Photos: Aesthetic Perspective of Estonia by Photographer Tonu Runnel
In the heart of Estonia, remote corners offer a unique experience during moonlit nights, where total silence reigns as humans always bring light with them, never experiencing total darkness in inhabited places, such as Meelva near Räpina.
The bustling city of Tallinn, however, presents a different picture. Once home to a cool cinema in the Rotermann district, it has transformed into what some may call a city planning error. Interestingly, after everyone has left, the red-eyed terminators are switched on, giving the office an eerie glow.
Just a stone's throw away, the majestic railroad station of Tartu, Vaksali, stands as a relic of the czarist era, now revitalized and shining as the crown jewel of rail transport. Meanwhile, the industrial cucumber farm in Lohkva illuminates Tartu so brightly that it can be seen from afar at night.
Tartu also boasts the Tähtvere, an empty colosseum in winter and a song festival ground in summer. Its roof, reminiscent of a landing space ship, enhances acoustics and protects from rain. Nearby, the Town Hall Square features a Mediterranean-looking bank building from the 19th century, with Neo-Renaissance style, adding a touch of beauty to the cityscape.
The Old Town of Tallinn, with its medieval architecture, Toompea Castle, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, is a must-visit for those seeking charm reminiscent of the historic cityscape. Urban spaces with small buildings and narrow streets become cosier after nightfall, with warm, inviting pockets created by street lights.
Photographers frequently capture the serene forest scenes and coastal views typical of Estonia's diverse environments. A unique sight is Mardu, Soomaa, where bonfires are lit during Midsummer Day festivities, attracting people like insects, and sometimes featuring stranger art performances with light and smoke from burning wood.
In the residential district of Pelgulinn, human-relatable sized streets and houses offer a comforting contrast to the more industrial areas. The former factory around the Aparaat courtyard has been transformed into a vibrant hub, now housing restaurants, studios, and offices.
The deserted factory zone in Rotermann, once resembling half-conscious machines before its demolition, has been renovated into one of Tallinn's crown jewels. The cinema in Rotermann, now looking out of place due to renovation behind its back, stands as a testament to the city's ever-changing landscape.
Supilinn, Tartu, offers a unique view from a kitchen on a still winter night, with gardens, sheds, and neighboring streets visible under the blanket of fog, snow, or rain clouds. The former lighthouse in Käsmu Captain's Village, facing the sea, glows from the faint midnight light of the midsummer and is small enough for Aarne, the keeper of the Maritime Museum, to live and work in during warmer months.
For those seeking more detailed descriptions or highlights from the "Estonian urban and landscape photo series," dedicated photo archives, cultural heritage sites, or photography portfolios focused on Estonia may provide comprehensive insights.
- In contrast to the remote corners of Estonia, the city of Tallinn, specifically Pelgulinn, offers a comforting residential feel with human-relatable sized streets and houses.
- The Estonian government has managed to revitalize iconic structures, such as the majestic railroad station of Tartu, Vaksali, and the former factory around the Aparaat courtyard in Tallinn, transforming them into vibrant hubs of modern life.
- Travelers exploring Estonia can immerse themselves in the unique lifestyle of various regions, from the bustling city life in Tallinn to the Midsummer Day festivities in Mardu, Soomaa, which illuminate the night with bonfires and intriguing light performances.
