Kärdla: The Hidden Gem of Hiiumaa

• HelloTere
  [teh-reh]
• GoodbyeHead aega
  [hed ah-gah]
• YesJah
  [yah]
• NoEi
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomePalun
  [pah-loon]
• Thank youAitäh
  [eye-tah]
• Excuse me/SorryVabandage
  [vah-bahn-dah-geh]
• How are you?Kuidas sul läheb?
  [kwee-dahs sool lah-heb]
• Fine. And you?Hästi. Ja sina?
  [hah-stee yah see-nah]
• Do you speak English?Kas te räägite inglise keelt?
  [kahs teh rah-ghee-teh eeng-lee-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-vik-seen meh-noo-d nah-hah pah-loon]
• I don't eat meatMa ei söö liha
  [mah ay suh l-ee-hah]
• Cheers!Terviseks!
  [tehr-vee-seks]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMa sooviksin maksta, palun
  [mah soh-vik-seen mahk-stah pah-loon]

• Help!Appi!
  [ahp-pee]
• Go away!Minge ära!
  [ming-eh ah-rah]
• Call the Police!Kutsuge politsei!
  [koot-soo-geh poh-lee-tsai]
• Call a doctor!Kutsuge arst!
  [koot-soo-geh ah-rst]
• I'm lostMa olen eksinud
  [mah oh-lehn ehk-see-nood]
• I'm illMul on halb olla
  [mool ohn hahlb ohl-lah]

• I'd like to buy...Ma tahaksin osta...
  [mah tah-hah-ksin oh-stah]
• I'm just lookingMa lihtsalt vaatan
  [mah leekh-tsalt vah-tahn]
• 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 saate hinda alandada?
  [kahs sah-teh hin-dah ah-lahn-dah-dah]

• What time is it?Mis kell on?
  [mees kehl ohn]
• It's one o'clockOn üks
  [ohn yks]
• Half past (10)Pool (10)
  [pool (d-ehks-tee)]
• MorningHommik
  [hoh-mihk]
• AfternoonPärastlõuna
  [pah-rahs-tloh-nah]
• EveningÕhtu
  [ohk-too]
• YesterdayEile
  [ay-leh]
• TodayTäna
  [tah-nah]
• TomorrowHomme
  [hohm-meh]
• 1Üks
  [yks]
• 2Kaks
  [kahks]
• 3Kolm
  [kohlm]
• 4Neli
  [neh-lee]
• 5Viis
  [vees]
• 6Kuus
  [koos]
• 7Seitse
  [sayt-seh]
• 8Kaheksa
  [kah-hehk-sah]
• 9Üheksa
  [yehk-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 saate mulle näidata (kaardil)?
  [kahs sah-teh mul-leh nah-ee-tah (kah-rdil)]
• When's the next (bus)?Millal on järgmine (buss)?
  [mee-lahl ohn yairg-mee-neh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Pilet (....)
  [pee-leht]

Kärdla’s history dates back to the 16th century when it was first mentioned in historical documents in 1564. The town began as a small fishing village situated on the northeastern coast of the island of Hiiumaa. Its strategic location on the Baltic Sea made it an important site for maritime activities.

In the 17th century, Kärdla came under Swedish rule. During this period, the Swedish Crown initiated several reforms, including the establishment of schools and the introduction of new agricultural techniques. This era left a lasting impact on the local culture and architecture, which can still be seen today.

The 19th century marked a significant turning point for Kärdla with the establishment of the Hiiu-Kärdla Kalevivabrik (Kärdla Broadcloth Factory) in 1830. This factory became the town's economic backbone, attracting workers from various regions and spurring the growth of Kärdla into a bustling industrial hub.

A devastating fire swept through Kärdla in 1867, destroying much of the town. The blaze obliterated numerous homes and businesses, but the community's resilience saw a swift rebuilding effort. The reconstruction period led to the modernization of the town, with improved infrastructure and new architectural styles.

Following World War II, Kärdla fell under Soviet control. The town experienced significant changes during this period, including the nationalization of industries and collectivization of agriculture. The Soviet era also saw the construction of new public buildings, schools, and housing complexes, many of which remain a part of Kärdla’s landscape.

With Estonia's regained independence in 1991, Kärdla embarked on a new chapter of development. The town has since focused on preserving its historical heritage while promoting tourism and sustainable development. Modern Kärdla is a blend of its rich history and contemporary progress, attracting visitors with its unique cultural and historical sites.

One of Kärdla’s most fascinating geological features is the Kärdla meteorite crater, formed approximately 455 million years ago. This ancient impact site has become a significant point of interest for both scientists and tourists, offering insights into the region’s prehistoric past.

Kärdla is vibrant with cultural activities and festivals that celebrate its rich history and community spirit. Notable events include the annual Hiiumaa Homecoming Festival, which brings together locals and visitors for a celebration of Hiiumaa’s traditions, music, and cuisine.

Kärdla is located on the island of Hiiumaa in Estonia. The nearest major airport is Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport in Tallinn. From Tallinn, you can take a bus or drive to Rohuküla Harbor, which is approximately a 1.5-hour journey. From Rohuküla, a ferry ride will take you to Heltermaa Harbor on Hiiumaa Island. Kärdla is a 25-minute drive from Heltermaa. Alternatively, there are also direct flights from Tallinn to Kärdla Airport, which take around 30 minutes.

Kärdla is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips around Hiiumaa, rental cars and bicycles are popular options. There is also a local bus service that connects Kärdla with other parts of the island. Taxis are available but may need to be booked in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The official currency in Estonia is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Kärdla. ATMs are available throughout the town for cash withdrawals. It is recommended to carry some cash, especially when visiting more remote areas of the island where card payments may not be accepted.

Kärdla is generally a safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always advisable.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the EU-wide emergency number. Kärdla has a local police station and medical facilities, including a hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and according to the weather. Layers are advisable due to the island's variable climate. Avoid flashy clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful of other passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Tere' (Hello in Estonian). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'kama' and 'leivasupp'. Don’t refuse offers of food or drink as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Kärdla like a local, visit the Kärdla market for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with the friendly residents who are often willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss the Hiiumaa Museum and the beautiful Kärdla beach. For a unique experience, rent a bike and explore the island's scenic routes, including the Ristna lighthouse and Tahkuna peninsula.