Estonia Nature Eastern Estonia
Eastern Estonia
The oil shale mines of North-Eastern Estonia area, the primeval forests of Alutaguse, the beautiful sandy beaches of Lake Peipsi and the small villages of Russian Old Believers, offer the visitor to Eastern Estonia a variety of interesting experiences.
Oil shale mining is the basis for Estonia’s power generation and also an important raw material for the chemical industry. The mines have caused damage to the landscape and the chemical industry has left environmentally hazardous waste behind. Near the industrial region in Alutaguse, however, there is a large area of forests and bogs where many wild animals such as bears, lynxes and elks are relatively safe.
Due to the influence of Russians and Votics (a small disappeared Finno-Ugric nation) the traditional culture of Eastern Estonia is very distinct from that of the rest of the country. The small villages of Russian Old Believers on the shores of Lake Peipsi have retained their appearance and way of life throughout the last century. The soil is suitable for growing onions and cucumber. Fishing on Lake Peipsi is a popular means of sustenance for the region.
