Vilsandi National Park
Soeginina coastline, Vilsandi National Park during summer.
Map showing the location of Vilsandi National Park
Map showing the location of Vilsandi National Park
Vilsandi National Park
Location of Vilsandi National Park
LocationEstonia
Coordinates58°22′43″N 21°52′38″E / 58.37861°N 21.87722°E / 58.37861; 21.87722
Area241.0 km2 (93 sq mi)
Established1957
Designated17 June 1997
Reference no.913[1]

Vilsandi National Park (Estonian: Vilsandi rahvuspark) is a marine protected area in Saaremaa Parish, Saare County, Estonia.[2] It includes part of the island of Vilsandi, a number of smaller islands, adjacent parts of western Saaremaa including Harilaid peninsula.[3]

History

The park grew from a bird reserve founded in 1910. It is a highly sensitive ecosystem due to the use of the area as stop-over by many migratory birds, like barnacle geese and Steller's eider, and as a breeding and nesting ground for over 247 species of birds, of which the most common is the eider duck. One third of all protected plant species in Estonia can also be found in the national park.[4] Hunting is absolutely prohibited. This park is a popular tourist destination for both Estonians and foreign visitors, particularly from Finland.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Vilsandi National Park.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Vilsandi National Park.

References

  1. ↑ "Vilsandi National Park". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  2. ↑
  3. ↑ Vilsandi Rahvuspark in Estonia Protected Planet
  4. ↑ Taylor, Neil (2010). Estonia (6 ed.). Bradt Travel Guides. p. 9. ISBN 978-1-84162-320-7.


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