Naisaare Island – one of the most secret sites of the Soviet era
Day 1.
20 km
Tallinn–Naissaar–Tallinn
Practical info
Tours and educational programs must be booked in advance and a specific time must be reserved. The island can be reached from Tallinn by boat during the spring and summer seasons. Information: https://meremuuseum.ee/lennusadam/en/visitor-information/kontakt-ja-asukoht/
- Start/finish : Tallinn, Lennusadam.
- Duration : One day depending on the chosen route and ship traffic capabilities.
- Additional options : narrow-gauge railway ride, bus tour (Rannarahva Museum services, https://naissaarekeskus.ee/ ).
Sights
Coastal Defence Battery No 7 “America”
The so-called “American Battery” with 9.2-inch guns is located at the western end of the island, about 200 m from the shore. It was originally intended for 130 mm guns, but was later equipped with guns supplied from the United States. They were operated by electricity, ammunition was delivered by elevators. The command post was combined with a power plant and ammunition storage. In 1918, three positions were blown up, but one remained intact.
Naisaare Naval Mine Factory
Naisaare Island was home to one of the largest Soviet naval mine storage and assembly complexes in the Baltics during the Soviet era. It was built in 1950–1956 to quickly mine the western part of the Gulf of Finland if necessary, and the territory was a closed military zone for civilians. Naval mines were assembled, repaired, stored and transported there via the island's narrow-gauge railway to the port.
Places to eat
Dining in Tallinn, www.visittallinn.ee , during the season there is a summer cafe in Naissaare, https://naissaarekeskus.ee/kohvik/