The small, only 7,8 km2 size Island of Piirissaare, situated in the joining point of Lakes Peipus and Lämmijärv is made interesting and special the local old believers community and natural situation, which is ideal for water birds and amphibians. Piirissaar forms a separate parish, there is a border guard cordon and a library managed by the parish on the island. There are three villages on the island – Saare (Želatšek), Tooni (Toni) and Piiri (Meža), which are all situated in the highest north-eastern part of the island, as most of the island is covered with swamp young forest. Piirissaar is under nature protection as a whole, there are seven species of different amphibians living on the island, among them a very rare green toad and mud toad, there are many rare species of flora, jeds and corn-crakes feel themselves very comfortable in those conditions. Around Piirissaar there are many spawn places of many fish species.
Fishing has always been one of the main activities in Piirissaar and the smoked bream is one of the local dainties.
There are less than one hundred permanent inhabitants today in Piirissaar. In summertime, Piirissaar gets livelier – then young people come to parents’ homes, holidaymakers and tourists arrive. There are two sanctums on the island – there is an oratory of the old believers in the Village of Saare, the apostolic Orthodox Church in the Village of Tooni stands empty due to the missing of a congregation.
The inhabitants of Piirissaar are diligent gardeners and vegetable growers, especially onion growers. The gardens there are high, with deep grooves – you won’t see these on the manner. Houses are freshly painted, courtyards clean, but the love of order of the old believers is not just eternal.
You can reach Piirissaar from the Harbour of Laiksaare that is situated 6 km south from Meerapalu. The Harbour of Piirissaar is situated in the centre of the island (timetable www.transcom.ee/102est.html).
In summertime, barge camps have also been organised in Piirissaar. You can get aquatinted with the barge driving plans on the website www.lodi.ee.
Up to date appropriate information could be found on the website of the parish www.piirissaare.ee
