Photography: Aesthetic Perspective of Estonian Home by Tõnu Runnel
In the heart of Northern Europe, Estonia experiences a unique summer phenomenon. With its location far enough north, the country experiences little darkness and near-constant light during the summer months 1. This brief but vibrant season is eagerly anticipated by Estonians, who traditionally have strong ties to their country homes, or "suvemajad."
This seasonal migration, known as "suveks maal" in Estonian, translates roughly to "to the countryside for summer." It is a well-documented cultural practice that sees many families temporarily moving from urban areas to rural summer cottages or villages 2.
The tradition of moving to the countryside for summer is deeply rooted in Estonia's connection with nature and the countryside. While the explicit term for this phenomenon may not be widely known, its significance and widespread practice are evident. Thousands of Estonians, both living in the country and abroad, participate in this annual exodus from towns and cities to villages and summer houses 3.
This migration can be compared to a seasonal migration between summer and winter pastures, a testament to the strong bond Estonians share with their rural homes. As the days grow longer and warmer, the cities empty, and the countryside comes alive with the return of its inhabitants 4.
Estonia, nestled between the Baltic Sea and Lake Peipus, offers a picturesque landscape that beckons its people back to nature every summer. As the world outside prepares for the cooler months, Estonia's summer migration continues, a testament to the country's enduring love for its countryside and its people's deep connection with the land.
- Many Estonians look forward to the long summer days in Tallinn, as the city's streets begin to empty as residents head to their home-and-garden retreats in the countryside.
- The practice of moving to the countryside for the summer, or "suveks maal," plays a significant role in Estonian lifestyle, especially in terms of promoting outdoor-living and a closer connection with nature.
- During the summer months, the Estonian countryside is filled with life as people from all walks of life, from city dwellers to expatriates, take part in the traditional summer migration away from their urban homes to their suvemajad or country homes.
