Vormsi
Encyclopedia
Estonia
's fourth largest island
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Vormsi Parish
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
or "coastal Swedes" in English
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
name Worms or its Swedish
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
(the main port), Söderby
, Norrby, Diby
, Rälby
, Förby
, Borrby
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
's fourth largest island
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Vormsi Parish
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
or "coastal Swedes" in English
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
name Worms or its Swedish
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
(the main port), Söderby
, Norrby, Diby
, Rälby
, Förby
, Borrby
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
's fourth largest island
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Vormsi Parish
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
or "coastal Swedes" in English
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
name Worms or its Swedish
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
(the main port), Söderby
, Norrby, Diby
, Rälby
, Förby
, Borrby
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
's fourth largest island
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Vormsi Parish
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
or "coastal Swedes" in English
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
name Worms or its Swedish
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
(the main port), Söderby
, Norrby, Diby
, Rälby
, Förby
, Borrby
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
's fourth largest island
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Vormsi Parish
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
or "coastal Swedes" in English
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
name Worms or its Swedish
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
(the main port), Söderby
, Norrby, Diby
, Rälby
, Förby
, Borrby
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
's fourth largest island
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Vormsi Parish
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
or "coastal Swedes" in English
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
name Worms or its Swedish
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
(the main port), Söderby
, Norrby, Diby
, Rälby
, Förby
, Borrby
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
's fourth largest island
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Vormsi Parish
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
or "coastal Swedes" in English
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
name Worms or its Swedish
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
(the main port), Söderby
, Norrby, Diby
, Rälby
, Förby
, Borrby
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
's fourth largest island
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Vormsi Parish
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
or "coastal Swedes" in English
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
name Worms or its Swedish
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
(the main port), Söderby
, Norrby, Diby
, Rälby
, Förby
, Borrby
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
's fourth largest island
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Vormsi Parish
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
or "coastal Swedes" in English
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
name Worms or its Swedish
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
(the main port), Söderby
, Norrby, Diby
, Rälby
, Förby
, Borrby
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
Image:Norrby majakka.jpg|Saxby lighthouse
Image:Lehmihaka.jpg|Paddoc, Rälby
Image:Vormsi-tuulimylly.jpg|Old windmill, Rälby
Image:Metsänvartijanmökki1.jpg|Woodman's cottage, Hullo
Image:Vormsi-Ormso-Rumpo-muul.jpg|Beach area in Rumpo
Estonia
Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
's fourth largest island
Island
An island or isle is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, cays or keys. An island in a river or lake may be called an eyot , or holm...
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is the second largest island belonging to Estonia. It is located in the Baltic Sea, north of the island of Saaremaa, a part of the West Estonian archipelago. Its largest town is Kärdla.-Name:...
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Municipalities of Estonia
A Municipality is the smallest administrative subdivision of Estonia. Each municipality is a unit of self-government with its representative and executive bodies. The municipalities in Estonia cover the entire territory of the country....
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish is a rural municipality of Estonia, in Lääne County. It covers the area of Vormsi island. The population of Vormsi is 245 and has an area of 92.93 km².-Settlements:...
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
History
Vormsi's history as an inhabited island dates back as far as the 13th century. During most of its history, the island has been inhabited by Estonian SwedesEstonian Swedes
The Estonian Swedes, Estonia-Swedes, or Coastal Swedes are a Swedish-speaking linguistic minority traditionally residing in the coastal areas and islands of what is now western and northern Estonia...
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
Estonian language
Estonian is the official language of Estonia, spoken by about 1.1 million people in Estonia and tens of thousands in various émigré communities...
or "coastal Swedes" in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
name Worms or its Swedish
Swedish language
Swedish is a North Germanic language, spoken by approximately 10 million people, predominantly in Sweden and parts of Finland, especially along its coast and on the Åland islands. It is largely mutually intelligible with Norwegian and Danish...
