Active Tours Estonia - Ruhnu - an Estonian island with Swedish heritage
An island rich with history
A must visit for people who love to explore historical and cultural places with lots of breathtaking artifacts from the 18th century.
Duration: 8-9h | Language: Estonian, English | By: Boat and foot |
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The day tour includes the following highlights:
- St. Madeline's Church
- Ruhnu lighthouse
- Ruhnu Museum
- Ruhnu's New Church


Ruhnu is one of the most interesting and furthest inhabited Estonian islands, located in the Gulf of Riga in the Baltic Sea. It is an Estonian island but situated actually closer to Latvia. Until the Soviet occupation in 1944, the island was populated by ethnic Swedes who were then forced to migrate to Sweden. To Latvians, the question of who should own the island was quite simple. Just 36 kilometers of sea divide Ruhnu from Latvia's cape Kolka. The closest capital is Riga (110 km), and the nearest port is Latvia's Roja, some 45 km away. In 1920 Latvia was interested in claiming Ruhnu as its own, as it would have been Latvia's only island. Estonia couldn't let that happen and demanded the island to itself.
This place is a must visit for people who love to explore historical and cultural places with lots of breathtaking artifacts from the 18th century. Ruhnu has Estonia's oldest wooden building – St Magdalena's church from 17th century that is certainly worth visiting and a very cool lighthouse from 1877 that was designed in France by Gustave Eiffel himself. This beautiful museum defines the tradition and culture of the Swedish people. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
Ruhnu is an Estonian island with Swedish heritage that Latvians crave to be theirs - so you may have a question, why is it still Estonia's? Come and find out when was it that the first time that Estonian national flag flew at Ruhnu. It is worth a visit.
About the tour
- Pick up and drop off place: by request
- Suitable for FIT and groups
- Tours are available from June to August. Any other time - upon request