5 Interesting Facts about the Estonian Island of Ruhnu

Ruhnu is a small remote Estonian island located in the Gulf of Riga. It is famous for its extreme isolation, with a tiny year-round population of less than 100 people. For centuries the island was populated by ethnic Swedes and traditional Swedish law was applied. Up until 1944, the island was entirely Swedish-speaking but its population fled to Sweden during World War Two to escape Soviet occupation. 

Today, Ruhnu is a beautiful tranquil island with untouched nature, quiet beaches, and a close-knit, self-sufficient community. It is the prefect place to visit for a unique getaway.

Here are five interesting facts about Ruhnu. 

1. The island has two churches standing side-by-side. Ruhnu is home to a unique architectural anomaly where two distinct churches stand just metres apart. St. Magdalena's Church was built in 1643. It is the oldest wooden building still standing in Estonia.  The newer stone church was built right next to it in 1912.

2. The French Lighthouse. Rumour has it that before creating his architectural masterpiece in Paris, Gustave Eiffel designed a lighthouse for Ruhnu. This cannot be confirmed, however, it is true that the red metal cylindrical tower was made in the Le Havre plant in France and was erected on Haubjerre Hill in 1877. The height of the lighthouse is 39.5 metres and it stands 65 metres above sea level. The French lighthouse is the only lighthouse of its kind in the Baltic region.

 

3. Singing Sand. Ruhnu's singing sand is a unique acoustic phenomenon found on the island's beautiful Limo Beach. When you walk or slide your hand across the dry quartz sand, the friction makes the grains vibrate and emit a high-pitched, musical squeak or whistling sound. 

4. In 2006, the island had a surprise visitor when a 150 kg brown bear travelled across the freezing waters on a block of ice from mainland Latvia. The bear became a media sensation and for months tourists outnumbered locals on the island hoping to catch a glimpse of the bear. It evaded capture hiding in the forest for months before eventually disappearing, presumably returning to Latvia. In 2007, to mark the event, Latvian chocolate company Laima gifted the people of Ruhnu a 40 kg chocolate bear.

5. Ruhnu is 11.9 square kilometres and has only one settlement making it impossible to get lost on the island. There are two ways to get there, either a three hour ferry trip from Pärnu or flying on board a small 8-seater airplane. 

Photo flashback 1930

People from Lepiku village playing volleyball near the Tindi farm house in the 1930s.

New silver coin dedicated to Anne Vabarna to be released next year

In 2025 the Bank of Estonia launched a new coin series dedicated to Outstanding Estonian Women who have had a major influence on the development of society. The series began with Lilli Suburg (1841–1923), who one of the first people in Estonia to publicly speak in favour of equal rights for women. Today it was announced that Seto singer Anne Vabarna will join Suburg in the collection. Anne Vabarna was one of the most prominent Seto folk singers, whose work is an important part of Estonia's spiritual heritage. The silver collector coin is dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of Anne Vabarna.

Anne Vabarna 1877 - 1964

 

The silver commemorative coin will have a nominal value of 15 euros and 2500 will be minted. The coins will be issued in 2027. More information can be found here.

Escape the heat and head to Estonia this summer!

The heatwave currently gripping most of Western and Central Europe has once again highlighted the region's lack of infrastructure when it comes to air conditioning and cooling. Temperatures have been above 30°C in many parts of Europe this week, causing many people to rethink their travel plans. While tourists love to flock to the Mediterranean Coast for a summer holiday, the crowds and heat are less appealing to many this year.  For a cooler summertime destination, Estonia may be the answer.  Estonia is a phenomenal summer destination because it offers the perfect "coolcation" escape. You get to experience pleasant temperatures rarely above 25°C, stunningly long "White Nights" (up to 19+ hours of daylight), and diverse landscapes from sandy beaches, dense forests, and pristine nature reserves, all without the massive tourist crowds of Southern Europe. Estonia is definitely the place to be this summer!

Estonian War of Independence animated video

Yesterday was Victory Day in Estonia. Victory Day is an Estonian national holiday that was first celebrated in 1934 and commemorates the victory at the Battle of Vonnu in 1919, which marked a turning point in the Estonian War of Independence. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Victory Day also celebrates all Estonian forces who fight to retain the country's independence. 

The Estonian War of Independence (1918-1920) took place in the aftermath World War One. This animated video details how Independence was finally achieved for Estonia.

Today is Jaanipäev in Estonia!

Midsummer is celebrated on the 23rd of June in Estonia. On this day many ancient traditions are practised including lighting bonfires, catching glowworms  and weaving flower crowns. The 'white nights' in Estonia means the sky remains illuminated until dawn so we can party all night long. The 23rd of June also marks Victory Day from the Estonian War of Independence. Tomorrow is a public holiday in Estonia, a day to rest and recover from the biggest party of the year! "Head jaanipäeva!"

Jaanipäev party Song

Tomorrow is a very important day on the Estonian calendar. Jaanipäev is Estonia's most celebrated summer holiday, corresponding to Midsummer Day or the Summer Solstice. The holiday is deeply rooted in both ancient pagan traditions and modern national identity. Core traditions include: bonfires, folk music, lots of foods and drink and being close to nature. "Head Jaanipäeva!"