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
Sviby
Sviby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
(the main port), Söderby
Söderby
Söderby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Norrby, Diby
Diby
Diby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Rälby
Rälby
Rälby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Förby
Förby
Förby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Borrby
Borrby, Estonia
Borrby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
Saxby, Estonia
Saxby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Life on Vormsi
Life on the Vormsi island among natural beauty is peaceful and safe. As of 2011, 406 inhabitants are registered to Vormsi. The island is surrounded by cultural and environmental value, natural and safe environment. Vormsi has modern infrastructures: the road network and harbours are constantly renovated.Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
Nature
30 smaller islands belong to the island of Vormsi so the total of dry land is 93 km2. The oldest and also the highest parts of Vormsi rose from the sea about 3000 years ago. As the land rose, the former sea coves turned into the lakes of Prästviigi, Diby and Kärrslati.A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
Literature
- Kanarbik, Madis, Ormsö. De estlandssvenska böndernas kamp mot godsägarna under 1700- och 1800-talet [Nordistica Tartuensia; 9] (Tartu, 2003)
- Beyer, Jürgen, 'Whom should one thank for a narrow escape? Lessons drawn from a perilous journey from Vormsi and Noarootsi to Finland in 1796', Pro Ethnologia 17 (2004), 175-95
Gallery
EstoniaEstonia
Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
's fourth largest island
Island
An island or isle is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, cays or keys. An island in a river or lake may be called an eyot , or holm...
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is the second largest island belonging to Estonia. It is located in the Baltic Sea, north of the island of Saaremaa, a part of the West Estonian archipelago. Its largest town is Kärdla.-Name:...
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Municipalities of Estonia
A Municipality is the smallest administrative subdivision of Estonia. Each municipality is a unit of self-government with its representative and executive bodies. The municipalities in Estonia cover the entire territory of the country....
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish is a rural municipality of Estonia, in Lääne County. It covers the area of Vormsi island. The population of Vormsi is 245 and has an area of 92.93 km².-Settlements:...
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
History
Vormsi's history as an inhabited island dates back as far as the 13th century. During most of its history, the island has been inhabited by Estonian SwedesEstonian Swedes
The Estonian Swedes, Estonia-Swedes, or Coastal Swedes are a Swedish-speaking linguistic minority traditionally residing in the coastal areas and islands of what is now western and northern Estonia...
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
Estonian language
Estonian is the official language of Estonia, spoken by about 1.1 million people in Estonia and tens of thousands in various émigré communities...
or "coastal Swedes" in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
name Worms or its Swedish
Swedish language
Swedish is a North Germanic language, spoken by approximately 10 million people, predominantly in Sweden and parts of Finland, especially along its coast and on the Åland islands. It is largely mutually intelligible with Norwegian and Danish...
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
Sviby
Sviby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
(the main port), Söderby
Söderby
Söderby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Norrby, Diby
Diby
Diby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Rälby
Rälby
Rälby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Förby
Förby
Förby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Borrby
Borrby, Estonia
Borrby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
Saxby, Estonia
Saxby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Life on Vormsi
Life on the Vormsi island among natural beauty is peaceful and safe. As of 2011, 406 inhabitants are registered to Vormsi. The island is surrounded by cultural and environmental value, natural and safe environment. Vormsi has modern infrastructures: the road network and harbours are constantly renovated.Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
Nature
30 smaller islands belong to the island of Vormsi so the total of dry land is 93 km2. The oldest and also the highest parts of Vormsi rose from the sea about 3000 years ago. As the land rose, the former sea coves turned into the lakes of Prästviigi, Diby and Kärrslati.A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
Literature
- Kanarbik, Madis, Ormsö. De estlandssvenska böndernas kamp mot godsägarna under 1700- och 1800-talet [Nordistica Tartuensia; 9] (Tartu, 2003)
- Beyer, Jürgen, 'Whom should one thank for a narrow escape? Lessons drawn from a perilous journey from Vormsi and Noarootsi to Finland in 1796', Pro Ethnologia 17 (2004), 175-95
Gallery
EstoniaEstonia
Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
's fourth largest island
Island
An island or isle is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, cays or keys. An island in a river or lake may be called an eyot , or holm...
