MEMSanturijärjestelmiin

Memsanturijärj is a small settlement located in the northern part of the Republic of Estonia, in Harju County, near the southern shore of Lake Santuri. The name derives from the Estonian words “mem,” meaning memory or monument, and “järv,” meaning lake. The settlement is situated at an altitude of 56 metres above sea level and lies within the temperate continental climate zone. The surrounding area is characterized by mixed pine and birch forests and interspersed agricultural fields.

According to the 2021 national census, Memsan… had a population of 73 residents, with a demographic distribution of 21 % elderly and 16 % children. The local economy is dominated by small‑scale agriculture, forestry, and seasonal tourism. Visitors are attracted to the nearby lake for fishing, canoeing and birdwatching. An annual cultural festival called “Järvifest” commemorates the settlement’s founding and features traditional Estonian music, dancing and craft demonstrations.

Education is served by the nearest primary school in the neighboring town of Purva, while healthcare is provided by a community clinic in the larger municipality of Anija. Memsan… is accessible via a county road that connects it to the regional highway network and is linked by bus service to Tallinn, the national capital.

The settlement is notable for its traditional wooden house architecture, preserved as part of Estonia’s cultural heritage. A local memorial stone commemorates the victims of the 1944 Soviet occupation, and environmental conservation efforts focus on protecting the lake ecosystem and surrounding wetlands.