Kihnu is the largest island in the Gulf of Riga and Estonia’s seventh largest island. Kihnu is a small island with a strong spirit.

Kihnu Island was first mentioned in writing as Kyne in 1386 and it was referred to as an inhabited island in 1518. Historical evidence indicates that fishermen and seal hunters visited Kihnu as far back as 3,000 years ago..

Originating from seal hunters and fishermen, Kihnu traditional culture is listed by UNESCO and widely loved among visitors from all over the world looking to explore Kihnu’s colourful village life.
Whereas men were fishing or hunting seals, women at island had to take care of island, some even call this place "last matriarchy of Europe". Such way of living and isolation on island resulted with their own kind of culture, so it became part of UNESCO in 2008. The culture is more Scandinavian oriented than in other places of Estonia, which is visible for example in their dialect.



At the island there is Kihnu Cultural Space foundation with purpose to preserve and develop the unique cultural heritage of Kihnu island in its most authentic form.
Metsamaa farm is a homely and Kihnu-like place where the culture of Kihnu is well-preserved.





There is even a website about the island => https://visitkihnu.ee/en
Thanks to signing this place to UNESCO now the island could earn some money thanks to tourism, so the website has many details

In this part of Europe the Midsummer is the most characterstic day for each community so it's great opportunity to watch some traditional costumes, dances etc