Aegna, which is situated north of Tallinn, invites you with its beautiful sandy beaches. The island has been relatively difficult to access in the recent past, but it is opening up to tourists and locals more and more. The main attraction on this island is peace and quietness. Although Aegna is an island passed by every Tallinn-Helsinki cruise ship or ferry not many people find their way here. There are no typical tourist attractions, such as, shops and hotels on the island. Many pensions are deserted and empty. For staying overnight you better bring your own camping equipment. The main reason to go to this island is the pure and enjoyable nature.

The coastal Swedes have inhabited the island in the past, but other nations have also settled down there during the middle ages. The island has been used for stocking up firewood and raising horses. It has also been a hub for pirates. In its’ more recent history Aegna has been a military port.

Geologically Aegna belongs together with the nearby Viimsi peninsula and the cliffs between them. The island is approximately 4200 years old and is still rising from the sea. Most of the island is covered with forests, mainly pine and spruce. Paths are clearly marked, and a detailed map is displayed in the harbor. In the central part of the island there are small bogs where thousands of mosquitoes wait for visitors during the summer months. The fauna and flora of the island is varied (animals can cross to the island over the ice during the winters). Those that look closely can spot hedgehogs, squirrels, goats, wild boars, foxes, and rabbits.

In the northeast an arm-shaped cape stretches to the sea – Cape Lemmiku. In the 19th century a seamarker was installed there to provide safe navigation in the dangerous shallow waters of so called Kuradimuna (Devil’s Egg) .
Allow a full day to visit the island and receive an easy escape from Tallinn. The boats to Aegna operate from Pirita Harbor (right-side of Pirita River) and you can go back with the same ship in the evening. For a one-day trip allow for about 3 hours of walking in nature. Good shoes are a must and bring some food and drink.

The significance of Aegna as a defensive base on the border of czarist Russia increased in the 18th century. Defensive buildings were constructed on the islands in strategically favorable locations, including Aegna. In the beginning of the 19th century Aegna became a link in the sea defense system of Peter the Great. During World War II and the period following inhabitants left Aegna, and life on the small islands declined very rapidly.