Naissaar

Naissaar

Naissaar is an approximately 18 km² island at the entrance to the Gulf of Tallinn, entirely part of the Natura 2000 protected areas network. Located just a short boat trip from Tallinn, the island offers a completely different rhythm: peace, silence and closeness to nature that cannot be found in an urban environment.

Naissaar is a unique nature park, where extensive forests, coastal meadows and diverse wildlife form a coherent and distinctive natural landscape. This is complemented by the island’s layered history and rich military heritage.

1940. In 1940, the inhabitants of Naissaar were forced to leave their homes, and the island was turned into a closed Soviet military base. For nearly 50 years, Naissaar was inaccessible to civilians and remained a classified site. Only in 1994 did people gain the opportunity to return to the island and gradually bring it back to life.

Naissaar Military Museum

Naissaar’s military past has also shaped its natural environment. Despite its relatively small size, the island features both rare, untouched natural areas and landscapes clearly influenced by human activity. This contrast is what makes Naissaar’s nature so distinctive and worth exploring.

A small, close-knit community lives on the island year-round – around ten to twenty permanent residents for whom Naissaar is first and foremost home. During the summer months, the island becomes more lively with visitors, seasonal residents and events (link to events). Even then, Naissaar retains its calm and welcoming character.

There are three historic villages on Naissaar: Lõunaküla (Storbyn), Tagaküla (Bakbyn) and Väikeheinamaa (Lillängin), each with its own story and role in the island’s development.

Naissaar Military Museum
Naissaare Visitor Centre

Naissaare Visitor Centre

Naissaare Visitor Centre is where these stories come together. It is the starting point for visitors and the heart of the local community – a place where guests and islanders meet, events take place and stories of Naissaar’s past and present are shared.

For us, sustainable and conscious tourism is essential. We aim to protect Naissaar’s nature, respect the island’s rhythm and value the local community. We believe the best way to experience this unique nature park is to take your time, move on foot and truly notice your surroundings – just as Naissaar itself invites you to do.

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GREEN NAISSAAR – OUR PRINCIPLES

At Naissaare Visitor Centre, we believe the best experiences are created with care and respect. Sustainable and responsible tourism are not separate goals for us, but a natural part of how we introduce Naissaar’s unique nature and protect it together with the local community.

Our aim is to offer memorable island experiences to many visitors while preserving Naissaar’s natural environment and community. We organise tourism in a way that ensures nature remains protected for future generations and that every visit leaves a positive impact on the island.

Our work is guided by values that help keep Naissaar special:

  • We care for nature – we value Naissaar’s unique nature park and favour low-impact ways of visiting.
  • We value the community – Naissaar is a living island, and the local community is our partner, not just a backdrop.
  • We encourage slow and mindful travel – taking time, moving at a calm pace and noticing the island’s natural details.
  • We prefer simplicity and moderation – offering services that fit the island’s rhythm and environment.
  • We value open and honest communication – providing clear guidance on how to move and behave in the nature park so that Naissaar remains preserved for future generations.

Naissaar is not just a destination – it is a visit to a unique natural environment and community.
Every visitor’s considerate behaviour matters.

RESPONSIBLE VISITOR GUIDELINES IN NAISSAAR NATURE PARK

Naissaar is a unique nature park and a living community. To ensure the island remains peaceful, clean and vibrant in the future, we kindly ask visitors to follow a few simple but important principles.

Respect nature and the island’s rhythm

Protect nature

Respect the community

  • Naissaar is home to a small community. Please respect residents’ privacy and daily life.
  • Be a polite and considerate guest.

Be a mindful visitor

  • Follow the guidance of guides and organisers.
  • If something is unclear, ask – open communication helps keep the island pleasant for everyone.

Naissaar is not just a destination – it is a visit to a unique nature park and community.
Thank you for helping keep Naissaar just the way it is.

HOW TO GET TO NAISSAAR

What lies beyond the sea comes by sea, not underground.

Naissaar can be reached by boat from Tallinn harbours. The sea journey takes approximately one hour, depending on weather and vessel.

Boat operators:

👉 www.strande.ee
👉 www.nicesaar.ee
👉 www.monica.ee

Harbour information:

The Naissaar Harbour website with maps, regulations and price lists is available at saarteliinid.ee
Harbour operator: +372 5345 0651 Email: naissaar@saarteliinid.ee.

Coordinates: 59° 33,4′ N, 24° 33,2′ E.

ACCESSIBILITY:

Naissaar is accessible only by sea. The journey from the mainland takes about one hour. From the harbour, Naissaare Visitor Centre can be reached on foot.

Naissaar is a natural island where movement mainly takes place on forest trails and sandy roads, either on foot or by larger utility vehicles. There are no asphalt roads on the island.

For visitors with special needs

At Naissaare Visitor Centre, we want the island to be accessible to as many people as possible. While the natural environment sets certain limits, we are always happy to help arrange suitable transport and mobility solutions on the island.

Every visit is different. We consider individual needs and help create a visit that is both comfortable and memorable.

We recommend contacting us in advance (link to contact page) so we can discuss options and plan your visit in the best possible way.

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