Kuivastu Harbour Live Cam

Kuivastu küla, also known as Kuivastu village, is located on the island of Muhu in Estonia. Muhu is the third largest island in Estonia and is situated in the Baltic Sea. The history of Kuivastu küla is intertwined with the broader historical context of Muhu Island and Estonia as a whole.

Early Settlement: The island of Muhu has been inhabited for thousands of years. Archaeological findings suggest that the area has been settled since the Stone Age.

Medieval Period: During the medieval period, Muhu, like much of Estonia, was under the influence of various foreign powers. The island was part of the Livonian Confederation, a loose union of semi-independent territories in what is now Estonia and Latvia.

Swedish and Russian Rule: In the 16th century, Sweden took control of Estonia, including Muhu. Later, in the early 18th century, the region fell under Russian rule.

Estonian Independence: Following the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Estonian War of Independence (1918–1920), Estonia gained independence from Soviet Russia.

Soviet Occupation and World War II: Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, then by Nazi Germany during World War II, and again by the Soviet Union in 1944. This led to a period of Soviet rule that lasted until the restoration of Estonian independence in 1991.

Post-Soviet Era: After regaining independence, Estonia underwent significant political and economic changes. It transitioned from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one, and it also pursued European integration.

Modern Times: Today, Estonia is a member of the European Union, NATO, and other international organizations. It has a thriving technology sector and is known for its e-governance initiatives.

Top Tourist Attractions

While it may not have major tourist attractions on its own, it serves as an important transportation hub for those traveling to and from the island, thanks to its ferry terminal connecting Muhu to the neighboring island of Saaremaa. However, there are several notable attractions on the island of Muhu itself, which visitors passing through Kuivastu may find interesting. Here are some of them:

• Muhu Museum (Muhu Muuseum): Located in Liiva village on Muhu Island, this museum offers insights into the island's rich history, culture, and traditions. It has a collection of artifacts, exhibits, and displays related to Muhu's past.
• St. Catherine's Church (Katariina kirik): Situated in Liiva village, this historic church dates back to the 13th century. It's known for its distinctive, whitewashed exterior and picturesque location.
• Koguva Village and Museum (Koguva Küla ja Muuseum): Koguva is a well-preserved historic village on Muhu Island. The open-air museum showcases traditional Estonian village life, with thatched-roof houses and displays of rural tools and equipment.
• Pädaste Manor (Pädaste mõis): This elegant manor, located near Kuivastu, is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers upscale accommodation. It's a great place to experience a touch of luxury while on Muhu Island.
• Muhu Adventure Park (Muhu Seikluspark): Located near Liiva, this adventure park offers various outdoor activities and challenges for both children and adults. It's a fun option for families or anyone seeking some active recreation.
• Muhu Windmill (Muhu tuulik): This historic windmill, located near Liiva village, provides a glimpse into traditional Estonian agriculture and milling techniques.
• Lõetsa Village and Cemetery (Lõetsa küla ja kalmistu): Lõetsa is known for its beautiful coastal landscape and historic cemetery, which includes interesting gravestones and memorials.

Remember that the availability and status of attractions may change over time, so it's a good idea to check for updates or new attractions if you're planning to visit Kuivastu or Muhu Island in the future. Additionally, consider consulting local tourism resources for the most current information.

Climate

The Village experiences a maritime climate characterized by relatively mild summers and cool winters. Here's a general overview of the climate:

• Summer (June to August): Average Temperature: Summer temperatures in Kuivastu typically range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Precipitation: This period tends to be the driest, but occasional rainfall is still possible.
• Autumn (September to November): Average Temperature: Temperatures start to drop in autumn, ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Precipitation: Rainfall increases during this season, and the weather becomes progressively cooler.
• Winter (December to February): Average Temperature: Winters in Kuivastu are cold, with temperatures often ranging from -3°C to 2°C (27°F to 36°F). Snowfall: Snowfall is common, and the island may be covered in snow during this period.
• Spring (March to May): Average Temperature: Spring is a transitional period, with temperatures gradually warming up from 3°C to 9°C (37°F to 48°F). Precipitation: Rainfall begins to decrease, and the landscape starts to come alive with blooming vegetation.

Keep in mind that these are general trends, and actual weather conditions can vary from year to year. It's advisable to check for up-to-date weather forecasts closer to your intended travel date for the most accurate information.

Geography

Here's some information about the geography of Kuivastu and the surrounding area:

• Island of Muhu: Muhu is the third-largest island in Estonia and is situated in the Baltic Sea. It is connected to the larger island of Saaremaa by a causeway, making it easily accessible.
• Coastline: Kuivastu is located on the northern coast of Muhu, facing the mainland of Estonia. The coastline in this area may consist of rocky shores, beaches, and areas of vegetation.
• Surrounding Terrain: Muhu Island, including the vicinity of Kuivastu, features a mix of natural landscapes. This includes forests, fields, meadows, and in some areas, wetlands. The island's topography can be relatively flat in some places, with gently rolling hills in others.
• Vegetation and Flora: The island of Muhu, like much of Estonia, is known for its diverse flora. You can find a variety of plant species, including both native and introduced varieties.
• Accessibility: Kuivastu is a notable transportation hub for the island of Muhu. It's known for its ferry terminal, which provides a connection to Virtsu on the Estonian mainland. This ferry service is a crucial link for residents and visitors alike.
• Proximity to Saaremaa: Kuivastu is relatively close to the neighboring island of Saaremaa. The distance between Muhu and Saaremaa is relatively short, and the causeway connecting the two islands facilitates easy travel between them.
• Views of the Baltic Sea: Due to its coastal location, Kuivastu and the surrounding areas may offer scenic views of the Baltic Sea. This can be particularly picturesque during sunrise or sunset.
• Recreation and Nature Activities: The natural environment around Kuivastu provides opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the coastline. The island's geography makes it a potentially serene and beautiful destination for nature enthusiasts.

Remember that the specific details of Kuivastu's geography may be subject to change over time, so it's advisable to refer to updated local resources or maps for the most current information.