"Naissaar – island with railway and mine-factory" Naissaar by karzummik

The earliest history of the island located amidst ancient waterways is woven of legend and tradition. In 1075 Adam the bishop of Bremen mentions the island called 'The Land of Women' ("Terra Feminarum") after its Amazon warriors and its girls-the most beautiful in the whole wide world.

According to another medieval legend Naissaar was created from a piece of
altar-bread dropped by a woman caught in a shipwreck, the piece that turned into an island.

The first written records about Naissaar originate from the 11th century, the first firm record about permanent settling from 1469. In 1934 around 450 people lived on the island, 291 of them the Estonians, mainly serving in the camp of the Estonian Army.

Throughout the different times, since the Great Northern War 1710 till 1995 the island has been used for militarian purposes. The largest defensive buildings were built on the island at the beginning 20 century by Russian Empire.

Because of its strategically important location the island has through centuries been used for military purposes by Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Estonia as well as the Soviet Union.

The most interesting rare sights on the island besides its unique wild nature are numerous depots of floating mines abandoned by the Soviet Union.

Most popular attraction now is the narrow-gauge railway line, which was built for military service. One part of that railway is in use even now and train moving between marina and museum in Männiku pub.

Another attraction is guided tour by military truck, small jeep or bus which lead visitors to depots of floating mines and Church.

Only an hour from the Tallinn coast and You see over 10 abandoned military fortresses since 1730 is now known for its untouched forests and beaches, lighthouses, working narrow-gauge railway and pub.

Visit the fascinating island of Terra Feminarum, just off the coast of Tallinn, and stunning views of the Tallinn skyline. While on the island, visitors can ride the narrow-gauge railway, dine in Terra Feminarum restaurant and enjoy the area's beautiful forests and beaches.

Ship from Tallinn sail an hour to island Naissaar. Vouchers to railway, car and bus tour can be bought also in ship.

• Pros:beach, restoran in marina, narrow-gauge railway line
• Cons:no shops, only bars and restoration
• In a nutshell:More than Island with untouched beaches