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is the second largest island belonging to Estonia. It is located in the Baltic Sea, north of the island of Saaremaa, a part of the West Estonian archipelago. Its largest town is Kärdla.-Name:...
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Municipalities of Estonia
A Municipality is the smallest administrative subdivision of Estonia. Each municipality is a unit of self-government with its representative and executive bodies. The municipalities in Estonia cover the entire territory of the country....
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish is a rural municipality of Estonia, in Lääne County. It covers the area of Vormsi island. The population of Vormsi is 245 and has an area of 92.93 km².-Settlements:...
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
History
Vormsi's history as an inhabited island dates back as far as the 13th century. During most of its history, the island has been inhabited by Estonian SwedesEstonian Swedes
The Estonian Swedes, Estonia-Swedes, or Coastal Swedes are a Swedish-speaking linguistic minority traditionally residing in the coastal areas and islands of what is now western and northern Estonia...
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
Estonian language
Estonian is the official language of Estonia, spoken by about 1.1 million people in Estonia and tens of thousands in various émigré communities...
or "coastal Swedes" in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
name Worms or its Swedish
Swedish language
Swedish is a North Germanic language, spoken by approximately 10 million people, predominantly in Sweden and parts of Finland, especially along its coast and on the Åland islands. It is largely mutually intelligible with Norwegian and Danish...
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
Sviby
Sviby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
(the main port), Söderby
Söderby
Söderby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Norrby, Diby
Diby
Diby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Rälby
Rälby
Rälby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Förby
Förby
Förby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Borrby
Borrby, Estonia
Borrby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
Saxby, Estonia
Saxby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Life on Vormsi
Life on the Vormsi island among natural beauty is peaceful and safe. As of 2011, 406 inhabitants are registered to Vormsi. The island is surrounded by cultural and environmental value, natural and safe environment. Vormsi has modern infrastructures: the road network and harbours are constantly renovated.Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
Nature
30 smaller islands belong to the island of Vormsi so the total of dry land is 93 km2. The oldest and also the highest parts of Vormsi rose from the sea about 3000 years ago. As the land rose, the former sea coves turned into the lakes of Prästviigi, Diby and Kärrslati.A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
Literature
- Kanarbik, Madis, Ormsö. De estlandssvenska böndernas kamp mot godsägarna under 1700- och 1800-talet [Nordistica Tartuensia; 9] (Tartu, 2003)
- Beyer, Jürgen, 'Whom should one thank for a narrow escape? Lessons drawn from a perilous journey from Vormsi and Noarootsi to Finland in 1796', Pro Ethnologia 17 (2004), 175-95
Gallery
EstoniaEstonia
Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
's fourth largest island
Island
An island or isle is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, cays or keys. An island in a river or lake may be called an eyot , or holm...
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is the second largest island belonging to Estonia. It is located in the Baltic Sea, north of the island of Saaremaa, a part of the West Estonian archipelago. Its largest town is Kärdla.-Name:...
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Municipalities of Estonia
A Municipality is the smallest administrative subdivision of Estonia. Each municipality is a unit of self-government with its representative and executive bodies. The municipalities in Estonia cover the entire territory of the country....
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish is a rural municipality of Estonia, in Lääne County. It covers the area of Vormsi island. The population of Vormsi is 245 and has an area of 92.93 km².-Settlements:...
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
History
Vormsi's history as an inhabited island dates back as far as the 13th century. During most of its history, the island has been inhabited by Estonian SwedesEstonian Swedes
The Estonian Swedes, Estonia-Swedes, or Coastal Swedes are a Swedish-speaking linguistic minority traditionally residing in the coastal areas and islands of what is now western and northern Estonia...
