Archaeological evidence shows that Viimsi Peninsula has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with finds from the
Neolithic and
Bronze Age indicate permanent settlement dating back about 4,000 years. The first written record of Viimsi appears in the
Danish Census Book of 1241, where the village of Uianra (pronounced Vianra) was mentioned. In 1471, the
Pirita convent founded Viimsi Manor (mentioned as
Wiems) which administered extensive lands on the peninsula. In 1866, a separate municipality was formed on the basis of Viimsi Manor, whose task was to organise the school, court and the fulfilment of certain state obligations. At that time, the municipalities were not territorial, but estate-based local governments, and the power of the municipality applied only to peasants. After Estonia gained independence, the Viimsi Parish was officially established on
11 May 1919. In 1939, administrative reforms merged Viimsi with Iru Parish, and the area temporarily lost its municipal status. During the Soviet occupation, Viimsi was part of a restricted coastal border zone. From the late 1940s, several fishing collectives were established in villages and in 1950, these were merged into the
Kirov Fishing Kolkhoz, which became one of the largest enterprises in the region. The kolkhoz developed Miiduranna Harbour and engaged in fish processing, agriculture and greenhouse production. Viimsi regained municipal status in December 1990 and following the Estonian Restoration of Independence, the area has transformed into a rapidly developing suburban municipality. ==Divisions==