With the arrival of spring I tend to think of flowers and increased periods of sunshine. Unfortunately spring is off to a bad start this year with snowfall not only taking place across Estonia but in other parts of Europe too. This photograph was taken last Friday in Simuna, Lääne-Viru County in northeastern Estonia.
Estonia - Paradise of the North
Ilus Eesti, beautiful Estonia. My family's homeland. Estonia's countryside and people have an endearing gentleness about them which you fall in love with slowly and imperceptibly. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Estonians' courage and determination to survive despite centuries of repression, tyranny and foreign occupation. This blog aims to promote Estonian news, history and culture and seeks to enlighten readers about everything this unique country has to offer.
Monday 22 April 2024
Springtime in Estonia
Sunday 21 April 2024
Photo flashback: Tallinn's Härjapea River
Few people would remember it now but the narrow Härjapea River used to flow through the city of Tallinn. During the Middle Ages it was one of the most exploited rivers in Estonia. Eight watermills were built along the river and as industries grew, the river became increasingly polluted.
By the 19th century the Härjapea River was partially covered with planks to deal with the pollution issue. Then in 1930 the river was sealed completely. Today, only underground sewer pipes remain.
Friday 19 April 2024
Estonia's emerging drone industry
The drone sector is rapidly developing in the European Union. Ten years from now the drone industry is estimated to make up 10% of the entire aviation market and by 2050 it will create over 150,000 new jobs. In Estonia there are currently 21 drone manufacturers including Milrem Robotics, Hepta, Clevon, Threod Systems, and Skycorp. It has been predicted that Estonia will become a market leader in the drone sector with the country on track to becoming one of the most prominent development and operating hubs in Europe.
Estonian-made drones have been dubbed by some as 'the new Estonian Nokia'. The Estonian drone sector has every possibility to grow exponentially and greatly increase exports. Estonian-made drones have already made significant contributions to troops in Ukraine on various missions, including demining, route clearance, and re-supply.
In February 2024 the Estonian Defense Force announced that a new drone training centre will be set up close to Nurmsi Airfield in Järva County. It is expected to be operational by the end of the year. The facility will be the only drone training centre of its kind in Estonia. The drone training centre will be available to the Estonian Defence Forces, the Estonian Defense League (Kaitseliit) and NATO allies and will include accommodation and lecture rooms as well as other facilities needed to support drone training.
The drone market will grow to 50 billion euros by 2026 and presents a fantastic opportunity for Estonia as a whole.
Tuesday 16 April 2024
Estonian clown Julia Masli
If you enjoy a bit of comedy then you might be interested in the work of Julia Masli. Born in Tallinn in 1995 Masli is an award winning clown now based in London. Last year Masli won several awards at the Edinburgh Finge Festival and Edinburgh Comedy Awards. Julia Masli is currently in Australia performing her 'Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha' show.
Sunday 14 April 2024
April 14 is 'künnipäev' ploughing day in Estonia
According to the old Estonian folk calendar, April 14 is considered künnipäev / ploughing day. Traditionally on this day farmers wake up early as possible and start checking that all the farming equipment is in working order and ready for use. Then they would take a load of manure to the field and tend to the soil in hope of a good harvest.
Every year in Estonia there is an annual ploughing championship. The next one is scheduled to take place in September. There is also a World Ploughing Championship and this year it will be held in Tartu to mark the 150th anniversary of Estonia's first ploughing competition. More information about the event can be found here.
Thursday 11 April 2024
Monday 8 April 2024
Estonia's famous heart-shape lake
Spring is a great time to head outdoors and enjoy some of Estonia's beautiful nature trails. In Viljandi the trail at Lake Parika Väikejärv is famous for its heart-shaped bog lake. The trail runs through the forest and rises to the brink of the bog, where you can stop for a relaxing picnic or go for a rejuvenating swim in the bog lake. The circular trail goes around the lake, passing bog pools and places that are rich in berries. What a lovely way to spend the day!