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
Estonian language
Estonian is the official language of Estonia, spoken by about 1.1 million people in Estonia and tens of thousands in various émigré communities...
or "coastal Swedes" in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
name Worms or its Swedish
Swedish language
Swedish is a North Germanic language, spoken by approximately 10 million people, predominantly in Sweden and parts of Finland, especially along its coast and on the Åland islands. It is largely mutually intelligible with Norwegian and Danish...
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
Sviby
Sviby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
(the main port), Söderby
Söderby
Söderby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Norrby, Diby
Diby
Diby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Rälby
Rälby
Rälby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Förby
Förby
Förby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Borrby
Borrby, Estonia
Borrby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
Saxby, Estonia
Saxby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Life on Vormsi
Life on the Vormsi island among natural beauty is peaceful and safe. As of 2011, 406 inhabitants are registered to Vormsi. The island is surrounded by cultural and environmental value, natural and safe environment. Vormsi has modern infrastructures: the road network and harbours are constantly renovated.Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
Nature
30 smaller islands belong to the island of Vormsi so the total of dry land is 93 km2. The oldest and also the highest parts of Vormsi rose from the sea about 3000 years ago. As the land rose, the former sea coves turned into the lakes of Prästviigi, Diby and Kärrslati.A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
Literature
- Kanarbik, Madis, Ormsö. De estlandssvenska böndernas kamp mot godsägarna under 1700- och 1800-talet [Nordistica Tartuensia; 9] (Tartu, 2003)
- Beyer, Jürgen, 'Whom should one thank for a narrow escape? Lessons drawn from a perilous journey from Vormsi and Noarootsi to Finland in 1796', Pro Ethnologia 17 (2004), 175-95
Gallery
EstoniaEstonia
Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
's fourth largest island
Island
An island or isle is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, cays or keys. An island in a river or lake may be called an eyot , or holm...
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is the second largest island belonging to Estonia. It is located in the Baltic Sea, north of the island of Saaremaa, a part of the West Estonian archipelago. Its largest town is Kärdla.-Name:...
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Municipalities of Estonia
A Municipality is the smallest administrative subdivision of Estonia. Each municipality is a unit of self-government with its representative and executive bodies. The municipalities in Estonia cover the entire territory of the country....
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish is a rural municipality of Estonia, in Lääne County. It covers the area of Vormsi island. The population of Vormsi is 245 and has an area of 92.93 km².-Settlements:...
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
History
Vormsi's history as an inhabited island dates back as far as the 13th century. During most of its history, the island has been inhabited by Estonian SwedesEstonian Swedes
The Estonian Swedes, Estonia-Swedes, or Coastal Swedes are a Swedish-speaking linguistic minority traditionally residing in the coastal areas and islands of what is now western and northern Estonia...
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
Estonian language
Estonian is the official language of Estonia, spoken by about 1.1 million people in Estonia and tens of thousands in various émigré communities...
or "coastal Swedes" in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
name Worms or its Swedish
Swedish language
Swedish is a North Germanic language, spoken by approximately 10 million people, predominantly in Sweden and parts of Finland, especially along its coast and on the Åland islands. It is largely mutually intelligible with Norwegian and Danish...
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
Sviby
Sviby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
(the main port), Söderby
Söderby
Söderby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Norrby, Diby
Diby
Diby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Rälby
Rälby
Rälby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Förby
Förby
Förby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Borrby
Borrby, Estonia
Borrby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
Saxby, Estonia
Saxby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Life on Vormsi
Life on the Vormsi island among natural beauty is peaceful and safe. As of 2011, 406 inhabitants are registered to Vormsi. The island is surrounded by cultural and environmental value, natural and safe environment. Vormsi has modern infrastructures: the road network and harbours are constantly renovated.Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
Nature
30 smaller islands belong to the island of Vormsi so the total of dry land is 93 km2. The oldest and also the highest parts of Vormsi rose from the sea about 3000 years ago. As the land rose, the former sea coves turned into the lakes of Prästviigi, Diby and Kärrslati.A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
Literature
- Kanarbik, Madis, Ormsö. De estlandssvenska böndernas kamp mot godsägarna under 1700- och 1800-talet [Nordistica Tartuensia; 9] (Tartu, 2003)
- Beyer, Jürgen, 'Whom should one thank for a narrow escape? Lessons drawn from a perilous journey from Vormsi and Noarootsi to Finland in 1796', Pro Ethnologia 17 (2004), 175-95
Gallery
EstoniaEstonia
Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
's fourth largest island
Island
An island or isle is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, cays or keys. An island in a river or lake may be called an eyot , or holm...
