Kihnu

Kihnu www.visitestonia.com is the largest island in the Gulf of Riga but the smallest municipality (together with neighboring islands) in Estonia.

It's located south east from Saaremaa Island and west from the mainland.

For many years, the men of Kihnu have been 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.

Because of the surrounding sea the climate on the island is soft and warmer than the Estonian average.

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 www.veeteed.com.

The official Estonian tourism website provides an extensive list of options for accommodation in Kihnu.

• Kihnu Lighthouse. 29m in height it's located in the southernmost headland in Kihnu.
• Kihnu museum. It hosts exhibits about the history of the island, the life and times of famous local captain, Kihnu Jõnn, and a collection of paintings by the renowned artist, Jaan Oad. Across the road from the museum you'll find the Kihnu Orthodox church and cemetery.

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).

• Saaremaa, the largest island with an intact and well-restored medieval castle
• Hiiumaa Island, well known for its lighthouses, unspoilt nature, Hill of Crosses and the sense of humour of its inhabitants
• Vormsi Island, unique blend of Soviet and Swedish history mixed with unspoilt nature
• Pärnu, historical resort seaside city with a small harbour, Estonia's summer capital

• Charming small island where customs and traditional clothing has survived until recent decade. Even now you can enjoy a somewhat special ways of living there, but it seems to disappear rapidly as bars and tourist business is taking over in uncomfortably fast pace. It is sad to see people coming … • Eve T.
• Very silent island, not much to do, cheap beer • Seppo N.