puntus

Puntus is a small, uninhabited island located in the Baltic Sea, approximately 10 kilometers off the coast of Estonia. The island is part of the Haapsalu Archipelago and is situated near the town of Pärnu County. Puntus is notable for its unique geological features, consisting primarily of steep cliffs and rocky terrain, which rise dramatically from the sea.

The island has a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Bronze Age. During the medieval period, Puntus was occasionally used as a refuge or defensive position due to its isolated location. The island’s name is believed to derive from the Estonian word *põhja*, meaning "north," possibly referencing its northern exposure or its position relative to nearby landmasses.

Today, Puntus is primarily of ecological and scientific interest. Its rugged landscape supports diverse plant and animal life, including seabird colonies such as gulls and cormorants. The island is protected as part of the Pärnu Bay Nature Reserve, which aims to preserve its natural habitat. Visitors are generally discouraged from landing on Puntus due to its fragile ecosystem and lack of infrastructure.

Access to Puntus is restricted, and the island is not open to the public for recreational purposes. It serves as a valuable site for research on coastal erosion, marine biology, and historical archaeology. The surrounding waters are also popular among sailors and fishermen, though the island itself remains largely untouched by human development.