Photography: Tõnu Runnel's Perspective on Estonian Noir
In the heart of Estonia, two cities—Tartu and Tallinn—offer a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Each season paints a unique picture of these cities, making them a photographer's paradise and a must-visit destination for any traveller.
Tartu, known for its industrial cucumber farm Lohkva, emits a bright light at night, making the city visible from long distances. Contrastingly, Supilinn, a neighbourhood in Tartu, presents a tranquil winter night view from a kitchen window, with gardens, sheds, and streets subtly influenced by fog, snow, and rain clouds.
A notable structure in Tartu is the majestic railroad station, a relic of the czarist era, which has been renovated and is now operational once more. Nearby, a courtyard beside the Town Hall Square is home to a tree that transforms the space into a distinct entity, adding to Tartu's charm.
Moving north to Tallinn, the urban spaces become cozier after nightfall, with warm, inviting pockets created by street lights. Tähtvere, a versatile location, serves as an ice skating rink in winter and a song festival ground in summer.
Tallinn's Old Town is a testament to the city's medieval heritage, with memorable buildings like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Toompea Castle, St. Olaf's Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Danish Garden. These sites display distinctive architectural beauty and historical significance year-round.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with its vibrant onion domes, stands out against snowy winters, vibrant autumn foliage, and lush green summers. Toompea Castle, situated on Toompea Hill, offers panoramic views over Tallinn’s Old Town and beyond, ideal for capturing the golden hues of autumn or the stark contrasts of winter frost.
St. Olaf’s Church, one of the tallest Gothic churches, provides unique photo opportunities across all seasons. St. Nicholas Church, rebuilt after WWII, combines history and art, set within Tallinn’s medieval streets which change character visually with the seasons.
The Danish Garden, a historically significant and tranquil spot, transforms beautifully through seasonal changes. Tallinn’s town wall with towers and the Viru Gate also provide architectural interest throughout the year.
Kadriorg Park and its art museum add natural landscape charm, offering vibrant colors in autumn and snow-covered serenity in winter. Together, these buildings and landscapes provide a richly textured visual narrative of Estonia’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Remote corners of Estonia, like Meelva near Räpina, offer the opportunity to experience total silence during moonlit nights. Telliskivi, a half-deserted industrial zone in Tallinn, is popular for shooting sci-fi and post-apocalyptic movies.
The deserted factory zone in Rotermann was once a city planning error but has been renovated into one of Tallinn's crown jewels. The main train station in Tallinn, Balti jaam, has platforms with futuristic streetlights, and unfortunately, no real passenger lounges.
During the Midsummer Day festivities, bonfires and art performances with light and smoke from burning wood are common all around Estonia, adding a unique touch to the country's celebrations. Uus Maailm, a significant piece of Soviet-era architecture, has been reconstructed to house more government officials.
Aarne, the keeper of the Maritime Museum behind Käsmu Captain's Village, sometimes lives and works in the house during the warmer months of the year. Käsmu Captain's Village is home to a former lighthouse, a small house that can be lived and worked in during warmer months.
In Tartu, the Town Hall Square houses a 19th-century Mediterranean-looking bank building, a notable structure at the central square of the city. The Soviet-era colosseum roof at Tähtvere enhances acoustics and protects from rain, making it an ideal location for various events.
Exploring Estonia's cities and landscapes is an adventure that unfolds with each passing season, offering a unique and enchanting experience for every visitor.
- Despite being known for its industrial farm Lohkva, Tartu's quiet neighborhood of Supilinn presents a tranquil winter night view from a kitchen window, providing a vivid contrast to the city's landscape.
- As the capital, Tallinn offers a mix of Medieval heritage and modern lifestyle, with the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral standing out in winter's snow, while the Danish Garden transforms beautifully through seasonal changes.
- Estonia's rural areas, like Meelva near Räpina, offer a chance to experience total silence during moonlit nights, adding another layer to the country's captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a photographer's paradise for any traveller.
