The largest and oldest island of North−Estonia, Naissaar (area 18,6 km2), is situated in the Gulf of Finland about 10 km north of Tallinn. Naissaar was already mentioned in the letters of Bremen Adams as Terra Feminarium (Women`s land) in the 11th century, later various name versions were used, such as: Narghetn (1297), Nargö (1509), Nargen (1519). Naissaar is situated in the foreklint area of the North-Estonian klint. The Island constitutes higher parts of north-west-south-east oriented drumlin- like landforms, which are mainly shaped by selective erosion activities of continental ice. The higer parts (27 m a.s.l.) of island emerged above the sea level probably at the first stage of the Litorina sea, about 7 500- 7 700 years ago. A greater part of the island consists of abrasion-accumulation plains jointed by several beach ridges and escarpments. The crystalline basement of Naissaar lies at a depth of - 114,4 m. It is covered by Quaternary deposits. The latter are represented here by (glacial, glaciofluvial, marine and aeolian) deposits. The upper part of these deposits consists of mainly sand and of gravel rich in crystalline pebble.
Naissaar belongs to the landscape region of the North-Estonian Coastal Lowland and to the corresponding geobotanical region of the northern maritime Estonia. Naissaar is forest-rich island, with different forest types and several rare plants. The natural changes of landscapes are closely linked to the human activity. Naissaar island has been inhabited for a millennium. There are also a large number of historical documents since 11th century, including land use and vegetation maps. Nutrient -poor soils are the reason why all the time there has been so little cultivated land on the island. The main means of livelihood on Naissaar have been fishing and piloting of the bypassing ships to Tallinn.
Through centuries the island Naissaar has been mostly covered with forests (in the middle of 19th century up to 80% of the island was covered with woods, in 1928 70% and present 88,3%). Forests have been protected on the island already for a long time. The most important document throughout the history was the regulation by the king of Denmark, Erik IV Menved, adopted on June 17, 1297, that banned the right to use forests of Naissaar and of the other sea islands of Tallinn Bay. It was caused by unfavourable conditions for forest renewal, as well as by the necessity to maintain the silhouette of the island as the landmark on shipping lines. Most of the island is covered by Boreal heath forests and Dry boreal forests.
Naissaar has been designated as a military island for the defense of Tallinn and St. Petersburg for a long time. Military constructions notably changed the nature of the island. The fascinating history of the island shows in its numerous ruins of fortifications, dating as far as the 18th century.
Nowadays the landscape of Naissaar is diverse and the majority of the ecosystems are quite close to the original natural habitat. Naissaar Landscape Reserve was formed in 1995.
The location of Naissaar island, its specific historical development and certainly, the natural environment of the island are the reasons why nowadays Naissaar attracts attention as an object of scenic preservation, of the history of civilization and holiday economy.
Lõunaküla
Only the village site has preserved until today
Lõunaküla was the largest and most important settlement of the island with both Estonian and Swedish inhabitants. People living on the island have always been free farmers. Lõunaküla village was relatively prosperous at the turn of the century. There were times when most of the 34 farms of the island were situated in this village. At different times, the number of inhabitants in the village ranged from 200-400. It was a typical village of the Swedes living in Estonia by the sea. In 1876, the first and only school on Naissaar was built in the village where children were taught in Swedish.
It should be mentioned that repeatedly, forced evaculations of the inhabitants of the island were carried out by the authorities (1730, 1914, 1940, and final forced evacuation in 1944). The majority of the inhabitants still living on the island decided to leave Naissaar in 1943-1944. Some of them moved to Sweden, some to others countries. The following 50 years of the Soviet occupation destroyed the village. Former yards have changed into peculiar rock-gardens. Currently, the first farms are being restored in the village.
Lõunaküla in the beginning of the 20. century
The same place (where located Lõunaküla) at the end of the 20 century.
