Vaikse

Vaikse is a coastal municipality in the fictional country of Nordheim, located on the Vaiksefjord along the eastern coast of the Nord Sea. It has a population of about 12,400 and covers 32 square kilometers. The town sits in a sheltered inlet, with pine forests inland and a rocky shoreline along the fjord. The name Vaikse derives from the local Vaikse language and is commonly interpreted as "calm tide."

Vaikse began as a fishing village in the 13th century, expanding with timber trade and shipbuilding in the early modern era. The arrival of railways in the late 19th century linked Vaikse to inland markets, spurring urban growth. After World War II, the town diversified into manufacturing, logistics, and tourism.

Today, Vaikse's economy combines commercial fishing, seafood processing, small-scale manufacturing, and a growing service sector linked to tourism and logistics. The harbor handles ferries to neighboring towns and supports coastal industries. Vaikse is governed by a mayor and a 15-member city council elected every four years. It is part of Nordheim's coastal district. The population is predominantly Vaiksean-speaking, with minority communities speaking other Nordic languages.

Points of interest include the Vaikse Lighthouse, the Old Windmill, and the Vaikse Maritime Museum. The annual Seafare Festival celebrates maritime heritage with markets, music, and boat parades. Roads connect to regional highways; a short ferry service links to offshore communities; a small regional airport serves air connections. Vaikse College of Maritime Studies and Vaikse High School serve secondary and higher education.