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Traditional shed on Ruhnu

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.

Understand

Prior to 1944 the island was populated by ethnic Swedes for centuries and traditional Swedish law was used. Ruhnu has currently less than 100, mostly ethnic Estonian permanent inhabitants who like to keep to themselves.

Get in

By ferry

A ferry runs from Munalaid in the mainland to Ruhnu. The trip takes approx. 4,5 hours. Bookings can be made via phone and internet.

By plane

Ruhnu Airport operates regular flights to Pärnu and Kuressaare.

Get around

You can reach pretty much everything by walking. If arriving by airplane, there is a free shuttle bus to the village. Tell the bus driver the name of the place of the family where you are staying, he will take you there. The same for getting to airport - ask your host to call the bus, it will pick you up.

See

  • St. Madeline's Church in Ruhnu. It's the oldest known wooden building still standing in Estonia - its construction was started in 1643.
  • Ruhnu's New Church. The new church was build only two meters 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.
  • Ruhnu lighthouse.

Do

The island is popular with hikers and swimmers, the best beach for swimming is Limo beach, with its "singing" sands.

Buy

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.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Go next

  • Saaremaa, the largest island with an intact and well-restored medieval castle
  • Pärnu, historical resort seaside city with a small harbour, Estonia's summer capital
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