Discover Kihnu Parish: Island Culture, Lighthouse and Nature

For a trip to Kihnu Parish, culture, birdlife, historic buildings, crafts and seasonal events offer a range of ways to explore the island. Kihnu is the largest island in the Gulf of Riga and Estonia’s seventh-largest. It covers 16.9 km², is 7 km long and up to 3.3 km wide. Kihnu’s cultural space has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List since 2003.

Traditional Culture and Historic Buildings

Historical records indicate that fishermen and seal hunters came to Kihnu as early as 3,000 years ago. The Kihnu Museum presents everyday island life through seafaring, crafts and traditional dress. Guided tours and workshops are also available. Topics range from loom weaving and net-making to beadwork, braiding bands and carding wool. Workshop formats can be tailored to visitors’ wishes. Metsamaa became a center for community-based traditional culture in 2008.

A striking landmark at the southern end of the island is the Kihnu Lighthouse. Built in England from cast iron in 1864, it is one of four surviving cast-iron lighthouses on the Estonian coast. Its original character has been preserved; only the lighting has been modernized. The structure has a lantern room and a gallery and stands 29 meters above sea level. The Kihnu Orthodox Church also tells a story of change: in 1784, a Lutheran place of worship was converted for Orthodox use. Inside, the iconostasis extends across almost the full width of the room.

Routes and Nature on Kihnu

The official Kihnu Reesuratas tourist route is 23 km long and passes through Lemsi, Rootsiküla, Linaküla and Sääre. It can be traveled by any type of bicycle, on foot and, if needed, by car. Bicycle rentals are available right at the harbor; confirm availability before your trip. Guided nature walks cover a different scale: depending on the route, they are 2.5 to 5 km long and take about three hours. Recognized nature guides lead visitors along Kihnu’s distinctive coastline; confirm the availability of a guided walk before your visit.

The Kihnu Strait is an important breeding, molting and migration area for birds throughout Europe. It contains 56 islets within a nature reserve. The reserve must not be entered during the breeding season, from April to mid-July. This period is therefore important to keep in mind when planning nature activities for your trip.

Activities and Crafts

On Kihnu fishing trips, a fishing guide accompanies visitors out to sea, where they help set and haul the nets. Participants can take the catch home or have it smoked or grilled. It is advisable to confirm in advance. In winter, fishing trips include a sled ride to an ice-fishing hole; this activity is weather-dependent.

The Kihnu Game is for groups of at least five people. Teams travel around the island by bicycle, while a guide introduces them to the sights and to Kihnu’s life, history and culture. Those interested in textile crafts can choose from several different formats: at the Kihnu Women’s Workshops, participants can learn to sew a traditional jacket, gloves and socks, as well as braid garters. These workshops require advance arrangements. The Koo, söö ja loo Kihnus program includes overnight accommodation, meals, instruction and an introduction to traditional culture. Among other things, participants learn to knit cuffs, Troi sweaters, socks, gloves, hats and scarves with Kihnu patterns.

Events and Local Cuisine

The annual Kihnu Herring Trek celebrates the island’s traditional fishing culture and includes workshops on preparing herring. Kihnu Keretäüs, the home café festival held on the first weekend of June, also takes place every year. The cafés serve a variety of food, including homemade meals and snacks; menus change from year to year. For these and other events, it is worth checking the dates before your trip.

The annual Kihnu Knitting Festival at Metsamaa includes workshops on the history and techniques of Kihnu knitting. At the annual SaunaFest, visitors can try traditional, Finnish and smoke saunas; the date and participating saunas may vary from year to year. The Kihnu Harbour Market sells handicrafts, souvenirs featuring Kihnu patterns, Kihnu white and black bread, smoked fish and Baltic herring rollmops. Kihnu Gurmee’s dinner experience requires a reservation and includes a specially arranged table and a five-course menu with water, tea and coffee.

Plan Your Journey

You can reach Kihnu by ferry from Munalaid. The crossing takes about an hour, and the service runs throughout the year. Check the timetable and any seasonal interruptions before your trip. When planning the dates of your stay, you can take the ferry crossing, annual event dates and seasonal nature conditions into account together.

Discover more destinations: Lemsi, Linaküla, Lavassaare, Tahkuranna, Häädemeeste, Audru, Tõstamaa, Tori.

See the overview of the wider region: Pärnu.