Hiidenmaa (ˈhiːdenˌmɑː)

Hiidenmaa is the second largest island in the Kotimaa island group, and the furthest north of the three big islands. It is connected to the Kotimaa Road, which enters the island via a causeway on the southeastern coast and then follows the coastline north and west before reaching a series of skerries connected by bridges. The largest settlement on the island is Mudassa, just south of the Kotimaa Road causeway. But the most famous settlement is Tähtitieteilijä on the northern coast. It is centered around Tähtitieteilijä Lighthouse, which operates Tähtitieteilijä University. Tähtitieteilijä University is the largest and best know academic institution in the Norður Islands, and its reputation for astronomical and astrological studies is unmatched throughout the Great Ring.

Notable Spirits

On Hiidenmaa, the forests are home to the Puunaiset, or tree-women. These spirits live within the trees and bushes, and can be found feasting and playing in the woods. They are generally benign, although they may play tricks on people who venture into the woods alone, leading the traveler in every direction until they are hopelessly lost. The Saarelainen have many folktales of men marrying Puunaiset - sometimes out of love, but just as often because the tree-home of the spirit is held under threat by the husband. There are several families who claim Puunaiset descent, and sometimes they bear marks or gifts from their unusual ancestry.

Geography

Hiidenmaa is the northernmost island in the Kotimaa group, and is actually closer to Eysýsla than the other large islands of Kotimaa. It is a fairly flat island made mostly of limestone, which is exposed in cliffs at various locations on the coastline. To the north of the island is a large shoal which is dangerous for ships, and the Tähtitieteilijä Lighthouse was built there to warn of the hazardous area.

Ecosystem

Much of the island is covered by forests of pine and deciduous trees, and the rest of the uncultivated land is covered by swamps and dunes. Animals include elk, red deer, roe deer, wild boars, foxes, lynxes and wolves. The most important commercial animal is the Kotimaa mink, a subspecies which is larger than other mink and has been bread to have fur that is considered to be superior in color and texture. Many species of birds are found on the island, including black storks, golden eagles, cranes, and swans.

Maps

• 

  Hiidenmaa

Type

Island

Location under

Kotimaa

Included Locations

• Mudassa
• Tähtitieteilijä

Geographic Details

Location: Northeastern Region
Latitude: 61.78 degrees North
Longitude: 37.36 degrees East
Average Elevation: 10 ft
Highest Point: 220 ft
Lowest Point: -3 ft
Area: 382 sq mi