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is the second largest island belonging to Estonia. It is located in the Baltic Sea, north of the island of Saaremaa, a part of the West Estonian archipelago. Its largest town is Kärdla.-Name:...
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Municipalities of Estonia
A Municipality is the smallest administrative subdivision of Estonia. Each municipality is a unit of self-government with its representative and executive bodies. The municipalities in Estonia cover the entire territory of the country....
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish is a rural municipality of Estonia, in Lääne County. It covers the area of Vormsi island. The population of Vormsi is 245 and has an area of 92.93 km².-Settlements:...
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
History
Vormsi's history as an inhabited island dates back as far as the 13th century. During most of its history, the island has been inhabited by Estonian SwedesEstonian Swedes
The Estonian Swedes, Estonia-Swedes, or Coastal Swedes are a Swedish-speaking linguistic minority traditionally residing in the coastal areas and islands of what is now western and northern Estonia...
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
Estonian language
Estonian is the official language of Estonia, spoken by about 1.1 million people in Estonia and tens of thousands in various émigré communities...
or "coastal Swedes" in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
name Worms or its Swedish
Swedish language
Swedish is a North Germanic language, spoken by approximately 10 million people, predominantly in Sweden and parts of Finland, especially along its coast and on the Åland islands. It is largely mutually intelligible with Norwegian and Danish...
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
Sviby
Sviby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
(the main port), Söderby
Söderby
Söderby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Norrby, Diby
Diby
Diby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Rälby
Rälby
Rälby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Förby
Förby
Förby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Borrby
Borrby, Estonia
Borrby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
Saxby, Estonia
Saxby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Life on Vormsi
Life on the Vormsi island among natural beauty is peaceful and safe. As of 2011, 406 inhabitants are registered to Vormsi. The island is surrounded by cultural and environmental value, natural and safe environment. Vormsi has modern infrastructures: the road network and harbours are constantly renovated.Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
Nature
30 smaller islands belong to the island of Vormsi so the total of dry land is 93 km2. The oldest and also the highest parts of Vormsi rose from the sea about 3000 years ago. As the land rose, the former sea coves turned into the lakes of Prästviigi, Diby and Kärrslati.A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
Literature
- Kanarbik, Madis, Ormsö. De estlandssvenska böndernas kamp mot godsägarna under 1700- och 1800-talet [Nordistica Tartuensia; 9] (Tartu, 2003)
- Beyer, Jürgen, 'Whom should one thank for a narrow escape? Lessons drawn from a perilous journey from Vormsi and Noarootsi to Finland in 1796', Pro Ethnologia 17 (2004), 175-95
Gallery
EstoniaEstonia
Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
's fourth largest island
Island
An island or isle is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, cays or keys. An island in a river or lake may be called an eyot , or holm...
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is the second largest island belonging to Estonia. It is located in the Baltic Sea, north of the island of Saaremaa, a part of the West Estonian archipelago. Its largest town is Kärdla.-Name:...
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Municipalities of Estonia
A Municipality is the smallest administrative subdivision of Estonia. Each municipality is a unit of self-government with its representative and executive bodies. The municipalities in Estonia cover the entire territory of the country....
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish is a rural municipality of Estonia, in Lääne County. It covers the area of Vormsi island. The population of Vormsi is 245 and has an area of 92.93 km².-Settlements:...
