{"id":1209,"date":"2026-01-19T16:55:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T14:55:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/develop.naissaarekeskus.ee\/naissaar-and-our-story\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T13:01:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T11:01:18","slug":"naissaar-and-our-story","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/develop.naissaarekeskus.ee\/en\/naissaar-and-our-story\/","title":{"rendered":"NAISSAAR AND OUR STORY"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Naissaar\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Naissaar<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Naissaar<\/strong> is an approximately 18 km\u00b2 island at the entrance to the Gulf of Tallinn, entirely part of the Natura 2000 protected<\/strong> 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. <\/p>

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\u2019s layered history and rich military heritage. <\/p>

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.
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Naissaar Military Museum<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Naissaar\u2019s military past has also shaped its natural environment. Despite its relatively small size, the island features both rare, untouched natural areas and landscapes<\/strong> clearly influenced by human activity. This contrast is what makes Naissaar\u2019s nature so distinctive and worth exploring. <\/p>

A small, close-knit community lives on the island year-round \u2013 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. <\/p>

There are three historic villages on Naissaar: L\u00f5unak\u00fcla (Storbyn)<\/strong>, Tagak\u00fcla (Bakbyn)<\/strong> and V\u00e4ikeheinamaa (Lill\u00e4ngin)<\/strong>, each with its own story and role in the island\u2019s development.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Naissaare Visitor Centre<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Naissaare Visitor Centre<\/strong> is where these stories come together. It is the starting point for visitors and the heart of the local community \u2013 a place where guests and islanders meet, events take place and stories of Naissaar\u2019s past and present are shared. <\/p>

For us, sustainable and conscious tourism is essential. We aim to protect Naissaar\u2019s nature, respect the island\u2019s 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 \u2013 just as Naissaar itself invites you to do. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExplore our services<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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GREEN NAISSAAR \u2013 OUR PRINCIPLES<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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At Naissaare Visitor Centre<\/strong>, 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\u2019s unique nature and protect it together with the local community. <\/p>

Our aim is to offer memorable island experiences to many visitors while preserving Naissaar\u2019s 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. <\/p>

Our work is guided by values that help keep Naissaar special:<\/p>