Vilsandi National Park

The National Park Vilsandi is located in western Estonia on the west coast of the Baltic island of Saaremaa.

Area

The National Park Vilsandi was founded on 21 September 1971. Already in 1957 there was a nature reserve, since 1910 a bird sanctuary. Administratively, the area belongs to the municipalities Lümanda and Kihelkonna.

The area of the National Park Vilsandi is now 180 km ² of which 105 km ² marine area are. It includes the area around the island Vilsandi, the bays Atla, Kihelkonna and Kuusnõmme and the surrounding marine world with approximately 160 protected islands and islets. The waters are largely ice-free in winter.

The island Vilsandi is the only inhabited island in the national park. On it there is also a biological station with accommodation for scientists and tourists.

Fauna

Especially the birdlife of the national park is impressive. About 250 different species can be registered. 112 species of birds nest in the area. The most common eider is widespread ( about 4000 copies). In addition, the National Park is among other habitat for barnacle geese, gulls, herring gulls and terns.

Islands

Characteristic of the national park is the abundance of pristine islands where the birds live and nest undisturbed. The main islands of the national park are Aherahu, Alumine Vaika, Antsulaiud, Innarahu ( gray seals ), Kalarahu, Karirahu, Keskmine Vaika, Kitselaid, Kolmekivirahud, Koerakuiv, Kuivarahu, Kullipank, Kurgurahu, Käkimaa, Käkirahu, Laasirahu, Lambarahu, Lausma, Linderahu, Loonalaid, Mihklirahu, Mustpank, Noogimaa, Nootamaa, Pihlalaid, Piskumadal, Punasekivirahu, Pätsurahu, Rannasitik, Riinurahu, Saarejaagu rahud, Salava, Sepasitik, Sokulaid, Säinaste KUIV, Telve, Ülemine Vaika, Umalakotid, Urverahu, Vasikalaid, Vesiloo and Võrkrahu.