Abruka Nature Reserve

The Abruka Nature Reserve spans three Baltic islands and contains mixed forests, open meadows, and coastal shorelines with different plant and animal communities. The islands show distinct zones from wooded areas with mature trees to bare grasslands and rocky beach edges along the water.

Protection of this area started in 1937 when a botanist officially recognized the broad-leaved forests as a protected natural monument. This early action established these islands as one of Estonia's oldest safeguarded woodland areas.

The reserve serves as a sanctuary for uncommon bird species and supports ongoing conservation work that shapes how the islands look today. Visitors can observe the results of these efforts in the maintained habitats and managed woodland areas.

Ferry services connect the mainland to these islands, where marked walking paths lead through different habitat zones. These trails allow visitors to move through various sections of the reserve at their own pace.

A lime tree on the islands carries the name of the botanist who first protected this area as a nature reserve. This single tree serves as a living reminder of the region's conservation history.

Location: Saaremaa Rural Municipality

Inception: December 3, 1937

GPS coordinates: 58.14639,22.50722

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:45