Metsaääre

Metsaääre Hiis is a protected sacrificial site and a historic natural sacred site. Its registry number is 12467. The Ohvrikivi, also called hiiekivi, is located within the protected sacrificial sacred grove Ohvrihiis. Another distinctive cultural feature is Hiietantsijate koht: an oval ring of large boulders on Rauniku mägi hill. It measures 21 metres from north to south and 29 metres from east to west.

The names Metsaääre Hiis and Ohvrihiis refer to a protected sacrificial site, or sacrificial sacred grove, and a historic natural sacred site. The Ohvrikivi/hiiekivi is located within the protected sacrificial sacred grove Ohvrihiis; both entries have the registry number 12467. The site and the stone located there can therefore be understood as related parts of Metsaääre’s cultural character, without equating them with the separately described stone circle.

Hiietantsijate koht is also associated with a traditional practice. It is said that people used to dance within the stone circle. This practice was called “hiiel-käimiseks”. The phrase refers to a past, traditional use of the site; it does not describe a present-day event. Those interested in the cultural history of a destination can consider this tradition alongside the protected sacrificial site as a separate aspect.

Hiietantsijate koht is an oval ring of large boulders on Rauniku mägi hill. It measures 21 metres from north to south and 29 metres from east to west. The two measurements show the oval’s different orientations: its stated diameter is greater from east to west. These specific dimensions give the stone circle a clearly described shape and distinguish it from a circular ground plan.

The stones and the traditional dancing practice represent two different aspects of the same place: the shape of the ring can be described using its measurements, while a past use has also been passed down. Both details may be of interest on a cultural trip, without implying anything about activities today.

The descriptions of the hills cover different features. Penimägi was characterized as relatively high, with lower ground towards the bog. Rauniku mägi, by contrast, is described in more detail on its eastern side: it is partly covered with ironstone and limestone and has a slope of around 20–30°. The gradient is approximate.

If you are weighing nature and culture as travel interests, these descriptions may help you decide what appeals to you. Each refers to the named hill and does not describe a shared route.

The known features are especially appealing to travellers interested in historic sacred sites, traditional customs and distinctive landforms. The stone circle offers its measurements and clearly defined shape as a concrete starting point; the sacrificial site and the Ohvrikivi/hiiekivi provide a different cultural focus. Penimägi and the eastern side of Rauniku mägi offer their own points of interest for appreciating the landscape, alongside the cultural sites. This allows you to assess Metsaääre in terms of the aspects that matter to you on a cultural trip or a trip focused on landscapes.

If you would like to compare other places from the same broader selection, you can find Kuralase, Siiksaare, Nurme, Nässuma, Pidula, Rannaküla, Laugu and Mustjala here.

What is Metsaääre Hiis?

It is a protected sacrificial site and historic natural sacred site with registry number 12467.

What are the dimensions of Hiietantsijate koht?

The oval ring of large boulders measures 21 metres from north to south and 29 metres from east to west.

What does “hiiel-käimiseks” mean?

This was the name given to the traditional past practice of dancing within the stone circle.

For the broader travel overview: Saaremaa.