"Naissaar" Naissaar by Lodestar

Naissaar is situated in Viimsi commune, in Harju county. The area of the island is 18.6 km2, the nearest point from the mainland is 8 km. Population is 5.

The first written records about Naissaar are originated already from the 11th century, the first firm record about constant settling from 1469. In 1934 450 inhabitants 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 in militarian purposes. The greatest defensive buildings were built on the island at the beginning of this century and the narrow-gauge railway line was built for military service. One part of that railway is in usage even now.

For 50 years the island has been closed for the Estonians. Only militarians of the Soviet Army lived there. Most of them left the island in 1993.

Large part of the island is forested and it is declared to be a Natural Park. The nature training-route and the Nature Research Centre of the Enviromental Department are founded on the island.