Osmussaar

Osmussaar (Estonian: Osmussaare) is a small island in the Baltic Sea that belongs to Estonia. It lies in the Gulf of Riga, off the northwest coast of the Estonian mainland and is part of the West Estonian archipelago. The island is administratively part of Lääne County and hosts a small permanent population, with seasonal visitors in the summer. The main settlement is the village of Osmussaar; the island has limited services and infrastructure, with access primarily by boat from the mainland or neighboring islands.

Historically, Osmussaar has been a sparsely populated, maritime community, with activity tied to fishing, farming, and seafaring. The island features a historic lighthouse that marks the coastal approaches and serves as a landmark for mariners. Its landscapes include rocky shores, coastal meadows, and forested areas that support local wildlife. The surrounding waters and habitats are important for seabirds and other coastal species, and parts of the island and its coastal zone are protected to preserve natural value.

Today Osmussaar attracts visitors and researchers drawn to its quiet, relatively undeveloped environment and its role in Estonia’s maritime heritage. The island is a reminder of the country’s small-island culture and rural coastal life.