Muhu

Muhu (also called Muhumaa in Estonian) is an island in the West Estonian archipelago of the Baltic Sea. With an area of 198 km2 (76 sq mi) it is the third largest island belonging to Estonia, after Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.

Muhu
Geography
LocationBaltic Sea
Coordinates58°35′46″N 23°14′16″E
ArchipelagoWest Estonian archipelago
Area198 km2 (76 sq mi)
Administration
Saare County
Demographics
Population1,968 (2010)
Pop. density8.8/km2 (22.8/sq mi)
Ethnic groupsMajority Estonians

Together with neighbouring smaller islands of Kesselaid, Viirelaid, Võilaid and Suurlaid it forms Muhu Parish (Estonian: Muhu vald), the rural municipality within Saare County. The municipality has a population of 1,697 (as of 19 April 2010) and covers an area of 206.12 km2 (80 sq mi). The population density is 8.8/km2 (23/sq mi).

History and geography

The German names for the island are Mohn and Moon. Moon is also the Swedish name for the island.

The most important villages in Muhu are Kuivastu, Liiva (where the school can be found) and Koguva. In Pädaste, an internationally renowned luxury hotel and spa operates in the restored manor house.

The island is divided from mainland Estonia by the Suur Strait (Moonsund) and from Saaremaa by the Väike Strait. It is linked by ferry to Virtsu in the mainland, and to Saaremaa by a causeway, the Väinatamm. In winter an ice road connects the island to the mainland.

In January 1227, an army of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword with Letts, Germans of Riga and native Livonians (20,000 men commanded by William of Modena) crossed on sea ice from the mainland and attacked the island of Saaremaa to reduce the last holdout of pagan Estonians. The Estonians surrendered on Muhu at a circular stronghold called Mona, the earthworks of which are still preserved near the causeway between the islands. This ended the Estonian Crusade.

The Battle of Karuse or Battle on the Ice was fought on 16 February 1270 between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Livonian Order on the frozen Baltic Sea between the Muhu Island and the mainland. The Lithuanians achieved a decisive victory. The battle, named after the Karuse village, was the fifth-largest defeat of the Livonian or Teutonic Orders in the 13th century.

The same waters saw the Battle of Moon Sound in September–October 1917 between Russian and German naval forces.

Muhu is also famous for having the only still-working traditional windmills in Estonia.

Muhu is the home of Estonia's first wine tourism farm – Luscher & Matiesen Muhu Winehouse.

  • Northern coast of Muhu
    Northern coast of Muhu
  • Muhu Stronghold, site of the native Estonian surrender to crusaders in 1227
    Muhu Stronghold, site of the native Estonian surrender to crusaders in 1227
  • Monument in the center of the Muhu Stronghold
    Monument in the center of the Muhu Stronghold
  • Üügu cliffs
    Üügu cliffs
  • Muhu St. Catherine's Church
    Muhu St. Catherine's Church
  • Pädaste Manor
    Pädaste Manor
  • Tooma farm, part of Muhu museum and birthplace of writer Juhan Smuul
    Tooma farm, part of Muhu museum and birthplace of writer Juhan Smuul
  • Students and teachers in traditional clothing march in a procession in Liiva
    Students and teachers in traditional clothing march in a procession in Liiva
  • Old village school
    Old village school
  • In Mõega village
    In Mõega village
  • Koguva harbour
    Koguva harbour
  • Windmill in Koguva
    Windmill in Koguva
  • Flag of Muhu Parish
    Flag of Muhu Parish
  • Coat of Arms of Muhu Parish
    Coat of Arms of Muhu Parish

See also
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Muhu.
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