Lyhyehkö

Lyhyehkö is a fictional rural municipality in Salmaria, a Nordic-inspired country. It covers about 94 square kilometers and has roughly 3,400 residents as of 2023. The municipal seat is Hietala, which houses most public services. The name derives from local roots and is linked to the area’s low ridges and forests.

The landscape comprises conifer forests, small lakes, and rolling hills. The terrain is gently undulating, with crests up to about 180 meters. A network of rural roads connects scattered settlements. The climate is maritime-influenced, with cold winters and mild, wet summers.

Historically, the area was settled in the late medieval period and appears in records from the 1560s. It became an independent parish in the 17th century and a municipality in 1864, with surrounding villages incorporated during the 20th century.

Governance is by an elected municipal council of 13 members, with a mayor as the executive. As of 2024, the mayor is Aino Halme. The council handles local planning, schools, and services; regional authorities oversee health care and transportation.

The economy centers on forestry, farming, and local services. Cottage industries and craft shops appear in the tourist season. Public facilities include a primary school, a library, and a small clinic. Lyhyehkö sits on a regional road, about 18–25 km from the nearest railway station; a small airstrip serves hobby aviation.

Cultural life includes an annual midsummer festival and nature trails through pine and birch forests. Education is provided by Lyhyehkö Primary School; secondary schooling is available nearby. The library hosts readings and workshops.

Notable people linked to Lyhyehkö include writer Satu Kivistö and conservationist Mikko Ranta. The municipality maintains a local archive of historical documents and genealogical records.

---