Muhu is the third largest island in Estonia, although it is fairly small at 198 square kilometres. It's located between the mainland and Saaremaa Island, to which it is connected by a causeway.
Villages
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Understand
[edit]Over the centuries Muhu has developed at its own pace and its traditions are well known throughout Estonia. The famous Muhu patterns are a refined expression of folk art.
The inhabitants of Muhu call themselves Muhu people; a self chosen title which radiates a certain pride and feeling of being different from mainlanders or communities on other islands.
Get in
[edit]By ferry
[edit]Frequent car-and-passenger ferries link the mainland (Virtsu) with Muhu (Kuivastu). Tickets and reservations via the official portal at praamid.ee. Reservations are advisable at peak times (e.g., summer weekends).
By ice road
[edit]In very cold winters, the Transport Administration may open official ice roads between the mainland and the islands. Openings are infrequent and subject to strict rules (daylight only, speed and spacing limits). Check official notices before planning any travel this way.
By bus
[edit]Long-distance buses connect Tallinn and other cities with stops on Muhu (e.g., Liiva) and onward to Saaremaa. See schedules and tickets on TPilet and the national journey planner (peatus.ee). Frequencies vary by season.
Get around
[edit]See
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The nature of Muhu has been left largely undisturbed in the past fifty years. It's the natural habitat to 23 species of very rare orchids. Muhu is also home to many migrating birds, which take temporarily shelter in the various bays.
Villages on Muhu are even today still headed by traditional village eldermen, who take up the role of voluntary counsel. Many of the villages are charming in their simplicity and worth having a look (especially because in terms of tourism, Muhu has remained rather untainted so far).
St Catherine’s Church (Liiva) (Muhu St Catherine’s Church), Liiva village, Muhu. Medieval parish church first mentioned in 1267, with fragments of 14th-century murals. Simple interior and historic graveyard. Üügu bluff (Üügu cliff), Southern coast of Muhu. Limestone coastal bluff about 300 m long with small cave-like hollows and sea views. Keep to marked paths near the edge. Muhu Museum (Koguva) (Koguva village open-air museum), Koguva, Muhu. Traditional village ensemble with stone fences and thatched farmsteads, presenting island life, crafts and architecture.
Do
[edit]Each midsummer, a jazz music festival takes place in Muhu, featuring famous international musicians and attracts jazz fans from far and wide.
Eat
[edit]- Pädaste Manor, Pädaste village. See info in Sleep section below.
Sleep
[edit]The official Estonian tourism website provides an extensive list of options for accommodation in Muhu [1][dead link].
- Pädaste Manor, Pädaste village. The earlier history of the manor begins in the 16th century. In the end of 17th century an orchard was created in addition to the mansion and other manor buildings. By the 19th century the number of peasants had grown to two hundred. The facade of the mansion and the lawn is framed by two rows of imposing rubble stone buildings. The manor had its own windmill, lime furnace and brickfield. Today the mansion is occupied by luxurious SPA hotel.
Go next
[edit]- Saaremaa – Estonia’s largest island, linked by a causeway from Muhu; known for Kuressaare castle, windmills and coastal nature.
- Hiiumaa – The second-largest island, noted for lighthouses and quiet rural landscapes.
- Vormsi – A small forested island with traces of Swedish heritage.
- Pärnu – Estonia’s summer capital with beaches and spa traditions.