Vaindloo

For the ship, see EML Vaindlo (M416).

Vaindloo (alternatively: Vaindloo saar, Swedish: Stenskär) is a small island located in the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea.

Vaindloo (Stenskär)
View of Vaindloo island from the sea
Vaindloo Location in the Baltic Sea region Vaindloo Location in Estonia Vaindloo Location in Europe
Coordinates: 59°48′51″N 26°21′43″E
Country	Estonia
County	Lääne-Viru County
Area
• Total	0.062 km2 (0.024 sq mi)
Population
• Total	no permanent population

Description

Vaindloo belongs to Estonia; it is the northernmost land point of the country. It has an area of 6.2 hectares (15 acres) and marks the northernmost point of the nation of Estonia, situated 26 kilometers (16 mi) north of the Estonian mainland. The island is administratively part of Vainupea village in Haljala Parish, Lääne-Viru County. The island is depicted on the Estonian two-euro coin. The Euro Coin Collector website notes:

“On the 2 Euro coin two small islands, Vaindloo and Nootamaa, are depicted. These, the most Northerly point and most Westerly point of Estonia are not depicted on the other coins.”

Infrastructure

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. It replaced a previous timber lighthouse erected in 1718. In addition to the lighthouse, there is an Estonian Border Guard station with a 50-meter-high (160 ft) observation tower and a radar installation.

Environment

Vaindloo 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.

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See also

• List of islands of Estonia