# Kihnu

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

## Villages

* 58.13021624.0050281 Lemsi. (updated Jun 2018)
* 58.13534323.972052 Linaküla. (updated Jun 2018)
* 58.11131123.9822333 Rootsiküla. (updated Jun 2018)
* 58.15166723.9980564 Sääre. (updated Jun 2018)

## 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.

## Get in
### 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.

## See

* Kihnu Museum, ☏ +372 58188094. May-Aug daily 10-17:00, Sep Tu-Sa 10-14:00, Oct-Apr Tu-F 10-14:00. 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. €3. (updated May 2016)
* 58.0970523.97111 Kihnu Lighthouse. 29 metres (95 ft) high and located on the southernmost headland in Kihnu.

## 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).

## Buy

* $^{[deadlink]}$ Kurase kauplus, Sääre village. 10-18. Grocery store. (updated May 2016)
* Kihnu pood, Sääre village, ☏ +372 5626 2181, rockcity@kihnu.ee. 09:30-18:00. Grocery store. Fresh food from Pärnu arrives on Mondays and Fridays. (updated May 2016)
* Kallase pood, Lemsi village, ☏ +372 446 9908, info@kihnukallas.ee. Grocery store. (updated May 2016)

## 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.
* $^{[deadlink]}$ Kurase kohvik, Sääre village. Open only during summer. (updated May 2016)
* $^{[formerlydeadlink]}$ Kihnu Küek, Männi Talu, Linaküla Kihnu vald. Home-restaurant; booking in advance. (updated May 2016)

## Drink

* $^{[deadlink]}$ Kurase baar, Sääre village. Open only during summer. (updated May 2016)

## Sleep

* Ruudu külaliskorterid, Lemsi, ☏ +372 5144610, majutus@kihnu.ee. €20. (updated May 2016)
* Kuraga kodumajutus, Kuraga talu, Rootsi küla, ☏ +372 5291492, oie.vesik@gmail.com. +Bicycle rent. €40. (updated May 2016)
* Sadama öömaja, Rannametsa talu, Linaküla, ☏ +372 5137099, info@puhkakihnus.ee. Sauna (€20/h); Bicycle rent; Fishing trip (€85). €23. (updated May 2016)
* Ranniku majutus, ☏ +372 5071453, mare.matas@gmail.com. €20. (updated May 2016)
* Rock City, ☏ +372 56262181, rockcity@kihnu.ee. Tavern; Sauna;... €15. (updated May 2016)
* Kihnuranna puhkeküla, Sääre küla, ☏ +372 5255172, info@kihnurand.ee. Sauna; Bicycle rent; Fishing trip; €15. (updated May 2016)
* Tolli Turismitalu, Sääre küla, ☏ +372 5277380, info@kihnukallas.ee. €20. (updated May 2016)
* Kastani majutus, Kastani talu, Linaküla küla, ☏ +372 56500524, kastanimajutus@gmail.com. Sauna; Bicycle rent; Free WiFi. €18. (updated May 2016)
* Pihlaka kodumajutus, Pihlaka, Linaküla, ☏ +372 5288258, info@pihlakamajutus.ee. Sauna; Grill; Bicycle rent; Fishing trip; Car tour. €16. (updated May 2016)
* Nuki kodumajutus, Nuki talu, Sääre küla, ☏ +372 56985216, nukitalu@gmail.com. Bicycle rent. €20. (updated May 2016)
* Uibu talu kodumajutus, ☏ +372 5138557, uibutalu@gmail.com. (updated May 2016)
* Niine majutus, ☏ +372 5241754, arne.oad@gmail.com. (updated May 2016)
* Hiie kodumajutus, ☏ +372 56190370. (updated May 2016)

## 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.