Hiiumaa Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Hiiumaa
Geography
Tahkuna peninsula is the northernmost part of Hiiumaa

Location	Baltic Sea
Archipelago	West Estonian archipelago
Area	989 km² (382 sq mi)
Highest elevation	68 m (223 ft)
Highest point	Tornimägi
Administration
Estonia
County, parish	Hiiu County, Hiiumaa Parish
Largest settlement	Kärdla (pop. 3,287 [as of 1 January 2012])
Demographics
Population	9,558 (2019)
Pop. density	9.1 /km² (23.6 /sq mi)

Hiiumaa is a super cool island in Estonia, and it's the second largest one! It's part of a group of islands called the West Estonian archipelago, sitting right in the Baltic Sea. Imagine an island about 22 kilometers away from the main part of Estonia – that's Hiiumaa! It covers an area of 989 square kilometers. The biggest town on the island is Kärdla, and the whole island is part of Hiiu County.

Hiiumaa is a really special place for nature lovers, with lots of different animals and beautiful landscapes. It's known for its peaceful forests, sandy beaches, and unique wildlife.

Amazing Animals of Hiiumaa
- Predators and Other Mammals
- Birds of Hiiumaa
Exploring Hiiumaa's Nature
Images for kids
See also

Amazing Animals of Hiiumaa

Hiiumaa is home to many interesting animals, both big and small. You can find large animals like elk, red deer, and roe deer roaming through the forests. There are also wild boars, which are a type of pig that lives in the wild.

Predators and Other Mammals

The island also has some clever predators like foxes and lynxes. Lynxes are wild cats with tufted ears and short tails. You might also spot martens, which are small, furry animals related to weasels.

Something exciting happened on Hiiumaa: wolves, which had disappeared from the island a long time ago, have started to come back! This is a great sign for the island's natural balance. In 2000, minks, which are small, dark-furred animals, were also brought back to the island.

Birds of Hiiumaa

If you love birdwatching, Hiiumaa is a fantastic place to visit. Many different bird species live here or stop by during their migrations. Some of the amazing birds you might see include black storks, which are large wading birds, and golden eagles, powerful birds of prey.

You can also spot graceful cranes, elegant avocets with their distinctive upturned beaks, and beautiful swans gliding on the water. The island's diverse habitats, from forests to wetlands, provide perfect homes for all these feathered friends.

Exploring Hiiumaa's Nature

Hiiumaa is famous for its natural beauty and historical landmarks. The island has a gentle landscape with some small hills, the highest being Tornimägi, which is about 68 meters tall.

Famous Lighthouses

One of the most iconic features of Hiiumaa is its lighthouses. The Kõpu Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world, still guiding ships today. It's a really impressive structure that has stood for centuries. The Tahkuna lighthouse is another well-known landmark, especially beautiful at sunset. These lighthouses are not just useful; they are also important parts of the island's history and culture.

Natural Reserves and Parks

Hiiumaa has several protected areas, like the Tahkuna Nature Reserve, where you can explore untouched nature. These reserves help protect the island's unique plants and animals. There are also lovely places like Suuremõisa Park with its beautiful avenues.

Island Life and Culture

Life on Hiiumaa is often peaceful and connected to nature. You can visit charming old farmhouses, like the one in Tammela village, or explore local museums such as the Sõru museum to learn about the island's past. The island also has pretty churches, like the one in Kassari, and small chapels, such as the Malvaste chapel.

Traveling to Hiiumaa is easy, often by ferry. You can see cars boarding the ferry at Heltermaa port, ready to cross to the mainland. Once on the island, you can enjoy places like Orjaku Harbor, which has a cozy café, and explore nature trails nearby. The Tubala windmill is another charming sight, reminding visitors of the island's traditional way of life.

Hiiumaa is a wonderful place to discover, offering a mix of exciting wildlife, fascinating history, and beautiful natural landscapes.