Kihnu

Kihnu is the largest island in the Gulf of Riga and one of the smallest municipalities in Estonia.

Understand
Kihnu is located south east from Saaremaa Island and west from the mainland.

For many years, the men of Kihnu have frequently gone to sea while the women ran the island and became the guardians of the island's cultural heritage, which includes handicrafts, dances, games and music. Unlike men, they also wear their national costumes in everyday life. So it's quite normal to see an old woman dressed in traditional clothing driving a motorbike or even a tractor.

UNESCO proclaimed Kihnu's cultural space and traditions as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on November 7, 2003.

Climate
Because of the surrounding sea, the climate on the island is gentle and warmer than the Estonian average.

By ferry
Kihnu Island is connected by a frequent ferry service to Munalaid and Pärnu on the mainland. The ferries also carry cars. Bookings can be made via phone or internet.

Do
Try to visit Kihnu during traditional celebrations of popular calendar or church holidays like Christmas, Midsummer's day and St. Catherine's Day, where you can witness genuine old traditions.

It's a good location for walking, fishing and bicycling (bikes can be rented on the island).

Eat
The island doesn't have an all year round open dining place. From September to May, catering is on request. There is no ATM on the island, but in most of the stores and catering establishments are able to pay by bank card.

Go next

 * Saaremaa – The largest Estonian and wild seaside character island with castles and fortresses, one perfectly preserved, a beach, a spa and famous mills. Saaremaa is even sometimes called Sparemaa. Furthermore, the island itself is surrounded by a myriad of tiny islands including Abruka with its nudist camps.
 * Hiiumaa – The second largest Estonian island. Popular for its lighthouses, ancient churches, historical values and the sense of humour of its inhabitants, but scarcely populated. In winter, it can sometimes be reached by car via an ice bridge on the Baltic Sea.
 * Vormsi – The fourth largest Estonian island, very close to the mainland. Vormsi is a small island covered with forests and a Swedish community. A unique blend of Soviet and Swedish history mixed with unspoilt nature.
 * Pärnu – Estonia's 4th largest city and the summer capital of Estonia, popular for its balneo-therapy complexes and spa centres, surrounded by numerous beaches.
 * Ruhnu – The communal territory corresponds to that of the homonymous island, formerly known as Runö.