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
History
Vormsi's history as an inhabited island dates back as far as the 13th century. During most of its history, the island has been inhabited by Estonian SwedesEstonian Swedes
The Estonian Swedes, Estonia-Swedes, or Coastal Swedes are a Swedish-speaking linguistic minority traditionally residing in the coastal areas and islands of what is now western and northern Estonia...
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
Estonian language
Estonian is the official language of Estonia, spoken by about 1.1 million people in Estonia and tens of thousands in various émigré communities...
or "coastal Swedes" in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
name Worms or its Swedish
Swedish language
Swedish is a North Germanic language, spoken by approximately 10 million people, predominantly in Sweden and parts of Finland, especially along its coast and on the Åland islands. It is largely mutually intelligible with Norwegian and Danish...
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
Sviby
Sviby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
(the main port), Söderby
Söderby
Söderby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Norrby, Diby
Diby
Diby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Rälby
Rälby
Rälby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Förby
Förby
Förby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Borrby
Borrby, Estonia
Borrby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
Saxby, Estonia
Saxby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Life on Vormsi
Life on the Vormsi island among natural beauty is peaceful and safe. As of 2011, 406 inhabitants are registered to Vormsi. The island is surrounded by cultural and environmental value, natural and safe environment. Vormsi has modern infrastructures: the road network and harbours are constantly renovated.Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
Nature
30 smaller islands belong to the island of Vormsi so the total of dry land is 93 km2. The oldest and also the highest parts of Vormsi rose from the sea about 3000 years ago. As the land rose, the former sea coves turned into the lakes of Prästviigi, Diby and Kärrslati.A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
Literature
- Kanarbik, Madis, Ormsö. De estlandssvenska böndernas kamp mot godsägarna under 1700- och 1800-talet [Nordistica Tartuensia; 9] (Tartu, 2003)
- Beyer, Jürgen, 'Whom should one thank for a narrow escape? Lessons drawn from a perilous journey from Vormsi and Noarootsi to Finland in 1796', Pro Ethnologia 17 (2004), 175-95
Gallery
EstoniaEstonia
Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
's fourth largest island
Island
An island or isle is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, cays or keys. An island in a river or lake may be called an eyot , or holm...
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is the second largest island belonging to Estonia. It is located in the Baltic Sea, north of the island of Saaremaa, a part of the West Estonian archipelago. Its largest town is Kärdla.-Name:...
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Municipalities of Estonia
A Municipality is the smallest administrative subdivision of Estonia. Each municipality is a unit of self-government with its representative and executive bodies. The municipalities in Estonia cover the entire territory of the country....
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish is a rural municipality of Estonia, in Lääne County. It covers the area of Vormsi island. The population of Vormsi is 245 and has an area of 92.93 km².-Settlements:...
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
History
Vormsi's history as an inhabited island dates back as far as the 13th century. During most of its history, the island has been inhabited by Estonian SwedesEstonian Swedes
The Estonian Swedes, Estonia-Swedes, or Coastal Swedes are a Swedish-speaking linguistic minority traditionally residing in the coastal areas and islands of what is now western and northern Estonia...
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
Estonian language
Estonian is the official language of Estonia, spoken by about 1.1 million people in Estonia and tens of thousands in various émigré communities...
or "coastal Swedes" in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
name Worms or its Swedish
Swedish language
Swedish is a North Germanic language, spoken by approximately 10 million people, predominantly in Sweden and parts of Finland, especially along its coast and on the Åland islands. It is largely mutually intelligible with Norwegian and Danish...
