Things to do in Estonia, Estonia: The Best Islands

Osmussaar is unique for its interesting nature and history – the island was first inhabited by the Estonian Swedes, and later on it was conquered by an army base of the Soviet army. The island is 5 kilometres long, 1.6 kilometres wide. Its highest spot is 8 metres high. Osmussaare might have risen from the sea 3000 years ago. The landscape is characteristic for its limestone bluff, breccia boulders, vast shingle mould areas and juniper shrubland. Also take a look at the ruins of the stone chapel, the cemetrey and the lighthouse.Interesting facts:When Estonia entered into the so-called military bases agreement with Soviet Russia, the inhabitants were forced to leave the island and the Red Army built fortifications there. You can see the remains of those fortifications there even now. In order to go to Osmussaare, you have to order transport from Port Dirhami.

Kihnu island is a peculiar alloy of contemporary and the past. Proclaimed by UNESCO Kihnu culture space is living and functioning till nowadays. Kihnu women wear every day self woven traditional skirts (kort), already small children know Kihnu dances and songs and Kihnu dialect is taught in the school.The sea surrounding Kihnu island is low and stony, around the island there are a lot of little islets. Kihnu strait is the high importance gathering place for birds and nesting area for birds endangered in Europe.7 km long and 3,3 km large Kihnu island has perfect size for exploring it by bicycle!

Suur-Pakri (Big Pakri) and Vaike-Pakri (Little Pakri) are islands off the north coast of Estonia. Suur-Pakri was a site of bomb testing by the Soviet army, and many military installations survive on the island to this day. Thanks to their natural diversity, both islands have been declared reserves. You can reach the islands by boat from Kurkse harbour.

Next to Kihnu, it's the second biggest island in Parnu County. Manija is 4.5km in length and extends no more than 0.5km in it's widest place. During big storms and high waters the island is divided into three. Islands natural values include natural growth areas of rare plants, coastal meadows filled with the cries of water fowl, and the magnificent choirs of natterjacks. Since 1991 the island has also been a nature reserve. Good to know: In the 19th century the island served as pasture for mainland Pootsi manor. In 1933, when Kihnu island became too small for it's people, 22 families from Kihnu inhabited Manija island. Today it has 14 households with 48 inhabitants living on the island, and only one tourist farm to accommodate the guests.

Sorgu is a tiny rocky island between Parnu and Riga. Its surface area is only five hectares (12 acres). It is a natural rockery and a paradise for seabirds. You can reach the shore by boat only from the northern tip of the island, which is a high plateau rising from the sea to the lighthouse. In order to protect migratory birds, it is prohibited to visit the island between 15th April and 1st July.Interesting to know:Iron stones from the island can be found in Parnu in old cobblestone pavements and piers. It is necessary to ask permission to visit the island from the Parnu County Environmental Services. But it is, for example, a wonderful canoeing destination.