Naissaar Island
Naissaar saar · Nargö · women's island
59°33.8'N 24°31.4'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m for good holding on sand/mud in 3–7m. Well sheltered from the NW by the island. In S or SE winds above F4, move to Aegna or Pirita. Ferry wash from Tallinn-Helsinki route occasionally affects outer approach.
About This Anchorage
Naissaar is one of the most extraordinary military heritage islands in the Baltic — a former Soviet mine-laying base so secret that civilian access was completely prohibited from 1940 to 1994. The island's name means 'women's island' in Estonian, reflecting its pre-Soviet peaceful character. Under Soviet occupation it became a key strategic installation: the workshops produced marine mines that were laid throughout the Gulf of Finland during WWII and the Cold War. The narrow-gauge railway built by the Russian Imperial Army in 1916 still runs — visitors can take a ride through the pine forest to the lighthouse. The Soviet-era structures, bunkers, and mine storage facilities are eerie and atmospheric. CRITICAL SAFETY: Do not leave marked paths — some areas have not been fully cleared of historical ordnance.
Protected From
W · NW · N · NE
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; nature reserve entry may require registration
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: CRITICAL: Stay on marked paths only — historical mines and unexploded ordnance off designated trails. Nature reserve rules. No fires. Photography permitted.
Hazards
- !CRITICAL SAFETY: Historical land mines and unexploded ordnance — stay on marked paths at all times when ashore
- !Former Soviet military structures — some unstable; enter only with care
- !Open to S, SE, E — in southerly conditions move to Aegna or Pirita
- !Ferry wash from Tallinn-Helsinki route in outer approaches
- !Remote — no emergency services on island; nearest at Tallinn (10nm)
Skipper's Tips
- →The narrow-gauge railway ride through the forest is the highlight — runs Jun–Aug on weekends
- →The mine workshop museum is extraordinarily atmospheric — Cold War history preserved intact
- →The lighthouse at the north tip (1860) gives panoramic views of the Gulf of Finland
- →Guided tours are highly recommended — the Soviet history explained by a knowledgeable guide is gripping
- →NEVER leave the marked paths — the island safety signs must be taken seriously
Facilities
No regular facilities. Seasonal guide service in summer. Bring all provisions. Water taxi from Tallinn in summer only.
Nearest provisions: Tallinn Pirita Marina (10nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August only (access restricted off-season). Day visitors arrive by water taxi from Tallinn. Overnight anchoring is excellent — completely quiet after day visitors leave.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
In Tallinn Bay's busy waters, ferry wash and Gulf of Finland swells can drag a poorly set anchor. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously while you rest.
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