◈ EstoniaDestinations
← All areas Region · Tallinn

Naissaar

The forested island 10 km north of Tallinn — a Soviet naval mine base, sandy coves, and a former secret military zone.

From
$90
Hotels
4
Known for
ISLAND
Part of
Nõmme & the pine forests
Nearby
3
Abandoned Soviet mine cars on the forested Naissaar island Abandoned Soviet mine cars on the forested Naissaar island

Why people stay in Naissaar

Naissaar is an 11 km long forested island in the Gulf of Finland, historically home to Swedish coastal fishermen. From 1919 to 1994 it was closed military territory — first Estonian, then Soviet, hosting a naval mine assembly plant. The abandoned military railway now serves as a walking spine. The population is around 12 permanent residents; in summer the number multiplies with cottage owners and day visitors. There's no shop, one seasonal café, and two small guesthouses.

Recommended for a proper day trip in July-August or a one-night camping-style overnight for the truly committed. Skip October-May — the boats stop, the guesthouses close, and the island is genuinely empty. This is not a resort. It's forest paths, empty beaches, rusted military hardware, and the sound of wind through pines. Bring your own food and water. Best for hikers, cyclists (bring your own or rent at the harbor), and Cold War-era travelers.

Two guesthouses total: Männiku Metsatalu and a small B&B at Lõunaküla, both at $85-$140 a night in season. Camping is allowed at designated sites, free. Best move: day-trip from Tallinn or Viimsi. Overnight only if you specifically want the empty-island morning experience. Bring everything you need — no shops, limited electricity, patchy phone signal. Book weeks ahead in July.

At a glance Cheapest room$90 Hotels tracked4 Guides3 Free cancellationMost rooms are free to cancel Hotels in Naissaar

What to see

Places to visit Naval Mines Museum
Places to visit Cycling the military railway
Places to visit Männiku beach
Places to visit Lighthouse at the north tip
Walks & outdoors South to North Rail Trail (12 km)
Eat & go out Naval Mines Museum
Where to stay

Hotels in Naissaar

4 · Live prices · free cancellation

Getting around Naissaar

Part of

Ferries from Kalasadama harbor in Tallinn or Leppneeme harbor in Viimsi. From Tallinn, Monica boat runs 4-5 times weekly in summer, 90 minutes, $28 return. From Leppneeme, roughly hourly in July, 45 minutes, $22 return. No service October-April. On the island: bikes rentable at the harbor, or walk. There are no cars for tourists.

Questions about Naissaar

Can I visit Naissaar in a day?

Yes in July-August with careful ferry timing. You’ll see the harbor, mine museum, and one beach or the lighthouse — not everything. Two days lets you cycle the whole island.

Are there restaurants on Naissaar?

One seasonal café at the harbor, open erratically June-August. That's it. Bring picnic food from Tallinn or Viimsi. No shops of any kind.