Ruhnu is a small island in Estonia, isolated from the rest of the country in the Gulf of Riga. The island is called Runö in Swedish.
Prior to 1944 the island was populated by ethnic Swedes for centuries and traditional Swedish law was used. Ruhnu now has fewer than 100 permanent inhabitants, mostly ethnic Estonian who like to keep to themselves.
- St. Madeline's Church in Ruhnu, +372 4533835. It's the oldest known wooden building still standing in Estonia - its construction was started in 1643. Free.
- Ruhnu's New Church. The new church was built only 2 m from the old wooden church. The walls of the church are made from rocks and the church tower from wood. The church bell is one of the oldest in Estonia. Free.
- Ruhnu lighthouse. Made in France in 1877. According to rumours, it was designed by Gustave Eiffel (known for Eiffel Tower). Free.
St. Madeline's Church in Ruhnu, +372 4533835. It's the oldest known wooden building still standing in Estonia - its construction was started in 1643. Free.
Ruhnu's New Church. The new church was built only 2 m from the old wooden church. The walls of the church are made from rocks and the church tower from wood. The church bell is one of the oldest in Estonia. Free.
Ruhnu lighthouse. Made in France in 1877. According to rumours, it was designed by Gustave Eiffel (known for Eiffel Tower). Free.
The island is popular with hikers and swimmers, the best beach for swimming is Limo beach, with its "singing" sands.
- Limo Sauna, +372 5114702. €130-190 per night.
Limo Sauna, +372 5114702. €130-190 per night.
There are few small shops on the island. Write down their opening times, because they may not be open all day long. As in mainland Estonia, the official currency is the euro. Credit and debit cards are usually accepted.
- Cafe Runö, +372 5208756.
Cafe Runö, +372 5208756.
- 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 is surrounded by a myriad of tiny islands including Abruka with its nudist camps.
- 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.
- Kihnu – The southernmost group of islands, Khinu, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Cosy and warm yet exotic – folk costumes are worn here every day and the handicraft of older generations remains highly valued.