Umfanges

Umfanges is a fictional municipality created for this encyclopedia-style article. It is situated in the northern lands of Nordmark, lying in a broad valley between the Silf and Alderbergen ranges and covering about 12 square kilometers. The population is approximately 1,900 residents. The name is linked to an old local term for breadth, reflecting the wide valley that surrounds the settlement. The community originated as a medieval parish and developed into a small market town during the early modern period.

Geography and economy: The area experiences a temperate climate with cold winters and mild summers. The surrounding land is used mainly for agriculture—grain, dairying, and pasture—supported by a network of irrigation ditches fed by the Umfanges Brook that runs through the town center. A modest craft sector, including wood carving and textile work, complements farming. The village also attracts visitors with rural tourism focused on landscapes, trails, and traditional cuisine.

Governance and services: Umfanges is governed by a nine-member municipal council within the Nordmark district. Public services include a primary school, a volunteer fire brigade, and a small health clinic. Transportation relies on regional roads and bus connections to the nearest railway station in Brackenham, about 25 kilometers away. Notable landmarks include the 17th-century St. Jakob’s Church and a preserved hillside windmill. The town hosts an annual harvest festival that draws residents from surrounding areas.