A nostalgic island in Estonia, rich in ancient customs, to drive through in a sidecar

Kihnu Island, Estonia 

It seems that almost everyone has heard of Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and Ruhnu Island, but Estonia has another "gem" in its collection - Kihnu Island, the largest in the Gulf of Riga and the seventh largest in Estonia. This is the place to experience a unique culture, meet friendly people and forget about the outside world for a while, immersing yourself in a completely different rhythm of life.

The unusual island is home to a unique 600-year-old traditional Kihnu culture (clothing, language, music and handicrafts) rooted in the lifestyle of seal hunters and fishermen.

The island of Kihnu, home to around 700 people, is home to a communal way of life and ancient customs. Dancing and playing musical instruments are an integral part of local life, so a visit to Kihnu Island will be of interest to anyone who is interested in Estonian cultural heritage, ancient customs that are still alive and the rural atmosphere.

An island rich in ancient customs in Estonia, a truly nostalgic way to pass through - in a sidecar

Historical sources say that, throughout the centuries, Kihnu men spent most of their lives at sea, leaving the island to their wives, who were the ones who preserved and passed on the island's cultural traditions: handicrafts, dances, games and music to future generations. Because of their isolation, Kihnu culture and centuries-old traditions are still alive today, but the wisdom of the ancestors is still respected in everyday life.

To relive the old traditions, Kihnu is worth visiting on dates marked as festivals in the national or ecclesiastical calendar, such as Midsummer, St Catherine's Day or Christmas. Traditional events such as the Herring Trek in May, the Home Café Days in June, the Sea Festival in July, the Dance Day in August and the Fiddle Festival in October are also interesting experiences.

The Kihnu Museum is open all year round and offers a fascinating insight into the island's history. Guests can make handicrafts or enjoy a performance by a folklore ensemble with the guidance of master craftsmen by prior arrangement. Visitors can also visit the Metsamaa farm, where they can learn about life on Kihnu and watch films about the area.

For those interested in culture, visitestonia.com invites you to visit local households, take a pickup and go fishing, and visit the lighthouse that overlooks not only the whole island, but also the surrounding ones. One of the best ways to discover Kihnu is the 40-kilometre circular route "Kihnu Reesuratas", which passes through all four villages of the island and presents the island's most remarkable sights and sea views. The route can be done by car or on foot, but a bicycle can also be rented on the island or, in a particularly unusual and nostalgic way, a motorbike in a sidecar, according to visitkihnu.ee.

The small island is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage and was awarded the title of a European Top 100 Destination for Sustainable Tourism ("Green Destinations") in 2021.

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