Abruka
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Abruka is an Estonian island in the Baltic Sea situated in Kaarma Commune.
Coordinates:
Abruka is situated in Kaarma commune, in Saare County. The area of the island is 8.78 km², thewaterway between Abruka and Roomassaare is 6 km. Population is almost 40.
First records about the population of the island come from the Middle Age when the Saare-Lääne bishop founded a horse breeding manor there. Steady population originated on the island in the 18th century. The greatest population of the island - 150 people of all have lived there.
The largest neighbouring islands are Vahase, Kassilaid and Linnusitamaa (literally "bird shit land" in Estonian).
On the Limbi foreland so called lower metal-framed lighthouse is located. 36 m tall upper lighthouse, is built in 1931.
There is a botanical and zoological reserve with the area of 92 ha located on the island. Its grove-broadleaf forest is very gross as to its West-East axis. In 1878-1880 so called "deer park" was founded on the island where 13 deer were brought from Kuramaa. There are deer on the island even nowadays.
On the cemetery of the island there is a memorial cross which is dedicated to those who perished in the "M/S Estonia" shipwreck in 1994.
The building of the local centre of the island was built in 1960s and is used now as a recreation house. There's also a camping spot with fire place and playground for ball-games.
Abruka can be reached by boat from Roomassaare harbour.