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
Sviby
Sviby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
(the main port), Söderby
Söderby
Söderby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Norrby, Diby
Diby
Diby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Rälby
Rälby
Rälby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Förby
Förby
Förby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Borrby
Borrby, Estonia
Borrby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
Saxby, Estonia
Saxby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Life on Vormsi
Life on the Vormsi island among natural beauty is peaceful and safe. As of 2011, 406 inhabitants are registered to Vormsi. The island is surrounded by cultural and environmental value, natural and safe environment. Vormsi has modern infrastructures: the road network and harbours are constantly renovated.Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
Nature
30 smaller islands belong to the island of Vormsi so the total of dry land is 93 km2. The oldest and also the highest parts of Vormsi rose from the sea about 3000 years ago. As the land rose, the former sea coves turned into the lakes of Prästviigi, Diby and Kärrslati.A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
Literature
- Kanarbik, Madis, Ormsö. De estlandssvenska böndernas kamp mot godsägarna under 1700- och 1800-talet [Nordistica Tartuensia; 9] (Tartu, 2003)
- Beyer, Jürgen, 'Whom should one thank for a narrow escape? Lessons drawn from a perilous journey from Vormsi and Noarootsi to Finland in 1796', Pro Ethnologia 17 (2004), 175-95
Gallery
EstoniaEstonia
Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
's fourth largest island
Island
An island or isle is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, cays or keys. An island in a river or lake may be called an eyot , or holm...
, Vormsi , is located between Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is the second largest island belonging to Estonia. It is located in the Baltic Sea, north of the island of Saaremaa, a part of the West Estonian archipelago. Its largest town is Kärdla.-Name:...
and the mainland with a total area of 93 square kilometers. It is part of a rural municipality
Municipalities of Estonia
A Municipality is the smallest administrative subdivision of Estonia. Each municipality is a unit of self-government with its representative and executive bodies. The municipalities in Estonia cover the entire territory of the country....
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish
Vormsi Parish is a rural municipality of Estonia, in Lääne County. It covers the area of Vormsi island. The population of Vormsi is 245 and has an area of 92.93 km².-Settlements:...
. From mainland, Vormsi is separated by a narrow strait – Voosi Kurk, and from Hiiumaa by a bit wider Hari Kurk.
History
Vormsi's history as an inhabited island dates back as far as the 13th century. During most of its history, the island has been inhabited by Estonian SwedesEstonian Swedes
The Estonian Swedes, Estonia-Swedes, or Coastal Swedes are a Swedish-speaking linguistic minority traditionally residing in the coastal areas and islands of what is now western and northern Estonia...
("rannarootslased" in Estonian
Estonian language
Estonian is the official language of Estonia, spoken by about 1.1 million people in Estonia and tens of thousands in various émigré communities...
or "coastal Swedes" in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
), whose population reached 2,500 before World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. During the war, nearly all of Vormsi's population, along with other Swedes living in Estonia, were evacuated, or fled, to Sweden. The island's current population is approximately 300inhabitants.
Vormsi’s coastal Swedish history is witnessed by the St Olav’s church and wheel-crosses in the Cemeteries as well as foreign-sounding place names. Vormsi’s name is of Scandinavian origin. It is believed that the island was named by an Icelandic Viking Orm (in Estonian: Madu, in English: Snake). Swedes have always called the island Ormsö, after Orm the pirate.
The island's Estonian name Vormsi is derived from its German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
name Worms or its Swedish
Swedish language
Swedish is a North Germanic language, spoken by approximately 10 million people, predominantly in Sweden and parts of Finland, especially along its coast and on the Åland islands. It is largely mutually intelligible with Norwegian and Danish...
name Ormsö ("snake island"). Swedish influence can also be seen in other placenames, as in villages like Hullo (the administrative center), Sviby
Sviby
Sviby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
(the main port), Söderby
Söderby
Söderby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Norrby, Diby
Diby
Diby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Rälby
Rälby
Rälby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Förby
Förby
Förby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Borrby
Borrby, Estonia
Borrby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Kärrslätt, Saxby
Saxby, Estonia
Saxby is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County, in western Estonia....
, Busby, Suuremõisa (Magnushof) and Rumpo; and lakes like Prästvik.
