Vaindloo Explained

Vaindloo (Stenskär)
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in the Baltic Sea region##Location in Estonia##Location in Europe
Pushpin Map:Scandinavia#Estonia#Europe
Pushpin Relief:yes
Pushpin Label:Vaindloo
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Estonia
Subdivision Type1:County
Subdivision Name1:Lääne-Viru County
Area Total Km2:0.062
Population Total:no permanent population

Vaindloo (alternatively: Vaindloo saar, Swedish: Stenskär) is a small island located in the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea. It belongs to Estonia, and is the northernmost land point of the country.

Vaindloo has an area of 6.2ha and marks the northernmost point of the nation of Estonia, situated 16order=flipNaNorder=flip north of the Estonian mainland.[1] The island is administratively part of Vainupea village in Haljala Parish, Lääne-Viru County and is an important breeding sanctuary for such birds as the common tern, Arctic tern, Tengmalm's owl, great tit, purple sandpiper, shore lark, great grey shrike, yellowhammer and others.[2] The island is depicted on the Estonian two euro coin.[3]

Vaindloo is also notable for its functioning lighthouse, called the Vaindloo tuletorn, it was built in 1871 and is managed by the Estonian Maritime Administration. A previous lighthouse constructed of timber was erected on Vaindloo in 1718.[4] In addition to the lighthouse, there is a station of the Estonian Border Guard with a 50adj=midNaNadj=mid observation tower and a radar on the island.

See also

Notes and References

  1. http://www.post.ee/?id=1946&prod_id=640 Eesti Post. Stamps
  2. http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sites/index.html?action=SitHTMDetails.asp&sid=18560&m=0 BirdLife IBA Factsheet
  3. https://www.euro-coin-collector.com/Estonian-Euro-Coins.html Images and explanation on Euro Coin Collector website
  4. http://wlol.arlhs.com/lighthouse/EST57.html Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society