Kihnu Spiritual NEW!!
Spiritual Weekends
In the Baltic States representatives of various religions have lived next to each other for centuries. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania exhibit a very diverse religious landscape. Here you can see Lutheran and Orthodox cathedrals, Roman Catholic church, Old Believers’ and Baptist’s prayer houses standing on neighbouring streets just a stone throw from each other.
For those interested in spiritual side of life, religious traditions and rituals we’ve designed short weekend itineraries to the Baltic regions, where you can see the most significant shrines and the largest number of churches of different denominations. You can enjoy those routes during your short weekend trips or integrate them easily into your larger trip plan with other summer itineraries from Baltics Undiscovered.
Kihnu Spiritual
Kihnu Island, UNESCO Intangible Heritage Site
West Estonian Archipelago- UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve
West Estonia
Estonia is one of the most secular countries in Europe – only about 18% of Estonians believe in God. The Estonian Evangelical Lutheran church used to be the majority church, but today the Orthodox church has overtaken Lutheranism as the largest Christian denomination.
Kihnu Spiritual itinerary from Baltics Undiscovered will take you right to an Orthodox community, but to a very special one.
Kihnu is the 7-th largest island of the West Estonian Archipelago. In 1846 – 1847 the great majority of the people of Kihnu converted from Lutheranism to Orthodoxy. Russian Orthodoxy is still practiced today, although it includes a combination of Kihnu seafaring and pre-Christian traditions. Because of those traditions Kihnu was included in UNESCO’s list of Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003 and inscribed into the Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.
The most outstanding examples of Kihnu culture are folk costumes and traditional handicraft skills. Even today you can meet Kihnu women wearing their traditional clothes daily. From our Kihnu guidebook you will learn what is typical for women’s and men’s national costumes of Kihnu islanders, that you will see both in Kihnu Museum and on ordinary women of the Kihnu community.
While travelling along this spiritual route, you will visit Kihnu St. Nicholas Church and learn about the local religious traditions and rituals from our guidebook.
During this day trip we also recommend visiting The Kihnu Lighthouse, that is the main attraction and integral part of the local authentic vibe.
And of course, it goes without saying, that the enchanting nature of Kihnu island will accompany you throughout the entire route.
For your convenience we provide also driving directions and actual ferry schedule to the island.
Our detailed trip design and tailor-made guidebook will make your trip pleasant and informative. Immerse yourself into spiritual world together with Baltics Undiscovered!
Starting point: Munalaiu Harbour (Lao village, 88110 Pärnu county)
Duration: 1 day
Transportation: car/minivan
Goes well with: Summer on the Islands