Kihnu

Kihnu (16.38 km²) is the largest island in the Gulf of Riga. At once charmingly homely and exotic, it thrives in maritime isolation while remaining hospitable.
The traditional way of life on Kihnu Island has been inscribed on UNESCO’s list of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The Kihnu cultural space is unique, characterized by its strong communal lifestyle, diverse cultural traditions, the Kihnu language, and its natural environment.
Kihnu – birthplace of renowned seafarers and seal hunters, shipbuilders, violin makers, and artisans. This is an island where the traditional striped skirt (kört) changes colors and where singing, dancing, and instrumental music are an inseparable part of everyday life.
Kihnu – the island of treasures!

The cemetery is as sacred to the people of Kihnu as the church. One visits it quietly, never after sunset, so as not to disturb the dead. The current cemetery still holds crosses bearing dates of death from the late 19th century.
Near the main gate lies the grave of the famous captain Enn Uuetoa, known as Kihnu Jõnn, whose remains were brought back from Denmark in 1992. Beside him rests Karl Jerkwelt, the carpenter from Saaremaa who sailed on Jõnn’s last ship, Rock-City. A memorial stone in Rootsiküla marks the birthplace of this legendary seaman.
The Kihnu Museum, established in 1974 in an old schoolhouse, exhibits are displayed across eight rooms. The entire collection spans over 100 years of island history. Stories of key themes and past and present islanders are presented through pictures, texts, videos, and artifacts.