Kihnu
Welcome to Kihnu, a Continental island in the Gulf of Riga, part of the majestic Atlantic Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Kihnu unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Kihnu
Size: 18.2 km²
Coastline: 21.5 km
Ocean: Atlantic Ocean
Sea: Gulf of Riga
Continent: Europe
Kihnu is a Medium Island spanning 18 km² with a coastline of 21 km.
Archipel: –
Tectonic Plate: Eurasia – One of the world’s largest tectonic plates, the Eurasian Plate covers a significant portion of Europe and Asia. It’s characterized by diverse geological features, including the Ural Mountains, the European Plain, and the Himalayas formed from its collision with the Indian Plate.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 58.12886168 / Longitude: 23.98513582
Climate and weather of Kihnu
Climate Zone: Continental
Climate Details: Warm-Summer Humid Continental Climate
Temperature: Warm Summer
Climate Characteristics: Features warm summers and cold winters with consistent precipitation, common in higher latitudes.
Topography and nature of Kihnu
Timezone: UTC+02:00
Timezone places: Europe/Helsinki
Max. Elevation: 13 m
Mean Elevation: 6 m
Vegetation: Agricultural Mosaic
Tree Coverage: 67%
The mean elevation is 6 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 13 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Plains: Flat, low-lying lands characterized by a maximum elevation of up to 200 meters. On islands, plains are typically coastal lowlands or central flat areas.
Dominating Vegetation: Agricultural Mosaic
A mix of cropland and natural vegetation, often seen in rural landscapes where agricultural fields are interspersed with patches of natural habitats. Kihnu has a tree cover of 67 %.
Vegetation: 8 vegetation zones – Very Highly Diverse Island
Islands in this range are ecological powerhouses, showcasing a wide array of vegetation zones. Each zone, from lush rainforests to arid scrublands, coastal mangroves to mountainous regions, contributes to a complex and interdependent ecosystem. These islands are often hotspots of biodiversity, supporting numerous species and intricate ecological processes.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Kihnu
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Kihnu. The nearest airport is Pärnu Airport, located 58 km away.
Does the island have a major port? no.
There are no major ports on Kihnu. The closest major port is PARNU, approximately 59 km away.
The mean population of Kihnu is 8 per km². Kihnu is Gently Populated. The island belongs to Estonia.
Continuing your journey, Ruhnu Saar is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
Visit the Island Run by Women
Estonia is classified as Developed region: nonG7: Developed economies outside of the Group of Seven, characterized by high income and advanced economic structures. The level of income is High income: OECD.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Kihnu
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Kihnu. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- New ice road opens between Vormsi and mainland Estonia - ERRon 15 February 2026
New ice road opens between Vormsi and mainland Estonia ERR
- Gallery: Official ice road to Kihnu island set opens Saturday - ERRon 14 February 2026
Gallery: Official ice road to Kihnu island set opens Saturday ERR
- Mare Mätas: Is an illegal ice road a matter of national importance? - ERRon 9 February 2026
Mare Mätas: Is an illegal ice road a matter of national importance? ERR
- Low water level grounds Kihnu ferry - ERRon 5 February 2026
Low water level grounds Kihnu ferry ERR
- The secret Europe is hiding: Where to find true peace in 2025 - The Jerusalem Poston 27 August 2025
The secret Europe is hiding: Where to find true peace in 2025 The Jerusalem Post
- Estonia’s remote islands may be Europe’s best-kept travel secret. Here’s why - Euronews.comon 21 August 2025
Estonia’s remote islands may be Europe’s best-kept travel secret. Here’s why Euronews.com
- ‘Women are the guardians of our culture’: why Kihnu is Estonia’s island of true equality - The Guardianon 23 July 2025
‘Women are the guardians of our culture’: why Kihnu is Estonia’s island of true equality The Guardian
- Why you should go island-hopping through Estonia's western isles - National Geographicon 2 November 2024
Why you should go island-hopping through Estonia's western isles National Geographic
- The Isle of Women: The Last Matriarchy in Europe - Telegrafion 9 October 2024
The Isle of Women: The Last Matriarchy in Europe Telegrafi
- Kihnu – the Island of Women - DW.comon 1 February 2024
Kihnu – the Island of Women DW.com
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.