Hiiumaa Island: Estonia's Tranquil Haven

• HelloTere
  [teh-reh]
• GoodbyeHead aega
  [hed ah-gah]
• YesJah
  [yah]
• NoEi
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomePalun
  [pah-loon]
• Thank youAitäh
  [eye-tah]
• Excuse me/SorryVabandust
  [vah-bahn-doost]
• How are you?Kuidas sul läheb?
  [kwee-dahs sool leh-heb]
• Fine. And you?Hästi. Ja sina?
  [hah-shtee yah see-nah]
• Do you speak English?Kas sa räägid inglise keelt?
  [kahs sah rah-ee-geed een-glee-seh kehlt]
• I don't understandMa ei saa aru
  [mah ay sah ah-roo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMa sooviksin menüüd näha, palun
  [mah soh-veeks-een meh-noo-ood nah-hah pah-loon]
• I don't eat meatMa ei söö liha
  [mah ay suh luh-hah]
• Cheers!Terviseks!
  [tehr-vee-seks]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMa sooviksin maksta, palun
  [mah soh-veeks-een mahk-stah pah-loon]

• Help!Appi!
  [ah-pee]
• Go away!Mine minema!
  [mee-neh mee-neh-mah]
• Call the Police!Kutsu politsei!
  [koot-soo poh-lee-tseh]
• Call a doctor!Kutsu arst!
  [koot-soo ah-rst]
• I'm lostMa olen eksinud
  [mah oh-lehn ehk-see-nood]
• I'm illMa olen haige
  [mah oh-lehn hah-ee-geh]

• I'd like to buy...Ma sooviksin osta...
  [mah soh-veeks-een oh-stah]
• I'm just lookingMa vaatan lihtsalt
  [mah vah-tahn leekh-tsalt]
• How much is it?Kui palju see maksab?
  [kwee pahl-yoo seh mahk-sahb]
• That's too expensiveSee on liiga kallis
  [seh ohn lee-gah kahl-lees]
• Can you lower the price?Kas sa saaksid hinda alandada?
  [kahs sah sah-kseet heen-dah ah-lahn-dah-dah]

• What time is it?Mis kell on?
  [mees kehl ohn]
• It's one o'clockOn üks tund
  [ohn uks toond]
• Half past (10)Pool (10)
  [pool (dix)]
• MorningHommik
  [hohm-meek]
• AfternoonPärastlõuna
  [pah-rahst-loh-nah]
• EveningÕhtu
  [ohkh-too]
• YesterdayEile
  [ay-leh]
• TodayTäna
  [tah-nah]
• TomorrowHomme
  [hohm-meh]
• 1Üks
  [ooks]
• 2Kaks
  [kahks]
• 3Kolm
  [kohlm]
• 4Neli
  [neh-lee]
• 5Viis
  [vees]
• 6Kuus
  [koos]
• 7Seitse
  [sayt-seh]
• 8Kaheksa
  [kah-hehk-sah]
• 9Üheksa
  [oo-hehk-sah]
• 10Kümme
  [koom-meh]

• Where's a/the...?Kus on...?
  [koos ohn]
• What's the address?Mis on aadress?
  [mees ohn ah-ah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kas sa saaksid mulle näidata (kaardil)?
  [kahs sah sah-kseet mool-leh nah-ee-tah tah-ree-dil]
• When's the next (bus)?Millal on järgmine (buss)?
  [meel-lahl ohn yairg-mee-neh boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Pilet (....le)
  [pee-leht (leh)]

Hiiumaa Island, known as Dagö in Swedish, has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age. Archaeological findings suggest that the island was inhabited as early as 4,000 years ago. The ancient settlements were primarily agrarian, utilizing the island’s fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

During the 13th century, Hiiumaa came under the control of the Livonian Order, a branch of the Teutonic Knights. The island was fortified with several castles and manors. The most notable of these is the Suuremõisa Manor, which still stands today as a testament to the medieval architecture and the island's strategic importance during the period.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Hiiumaa was under Swedish dominion. This era saw significant cultural and architectural development. The Swedish influence is still evident in many of the island’s churches and buildings. One of the most famous structures from this period is the Kõpu Lighthouse, built in 1531, which is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world still in operation.

After the Great Northern War in the early 18th century, Hiiumaa was ceded to the Russian Empire. The island became a part of the Governorate of Estonia. This period brought about more infrastructural development, including the construction of military fortifications and the expansion of Hiiumaa's ports to bolster trade and defense.

Hiiumaa, like the rest of Estonia, experienced significant changes during the Soviet era, from 1944 to 1991. The island was heavily militarized, with restricted access to many areas. Soviet influence is still visible in some of the island's architecture and abandoned military installations, which have become points of interest for visitors.

Since Estonia regained independence in 1991, Hiiumaa has transformed into a peaceful and picturesque destination. The island has focused on preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Festivals celebrating Estonian traditions and history are common, and the island is known for its vibrant arts scene and hospitable locals.

Hiiumaa Island is accessible primarily by ferry from the Estonian mainland. The most common route is from the port of Rohuküla to Heltermaa, with regular ferry services provided by TS Laevad. The journey typically takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, during the summer months, there are also ferry connections from Saaremaa Island. Hiiumaa can be reached by air as well, with flights from Tallinn to Kärdla Airport taking approximately 30 minutes.

Once on Hiiumaa Island, there are several transportation options available. Car rentals are a convenient way to explore the island at your own pace. Bicycles are also a popular choice, with several rental shops available. Public buses operate between major towns and villages on the island, and taxis are readily available in Kärdla and other larger settlements. For a more scenic experience, consider walking or cycling along the island's numerous trails.

The official currency in Estonia is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments on Hiiumaa Island, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in more remote areas. ATMs are available in Kärdla and other larger towns.

Hiiumaa Island is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on personal belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists on the island.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Hiiumaa has a hospital located in Kärdla, which provides essential medical services. Pharmacies are available in larger towns for over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Avoid overly casual clothing when dining in nicer restaurants. Religion: Do respect local religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do use polite behavior and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a simple 'Tere' (Hello). Handshakes are common, especially in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as smoked fish and black bread. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Hiiumaa Island like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and happy to share stories about their island. Don't miss visiting the Kõpu Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the world, and the Ristna Surfing Beach, popular among surfers for its excellent conditions. For a unique experience, explore the Hiiumaa Military Museum, which offers insights into the island's history during the Soviet era.