Estonian Islands: A Complete Guide to All Estonian Islands
Estonia has over 2,000 islands and islets, making its coastline one of Europe’s most diverse archipelagos. In this article, you will find a complete overview of Estonian islands — from the largest inhabited islands to tiny islets that are home only to birds. Discover the history, nature, and unique character of Estonia’s islands.
Estonia’s largest islands
Estonia’s two largest islands — Saaremaa and Hiiumaa — are well-known both in Estonia and abroad. These islands are regions with unique cultures where history and nature intertwine in a special way.
Saaremaa
Saaremaa is Estonia’s largest island (2,673 km²) and one of the biggest islands in the Baltic Sea. The island’s capital, Kuressaare, is known for its well-preserved episcopal castle, which is unique in the entire Baltic region. Saaremaa has a rich history — this is where Viking-era ship burials, the Kaali meteorite crater, and centuries-old churches can be found.
Area: 2,673 km² | Population: ~31,000 | Capital: Kuressaare
Saaremaa is famous for its juniper landscapes, windmills, local beer, and Saaremaa bread. The tourist season runs from May to September, but the island offers experiences year-round.
Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is Estonia’s second-largest island (989 km²), known for its untouched nature, lighthouses, and distinctive island humour. Hiiumaa’s Kõpu lighthouse is one of the oldest continuously operating lighthouses in the world, guiding ships since 1531.
Area: 989 km² | Population: ~8,500 | Known for: Kõpu lighthouse, Kassari
Muhu
Muhu is Estonia’s third-largest island (200 km²) and serves as the gateway to Saaremaa — the Virtsu-Kuivastu ferry connection leads through Muhu. The island is known for its traditional folk costumes, Muhu patterns, and Pädaste Manor, one of Estonia’s finest hotels.
Area: 200 km² | Population: ~1,800 | Known for: Muhu patterns, Pädaste Manor
Vormsi
Vormsi is Estonia’s fourth island (93 km²) and a former home of Coastal Swedes. Until World War II, a large Swedish-speaking community lived on Vormsi. Today, Vormsi is a quiet and sparsely populated island that offers a unique historical atmosphere.
Area: 93 km² | Population: ~200 | Known for: Coastal Swedish heritage, cross stones
Small islands and islets
In addition to the large islands, Estonia has hundreds of small islands and islets, each with its own story. Many of them are important bird protection and nature conservation areas.
Kihnu
Kihnu island in the southern part of Pärnu Bay is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Kihnu women are famous for their traditional skirts, songs, and seafaring culture, which has survived to this day.
Area: 16.4 km² | Population: ~500 | UNESCO: Kihnu cultural space
Ruhnu
Ruhnu is a remote island in the Gulf of Riga with a fascinating history. Here stands Estonia’s oldest wooden church (1644) and the island’s unique location between Estonia and Latvia has created a special cultural heritage.
Area: 11.9 km² | Population: ~60 | Known for: oldest wooden church in Estonia
Naissaar
Naissaar (Women’s Island) is located just north of Tallinn and has a colourful military history. During the Soviet era, the island served as a naval mine depot. Today, Naissaar is a nature park with beautiful pine forests and a unique atmosphere of abandoned military installations.
Area: 18.6 km² | Status: Nature park | Known for: military heritage, nature
Aegna
Aegna is a small island in Tallinn Bay that is easily accessible by water taxi from Tallinn. The island is a popular day-trip destination with sandy beaches, forest trails, and historical military fortifications.
Area: 2.9 km² | Access: Water taxi from Tallinn | Best for: day trips
Prangli
Prangli island lies northeast of Tallinn and is one of the smallest permanently inhabited Estonian islands. Prangli is known for its traditional way of life — people here still live from fishing and nature.
Area: 6.4 km² | Population: ~100 | Known for: traditional village life
Pakri Islands
Suur-Pakri and Väike-Pakri are islands near Paldiski with a tragic history — in 1940, the local Coastal Swedes were deported and the islands were turned into a Soviet military bombing range. Today, the islands are partly under nature conservation.
Suur-Pakri area: 12.9 km² | Väike-Pakri: 12.2 km²
Island nature and wildlife
Estonian islands are important habitats for many rare and protected species. The mild maritime climate creates unique natural conditions not found on the mainland.
The islands are especially significant as bird nesting and migration stopover sites. Vilsandi National Park on the western coast of Saaremaa protects one of the oldest bird reserves in Europe.
Orchids, coastal meadows, alvars (thin-soil limestone grasslands), and juniper fields are characteristic of Estonian islands. Many plant species found on the islands are rare or absent on the mainland.
How to reach Estonian islands
The largest islands are connected to the mainland by regular ferry services. Saaremaa and Muhu are reached via the Virtsu-Kuivastu ferry route, while Hiiumaa is accessed via the Rohuküla-Heltermaa route. Smaller islands are served by smaller ferries, boats, or during winter by ice roads.
Main ferry routes:
- Virtsu – Kuivastu (Muhu/Saaremaa)
- Rohuküla – Heltermaa (Hiiumaa)
- Triigi – Sõru (Saaremaa – Hiiumaa)
- Munalaid – Kihnu
- Pärnu – Kihnu (summer)
- Ringsu – Ruhnu
Why visit Estonian islands?
Estonian islands offer a unique combination of untouched nature, rich history, and authentic culture that is increasingly rare in today’s Europe. Whether you seek the peaceful juniper landscapes of Saaremaa, the lighthouse heritage of Hiiumaa, or the living cultural traditions of Kihnu, Estonian islands have something for every visitor.
The islands are perfect for nature tourism, cycling, birdwatching, and discovering unique local cuisine. Each island has its own character and rhythm of life, making every visit a unique experience.