The Island Of Kihnu

The Island Of Kihnu / Description

Kihnu is exotic but sweet like home, is living in the overseas separation in the Gulf of Riga but is still hospitable. It is an island where folk costumes are being worn daily and grandmothers' unique handicraft is still highly honoured. You can hear folk songs and dance folk dances at family and national celebrations.

Kihnu is the largest island in the Gulf of Riga (the seventh largest island in Estonia) with the territory of 16.38 square kilometers. The length of the island is 7 km and width 3.3 km, the highest point is at 8.9 m above sea level.

There are 604 inhabitants on the island.. The island has four villages: Lemsi, Sääre, Linaküla and Rootsiküla.

The closest point on mainland is Munalaid (10.6 km), Pärnu is 41 km and Ruhnu 60 km from the island. During the ice-free period there is a boat connection. In wintertime the only possibility to get to the island is by plane from Pärnu.

The main attraction is the island itself – its scenery, people, manner of existence. While visiting Kihnu one shouldn't miss the museum where on can find exhibits on the history of the island and on the life of the famous local captain Kihnu Jõnn, as well as the collection of paintings by the renowned artist Jaan Oad. Next to the museum there is the local schoolhouse and a new culture centre. Across the road from the museum one can find Kihnu Orthodox church and the cemetery.

In addition, Kihnu has a scenic coastline dotted with a number of islets that are important bird habitats, a lighthouse in the southern part of the island and giant boulders.