Facts for Kids

Hiiumaa is a magical island in Estonia! 🌴

It's the second largest island in the country, with a size of about 1,024 square kilometers. Hiiumaa is part of the West Estonian archipelago, which is a group of islands in the beautiful Baltic Sea. The island is known for its amazing nature, friendly people, and fun activities! 🎉

You can visit beaches, forests, and even go birdwatching. The capital city is Kärdla, where you can learn more about the island. Hiiumaa is truly a special place filled with wonders waiting to be discovered! 🏖

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Hiiumaa is home to amazing plants and animals! 🌼

The island's forests have many trees, including birch and pine. In spring, you'll see colorful flowers blooming everywhere! 🐦

Hiiumaa is also famous for its diverse wildlife. You can spot various birds like the majestic white-tailed eagle and cute little white-throated dipper. 🦉

There are also seals living around the coasts, and sometimes you might even glimpse a playful otter! Protecting nature is super important, so visitors and locals work together to keep Hiiumaa's beautiful environment safe for future generations! 🌳

Hiiumaa has a rich history that goes back thousands of years! 🏰

People first settled on the island around 4000 BC. During the Middle Ages, it was ruled by the Danish and the Germans, which is why there are unique castles and churches. ⛪

One famous historical site is the Hiiumaa Lighthouse, built in the 19th century. It stands tall at 36 meters! Throughout the years, the island has faced different rulers, but the people of Hiiumaa have always shown great resilience. Today, they celebrate their unique culture and history proudly! 🎉

Hiiumaa has many exciting places to visit! 🏖

️ The Kõpu Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Baltic Sea and offers amazing views of the island! You can also explore the unique Suuremõisa Castle, which is over 200 years old! 🎢

If you're into nature, don't miss the Hiiumaa National Park, where you can hike and see beautiful landscapes. For some beach fun, visit the sandy Kärdla Beach! 🌅

There are also outdoor activities like cycling, kayaking, and fishing, making it perfect for adventurers and families alike! 🚴

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Hiiumaa’s economy has many interesting aspects! 💡

The main industries on the island are agriculture, fishing, and tourism! Farmers grow potatoes, barley, and cabbage, which are important crops. 🍅

The sea provides fish like salmon and herring, which are delicious! People from all over come to visit Hiiumaa for its beautiful nature and unique experiences. Tourism provides jobs and helps the island’s economy grow! Many locals also work in crafts, making beautiful items such as woodwork and textiles. By exploring Hiiumaa, you will discover how hardworking its people are! 🌾

Hiiumaa loves to celebrate fun events and festivals throughout the year! 🎪

One popular event is the Hiiumaa Music Festival, where local artists perform and fill the air with joy. 🎶

Every summer, the Hiiumaa Kite Festival takes place, and colorful kites fill the sky! Families also gather for the traditional Midsummer Festival, where they sing, dance, and enjoy delicious food. 🌽

The island’s markets are full of crafts and yummy treats. These exciting occasions bring the community together and show how vibrant the island's culture can be! 🎉

Hiiumaa is located in northern Europe, specifically in the Baltic Sea. 🌊

The island is about 30 kilometers from the coast of mainland Estonia. One of its coolest features is its beaches, like the sandy Ahtme Beach! 🏖

️ The climate is cool and temperate, making it a perfect spot for outdoor adventures. Summer temperatures can reach 20°C (68°F), while winters can be chilly, even going down to -10°C (14°F). ❄

️ The island has many forests and fields which are perfect places for exploring nature. So, pack your bags and get ready for some fun on Hiiumaa! 🌲

On Hiiumaa, there are some incredible sites to see! 🌇

The Hiiumaa Museum shows the island’s rich history with fun exhibits and artifacts. One landmark not to miss is the unique Kaina Church, which has a beautiful wooden tower! 🎡

You can also visit the beautiful Ristna Lighthouse that is a favorite for photographs! The island is filled with stunning landscapes, including cliffs and forests. Each of these sites tells a story about the past and the cultural heritage of Hiiumaa, making every visit a new adventure! 🚶

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The people of Hiiumaa have many fun and exciting traditions! 🎊

One important tradition is celebrating Midsummer, where families gather to enjoy bonfires, music, and dancing. They also have special folk songs called "kansoni" that tell stories about life on the island. Additionally, Hiiumaa has its own local dishes, like "kala," which is a tasty fish meal. The islanders love sharing their heritage with visitors and take a lot of pride in their cultural festivals, showcasing crafts and traditional dancing. Enjoying these traditions gives you a taste of life on Hiiumaa! 🎶

Getting to Hiiumaa is easy and fun! 🚢

You can take a ferry from the mainland. The ferry ride to the island takes about 1-2 hours, and while on the boat, you might see dolphins! 🐬

Once on Hiiumaa, you can explore by car, bike, or even on foot! The island has beautiful paths for biking and walking. 🚴

‍♀️ Buses are also available, connecting different towns. If you love adventure and the great outdoors, Hiiumaa’s transportation system makes it a breeze to explore all its wonders! 🌅