Ruhnu, Baltic island in Gulf of Riga, Estonia
Runö is an island in the Gulf of Riga belonging to Estonia. It spans roughly 12 square kilometers with a coastline of about 23 kilometers, and its highest point, the Haubjerre dune ridge, rises about 28 meters above sea level.
Swedish settlers came to the island and governed it under their own laws for centuries. This era ended in 1944 when Soviet occupation forced most inhabitants to leave permanently for Sweden.
The island has two notable churches: a wooden one built in 1644 with a baroque tower and a stone one from 1912. These buildings remain central to the spiritual life of those who live here.
The island can be reached by small aircraft from the mainland, with flights depending on weather conditions. Summer months also offer ferry connections, providing more flexibility for arrival.
A metal lighthouse stands on Haubjerre hill, built in 1877 with components designed by Gustave Eiffel and shipped from France. This engineering solution shows the island's international connections during the late industrial era.
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