Archipelagos of music and silence

The Estonian coast is dotted with over two thousand islands, worlds unto themselves where time seems to slow down and nature takes over. Muhu welcomes travellers with its fishing villages full of old-world charm and well-maintained accommodation; in summer, it hosts an event that offers an intimate musical setting, ideal for exploring the area at a leisurely pace, perhaps whilst savouring the island’s traditional handmade black bread. Further west lies Saaremaa, the largest island, dominated by the majestic medieval castle of Kuressaare. Here, summer comes alive from 16 to 19 July with I Land Sound, an event that blends electronic music, art installations and environmental conservation on the coast, followed by the famous Opera Days, which bring grand opera to an unusual setting. A little further north, the tranquil island of Hiiumaa hosts Sõru Jazz, an intimate festival celebrating improvised music in an authentic maritime setting. Further south, the island of Kihnu offers a unique cultural insight: historically governed by women and guardian of a matriarchal culture protected by UNESCO.