Pellingin Arktika is a tourism service operating in the Pellingi Archipelago. We organize tailored birdwatching and nature tours for individuals and corporate groups. We operate from Yttre Tallholmen Island, where we can arrange accommodation or meeting facilities.
We are able to provide small groups with the perfect birdwatching tour services, complete with authentic maintenance and experiential services. For more independent adventurers, we offer transportation and tips to the best seasonal spots.
Feel free to contact us, and let’s figure out what kind of archipelago experience would be best for you.
The Pellingi Archipelago has been inhabited since the Middle Ages. The roots of permanent settlement in the archipelago are strongly tied to fishing, seafaring, and agriculture, which have shaped the foundation of island life for centuries. The area is also known for its long traditions in boat building, which still thrive in the island’s craftsmanship.
Life in the archipelago follows nature’s rhythm: fishing and utilizing the sea’s bounty are key aspects. During the spring thaw, islanders retreat to the shelter of their islands, while in favorable weather, they head to the mainland to replenish their supplies. In the archipelago, simple things like clean water and salt go a long way.
The name Yttre Tallholmen refers to the "outer pine island." It is one of the last islands before the open sea. To the north, the archipelago stretches out with its forests, while to the sea side, the horizon is visible.
Seeing the horizon helps us connect with nature. Sometimes, we get lost in our own thoughts, and they start to feel overwhelming, but the horizon provides perspective; it sets us in the right scale in relation to nature.
The large, bare rocks of Yttre Tallholmen invite us to calm down and ground ourselves. “Yes, it really is a kind of soulful landscape,” Eero describes. The majority of visitors have also experienced the magic and spirit of the place. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Yttre Tallholmen acted as a portal to entirely different worlds.
For bird enthusiasts, the island offers a unique environment to observe migration, especially during spring and autumn. These are peak moments in the bird world, as vast flocks migrate toward their breeding grounds. It is a one-of-a-kind natural spectacle, offering unforgettable moments with birds and nature.
The island lies along a major migratory route. The spring migration of Arctic species passes on both sides of the island. In autumn, the numbers of migrating birds can be even twice as high as in spring, as the young birds travel south as well.
"When you see, for the first time, 100,000 birds passing overhead in one evening, it is so overwhelming that you can't even comprehend it. From one side of the horizon to the other, flocks of birds, I get goosebumps just talking about it, it’s so impressive."
"Even if you’re not into birdwatching, you should experience it at least once in your life, because you’re really part of something much bigger."
The spring migration begins as early as March and continues until June, with the peak of the Arctic migration occurring in May, which is the best month to observe the spring migration. However, the days can vary greatly depending on the weather patterns. Major weather systems determine how migration is visible. A cold northern front may stop the migration in Estonia, and migration pressure builds up there. When the weather changes, one day can bring a massive rush as all the birds move at once.
Sometimes the weather conditions for migrating birds are so favorable that the migration becomes less visible, and birds do not stop in the archipelago to feed. The migration might also be high in the sky or far away, making it difficult to see. Fortunately, there are so many birds that something is always passing through. When you wake up in the morning and step outside, you might notice that insectivorous birds on their migration journey have arrived at Yttre Tallholmen during the night. The trees are buzzing with chiffchaffs, warblers, tits, and other small birds that are relatively fearless during their migration. After a while, the birds continue their journey, and you can never know in advance what has "dropped" onto the island overnight.
Image: Heikki Vuonokari
I am especially a seabird enthusiast, and the marine nature is my soulscape. I roam the archipelago, following the life of birds on the island amidst daily chores. No one should be in such a hurry that they don’t have time to stop and pay attention to the important things. I aim to nurture the values of nature and live in harmony with it.
Many birdwatchers find themselves in a situation where they can only observe the Arctic from the mainland; it’s not easy to get to the heart of it, beneath the "lead lines." But when you're in the archipelago, you're in the midst of the migration. Front-row seats to nature's most stunning show. You don't have to just watch through a telescope from afar to see the black band passing by; they fly right in front of you, behind you, and above you. You get to experience the migration in a completely unique way.
I organize birdwatching and nature tours to the archipelago’s top destinations. I can operate reliably and safely in the archipelago. I hold a boat driver’s license for rental boats, as well as an international pleasure boat operator's license. I am social and need people around me, enjoying activities with groups. I provide facilities and can take care of meals and other services if needed. That way, you get both fun and benefit at the same time. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.
I also do a bird podcast with Heikki Vuonokari, which you can find on YouTube and Spotify. Be sure to follow the channel!
