The town grew up in a pine forest by Lake Visaginas. Tourism is currently an area of great potential.

History.
In the distant past, the surroundings of Visaginas were once inhabited by the Seliai tribe. Historical annals first mention the location in 1526, when it was presented by the nobleman Vaitiekus Gostautas to the Naujasis (New) Daugeliskis parish. In the 14th-19th centuries the region was invaded by Crusaders and Swedish, Russian and French troops.

The settlement was founded in 1975. In 1977 it was granted the status of a town, and received city rights in 1994. It is governed by a town council, which elects the mayor. In 1996, the city's coat of arms was confirmed by a decree of the President of the Republic.

The settlement was developed in complexes, with construction designed to create an infrastructure for the cultural and everyday life of the residents. All effort was made to preserve the natural surroundings as much as possible.

Population.
In 1996, the population was 33,100, and 86% belonged to national minorities. This creates a distinctive cultural ambience in the town.

Industry.
Power is the main branch of industry: the country's only nuclear power plant, one of the world's largest, is situated near Visaginas. Over 500 specialists work in the plant. There are opportunities for developing the construction industry in order to utilize the present industrial potential (concrete, ferroconcrete and wood), and also the electronics industry, polish and paint and clothing. There are over 1100 companies in the town active in light industry, trade and services.

Education, culture and sports.
The town has a polytechnic school, 6 secondary schools, an elementary school, 8 nursery schools, music and acrobatics colleges, a sports centre and other institutions engaged in organizing educational and leisure-time activities, including 11 sports clubs with more than 1600 members. Professional training is available in soccer, Greco-Roman wrestling and skiing.