Härillä

Härillä is a small, uninhabited island located in the Archipelago Sea, part of the Gulf of Bothnia in the Baltic Sea. Situated approximately 15 kilometers northwest of the Finnish mainland, it lies within the municipality of Korsnäs in Österbotten (Östergötland in Swedish-speaking regions). The island is part of the larger archipelago known as the Kvarken Archipelago, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for its unique geological and ecological features.

Härillä is characterized by its rugged coastline, rocky shores, and sparse vegetation, typical of many islands in the region. The island is primarily composed of Precambrian bedrock, with exposed granite and gneiss surfaces. Due to its remote location and lack of infrastructure, it is not accessible to the general public and serves primarily as a natural reserve. The island is occasionally used for scientific research, particularly in marine biology and geology, owing to its isolated environment and ecological significance.

The name *Härillä* is believed to derive from the Finnish word *härä*, meaning "ox," possibly referencing the island’s shape or historical references to livestock grazing. The island’s isolation and lack of permanent human habitation have contributed to its preservation as a pristine natural area, offering a glimpse into the untouched landscapes of the Baltic Sea archipelago. Its proximity to the Kvarken Archipelago’s World Heritage Site makes it a notable but lesser-known part of the region’s broader ecological and cultural heritage.