Kiviseles

Kiviseles is a small rural community located in the central part of Estonia, within the borders of Järva County. The area covers approximately 12 square kilometres and, according to the most recent census, is home to roughly 320 residents. The population is predominantly ethnic Estonian, with a small proportion of Russian-speaking minorities. The residents largely share a close-knit, agrarian lifestyle, with the majority employed in local farming, forestry, and small-scale service businesses.

The name Kiviseles derives from the Estonian words "kivi" meaning stone and "seles" translating to cauldron, a reference to the rocky outcrops that historically shaped the settlement’s trades and local folklore. Historical records first mention Kiviseles in a 17th‑century tax registry. During the early 20th century, the village underwent a brief period of industrialization with the establishment of a small cooperative sawmill, which later closed after the collapse of the Soviet-era timber market. The community is known for maintaining traditional Estonian folk practices, including seasonal festivals and artisanal crafts such as needlework and wood carving.

Kiviseles maintains a primary educational institution and a community centre that serves both social and cultural functions. It is accessible by a regional bus line that connects the village to the county seat, Paide, enabling residents to commute for employment or education. The surrounding landscape features mixed forests, small lakes, and gently rolling farmland, making it a popular destination for local hiking and bird‑watching enthusiasts.