Visitors can swim at sandy beaches, walk about 15 km of routes through pine forest and see old coastal-defence batteries.