Estonia’s northern coast is home to a unique archipelago of small, wild, and culturally rich islands—some inhabited for centuries, others untouched and peaceful. If you’re looking for a truly local island experience near Tallinn, this guide introduces you to Prangli, Keri, Aksi, and Rammu islands—each offering a different kind of adventure.
Why Visit the Islands Near Tallinn?
Estonia has over 2300 islands, and many of them remain off the typical tourist radar. From seal watching safaris to exploring abandoned lighthouses and learning about local life, the North Estonian islands offer authentic and peaceful nature escapes, easily accessible as day trips from Tallinn.
According to Visit Estonia, Prangli Island is one of the top 10 islands to visit in summer, but its charm goes beyond the warm months. Each season brings a new perspective and rhythm to island life. The small islands near Prangli are also definitely worth a visit.
Prangli Island – The Only Inhabited North Estonian Island With 600 Years of History
Prangli Island is located in Northern Estonia, in Viimsi Municipality, as part of the Kolga Bay archipelago. The island covers an area of 6.4 km².
People have lived here continuously for centuries. Prangli is the only island in Northern Estonia with an indigenous population. During the Soviet era, it was part of a border zone, yet life continued under the protective wing of the Kirov fishing collective farm.
The island’s charm is undeniable—with its beautiful sandy beaches, mossy pine forests, juniper groves, colorful fishing villages, and unforgettable sunsets. Getting around by old trucks adds to the fun, and local fish dishes taste different than anywhere else.
Here, you can experience a slower island rhythm and enjoy the humorous tales of the locals. To support year-round living, the island has a school, community center, shop, library, and post office. Notable sights include the church, the natural gas source, and a memorial commemorating the dramatic rescue of the ship Eestirand.
On Prangli island, we offer day tours and hiking and sauna experiences.
Keri Island – A Lighthouse Keeper’s Dream
Keri Island is located in Northern Estonia, just six kilometers from Prangli Island. Its total area is only 0.03 km².
The island is home to a uniquely shaped historical lighthouse, built centuries ago by the order of Peter the Great. Keri is also the first place in Estonia where natural gas was discovered, around 100 years ago. For six years, the lighthouse was powered by gas, and Estonia’s first gas stove was also used here.
Keri Island has no permanent residents. During the summer months, volunteer lighthouse keepers stay on the island, offering guided tours and keeping an eye on both the island and the lighthouse. Remnants of the Soviet-era border guard buildings still remain, and simple accommodation is available. Keri also boasts Estonia’s northernmost sauna and even a tiny cinema.
The island’s upkeep is managed by the Keri Society (MTÜ Keri Selts).
Our regular summer tours to Keri Island depart from Neeme Harbour, and are organised for groups of up to 14 people. TICKETS HERE!
Private tours also possible and the trip can be combined with Prangli island and seal watching. Send a request to booking@tallinndaytrip.com
Aksi Island – A Peaceful Stop Between Prangli and the Mainland
Aksi Island, located between Prangli and Rammu in the Kolga Bay archipelago, is a scenic and historically rich gem in Northern Estonia. Though it covers just 0.59 km², the island holds far more than meets the eye—a unique meeting point of nature, history, and folklore.
What makes Aksi truly special is its deep connection to the Aksberg family, once the region’s most well-known boatbuilders before World War II. Their craftsmanship, skills, and musical talent left a lasting mark on local culture. The Aksberg legacy is an important part of Estonia’s coastal heritage and still deserves to be remembered today.
After the war, Aksi became permanently uninhabited, and to this day, no one lives there. Yet the island continues to attract nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers alike.
The landscape is defined by stunning views, stony shores, dense juniper groves, a fascinating stone labyrinth dating back to 1849, and much more. Walking across Aksi, it’s hard to believe how much biodiversity fits into such a small area. The island is also under nature protection.
Our regular summer tours to Aksi Island depart from Neeme Harbour, and are organised for groups of up to 14 people. TICKETS HERE!
Private tours are also possible, and the trip can be combined with Prangli island and seal watching. Send a request to booking@tallinndaytrip.com
Rammu Island – Forest Trails and Secluded Beaches
Rammu Island is located in Northern Estonia, in the Kolga Bay archipelago. The horseshoe-shaped islet has an area of 1.12 km².
In the mid-19th century, the island was still home to about ten Estonian families and a few Swedish ones, but during the Soviet era, Rammu became part of the border zone, and permanent settlement was prohibited. Today, Rammu has become a small, private summer retreat.
From the former coastal village, only a few foundations, cellars, stone fences, and a nearby cemetery remain. In terms of nature, Rammu is best known for its pebble beaches and extensive bearberry fields covering the ground. Nature enthusiasts can explore a 2.5 km hiking trail and two birdwatching towers built by the State Forest Management Centre (RMK).
One of the most famous stories about Rammu tells of a whale that washed ashore on the island’s coast in the 19th century. The carcass was later shown for money at fairs, and its skeleton was sold to the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, where it is said to still be preserved today.
The regular Rammu tours run in summer, and are suitable for nature lovers, photographers, and slow travellers.
Combine Island Hopping and Seal Watching
Seal watching is undoubtedly one of the most unique nature experiences in Estonia!
Seals, the largest marine mammals in the Baltic Sea, have lived in the area for around 10,000 years.
The best places to encounter grey seals in Northern Estonia are about an hour’s boat ride from the mainland harbors. Our seal watching takes place about an hour’s boat ride from the northern coast or from Prangli Island – near the Malusi Islands or close to Aegna Island.
What could be better than good company, a gentle sea breeze, and the chance to see these intelligent and charming creatures in their natural habitat?
Private seal watching tours are available from April to October. Regular seal watching trips depart every Sunday from July to September.
Plan Your Island Adventure Today
From historical villages to empty beaches and curious seals, the islands near Tallinn are waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for a full-day tour or a weekend getaway, our small-group experiences guarantee personalised service, local insight, and natural beauty.
Contact us at booking@tallinndaytrip.com to plan your custom trip.