Life on Vormsi
Life on the Vormsi island among natural beauty is peaceful and safe. As of 2011, 406 inhabitants are registered to Vormsi. The island is surrounded by cultural and environmental value, natural and safe environment. Vormsi has modern infrastructures: the road network and harbours are constantly renovated.Community economy is based on local resources (potatoes, berries, mushrooms, honey, cattle, timber material, game, fish). We get more and more engaged in agriculture, take care of the coastal meadows and grow cattle and sheep. Well-known people are also tempted to buy summer houses on Vormsi due to the positive image of the island amongst Estonians.
We have well-preserved coastal Swedish cultural heritage, which we strive to jointly use in the image of Vormsi. Our society activities, appreciation for traditions and cultural cooperation is turning global. We keep and appreciate our nature, due to that a biosphere landscape protection area is found – the Natura 2000 network. .
Nature
30 smaller islands belong to the island of Vormsi so the total of dry land is 93 km2. The oldest and also the highest parts of Vormsi rose from the sea about 3000 years ago. As the land rose, the former sea coves turned into the lakes of Prästviigi, Diby and Kärrslati.A hundred kilometres of coastline
Coastline of the island is very jointed, long peninsulas in turn with deep coves. At the northern coast, sea deepens quickly while at the southern coast the water remains up to the knees for a long distance. The western and northern coast are pebbly, sandy coast can be found under the village of Rumpo; island’s eastern and western part have turf and are often covered in reed.
Bedding of the island is of limestone. Relatively even relief is varied by eskers and old coast banks running through the island on north-western – south-eastern direction. Vormsi’s highest point is the mound near Huitberg rising 13 metres above the sea level.
Varied landscape
Alvar and juniper fields are characteristic for the island’s western part; the eastern part is lower and boggy. Over half of the island’s area is covered with forest. As a result of traditional farming, coastal pasturelands, i.e. wooded meadows, have evolved and are still preserved; on these meadows you can find several flora and fauna species that are endangered or have completely disappeared in Estonia and whole Europe.
Copious vegetation
The island has very rich vegetation. Over 900 species of different trees, bushes and herbaceous plants, 60 of which are under different protection classes (for instance, Lady’s slipper, Narrow-leaved and Red Helleborine, Fly Orchid, Club spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Angelica palustris and many others). The island’s moss species are numerously described; the island’s lichen flora with its 301 species is of special interest.
Vormsi fauna
The are 3 reptile and 3 amphibian species registered on the island. The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita formerly Bufo calamita) living in coastal puddles with low water deserves mentioning. Out of protected species, Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) also lives here. 25 species of larger and smaller mammals have been sighted, including lynx. Wild swine representation is quite large.
211 bird species
211 bird species have been written down on Vormsi; out of those special mentioning is deserved by White-tail Eagles and Common Cranes. Here dwells the Peregrine falcon, Bubo bubo, Eurasian Bittern, Dunlin (Calidris alpina). There is a numerous amount of Corn Crake who is seldom seen elsewhere in Europe. Two important migration routes go right across Vormsi: one takes over Haapsalu Tagalahe and Noarootsi peninsula up by Väinameri (Sea of Straits) towards the Gulf of Riga and the other one runs from Põõsaspea cape over Vormsi’s northern coast towards Tahkuna. During springs and autumns, Barnacle Goose and other wild gooses while migrating deserve to be seen; during autumns the fields turn grey in Common Cranes .
Literature
- Kanarbik, Madis, Ormsö. De estlandssvenska böndernas kamp mot godsägarna under 1700- och 1800-talet [Nordistica Tartuensia; 9] (Tartu, 2003)
- Beyer, Jürgen, 'Whom should one thank for a narrow escape? Lessons drawn from a perilous journey from Vormsi and Noarootsi to Finland in 1796', Pro Ethnologia 17 (2004), 175-95
Gallery
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Rumpo
Rumpo is a village in Vormsi Parish, Lääne County in western Estonia....