Emmaste Parish
(IRL )
The rural community Emmaste (Estonian Emmaste vald ) lies in the southwest of the Estonian circle Hiiu ( Hiiu maakond ).
Location and description
Emmaste is one of four rural communities on the second largest Estonian island of Hiiumaa ( German Dagö ). It is located about forty kilometers from the island's capital Kärdla. The area is 197.5 km ². The rural community has a 63 km long Baltic coast. 62 % of the territory is covered by forest.
The rural municipality has 1,102 inhabitants (as of 31 December 2011). The main settlements are next to the main town Emmaste ( Emmaste küla ) the villages Jausa, Leisu, Metsalauka and Riidaküla.
Economic importance of the port of Sõru. From there regular ferries to the largest Estonian island of Saaremaa ( Osel ). In the village there is also a museum.
Villages
To the municipality next to the main town Emmaste include (217 inhabitants) the villages ( külad )
- Kaderna
- Kitsa
- Kurisu
- Kuusiku
- Kõmmusselja
- Külaküla
- Külama
- Laartsa
- Lassi
- Leisu
- Lepiku
- Metsalauka
- Metsapere
- Muda
- Tilga
- Tohvri
- Tärkma
- Ulya
- Valgu
- Vanamõisa
- Viiri
History
During the Middle Ages the area was owned by the Bishop of Saare - Länne ( Osel - Wiek ). The independent parish Emmaste was founded in 1866. The following year, the Church of Emmaste was completed. End of the 19th century, the land settlement was established. Until 1950 it belonged to Lääne.
During the Soviet occupation of Estonia, the circles were abolished. Instead, the Estonian SSR in Rajone was divided. The rural community Emmaste was created in its present form after regaining of Estonian independence in 1992.
Pictures
Lighthouse of Sõru
Church of Mänspe
Sheep at Emmaste
Museum building in Sõru