Blog collaboration: The PR-trip was made possible by Visit Estonia, Visit Tallinn, Tallink | Silja Line, Eckerö Line and Viking Line
In today’s video we delve into an exciting journey aboard a sightseeing truck on Estonia’s Prangli Island. Nestled as one of the three islands off Tallinn’s coast, Prangli stands out as the nearest to the city. The journey to Prangli Island, encompassing an area of 6.44 km², begins with a ferry ride aboard the Wranglö from Leepneeme Harbor. This voyage, approximately an hour-long, embarks from a harbor situated a mere half-hour drive from Tallinn.
For those traveling from Tallinn’s heart, bus 1A connects to Viimsi’s center, a quaint town reminiscent of Espoo in Finland. From Viimsi, a local bus, V1, transports travelers to Leepneeme, where the Wranglö ferry operates two to three times daily during summer. The round-trip ferry fare is 12 euros, offering a comfortable interior complete with seating and a TV, ensuring a pleasant journey regardless of weather conditions.
Prangli also attracts self-propelled boaters from Finland, given its proximity of about 70km. Budget travelers can access Leepneeme port via public transport from Tallinn, although reaching the port might present some challenges. A practical solution is to opt for a taxi or an all-inclusive organized trip to Prangli, where everything is taken care of. The Prangli Travels website is an excellent resource for information on traveling around the island.
The video highlights an important consideration: even under the sunniest skies, weather can swiftly turn to windy and rainy conditions, though generally forecasted in advance. Not shown in the video, however, is the presence of spiders and their nests inside the smaller Helge boat, which operates between the island and the coast upon request. This might be startling for those unaccustomed to such natural inhabitants.
Prangli Island boasts a stunning, largely unspoiled natural landscape. Its picturesque beaches, coastal meadows, majestic pine forests, and the invigorating sea air make it a haven for nature lovers. Bicycles are available for rent near the harbor, allowing visitors to explore the island’s attractions and natural beauty. Accommodations range from camping tents to cozy cottages. During my early September visit, the island was serene, hosting only about thirty tourists, underlining Prangli’s status as a destination far from the throes of mass tourism.
For a unique experience, consider a guided truck tour in a vintage Soviet-era truck. This tour offers entertaining insights into Prangli’s over 600-year-old culture, historical sites like the church, two cemeteries, and a natural gas source where travelers can brew coffee or toast bread. An unexpected highlight of the tour is a drive directly into the sea – a thrilling moment as the truck ventures into the waves without prior warning, leaving passengers wondering about the depth, duration, and the vehicle’s capability to traverse these waters.
Some intriguing facts about Prangli: its highest point stands at 8 meters above sea level, rumored to be the site of a buried pirate treasure. The island has a modest permanent population of around 70 people, with its school currently employing 7 teachers for 5 students. Amenities include a shop and two seafront restaurants, one located right in the harbor. The more remote Saare resto offers delectable salmon dishes and a variety of desserts, including cakes and vibrant sorbets. Both restaurants operate seasonally and by reservation.
From a Finnish perspective, an interesting tidbit is that the stones for Prangli’s church, constructed in 1848, were sourced from Sipoonranta, Finland. Additionally, the island’s first Finnish tourist, a significant post-glacial rock, remains a notable feature. A trip to Prangli Island serves as an adventurous alternative to the café tours in Tallinn, which I covered earlier this summer.
You can read about Prangli island also in Finnish!
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