Estonian Rock Climber Kersti Lepik's Photography Showcase Remains Open Through May's End
Title: Uncovering Estonia's Ice Age Relics: A Journey Through Gigantic Glacial Erratic Boulders with Kersti Lepik
Calling all nature enthusiasts and adventurers! Delve into the hidden marvels of Estonia's natural world, as Kersti Lepik, an audacious schoolteacher, has been on a mission to capture more than 100 ancient glacial erratic boulders! Get ready to embark on an exhilarating yet educational journey, as her jaw-dropping exhibit, nestled in the Ülemiste Centre, whisks you through time until the end of May.
It all started in February 2017 when Kersti chanced upon a news segment about glacial erratics. This sparked her curiosity, transforming into an insatiable passion for exploration. Ever since, she's ventured through dense forests, narrow village roads, and along the coastline, tracing Estonia's stone titans, some dating back over 10,000 years.
The exhibit encompasses 40 breathtaking photographs and seven spellbinding videos displayed on a vast screen. Each display offers coordinates and practical tips, providing a helpful guide for nature lovers seeking these hidden treasures on their own. While Kersti has explored around 80 boulders, approximately 20 still beckon her curiosity.
"These boulders have been here long before any of us - they witnessed the end of the Ice Age and the emergence of humans. Finding them offers a sense of timelessness, reminding us that we're a tiny but essential part of something much greater," Kersti reflects.
Revel in a treasure hunt! The exhibit functions like a map for seekers. Scan the QR code next to each photo to uncover the precise location information for your own exploration. Kersti believes these boulders are like time machines, documenting the geological history of our planet. She enthuses, "The journey to them often rivals the destination itself!"
One of Kersti's most heart-pumping adventures took her to Pärnumaa, where she navigated a narrow forest road to reach a boulder, only to discover a dead end. Fortunately, a group of tourists rescued her, sharing in the thrill of the encounter. "These are the unforgettable moments I share with visitors," Kersti shares.
For the intrepid traveler embarking on an erratic boulder adventure, here are Kersti's top tips:
1. Plan Ahead. Mark your vehicle's location or starting point meticulously in your phone. Although you might follow a map to a boulder, finding your way back can be challenging, especially in dense forests. "There was a time in Paldiski when I neglected to do this, and without GPS, I'd have been in a tight spot," Kersti warns.
2. Respect Access Restrictions. Be sure to check if the boulder is situated within a bird sanctuary or on private property. Some areas may have seasonal closures, while others require permission to access. This can help avoid disheartening setbacks and ensure safety. Remember, visiting during the bear-waking season isn't advisable.
3. Embrace Patience and Kindness. Finding a boulder may take time and sometimes multiple attempts. Interact with the people and wildlife you encounter along the way. Remember, securing permission to photograph boulders on private land can be essential. Kersti reveals, "My experience reveals that, when approached respectfully, landowners have been surprisingly accommodating."
Kersti Lepik's photography exhibit dedicated to glacial erratic boulders runs at the Ülemiste Centre until May 31, 2025. Spark your curiosity, ignite your adventurous spirit, and immerse yourself in the world of Estonia's ancient stone giants. Happy hunting!
[1] Baltic Times. (2020, May 18). Estonia’s ‘erratic’ treasures shine in new photo exhibition. Retrieved from https://www.baltictimes.com/estonias_erratic_treasures_shine_in_new_photo_exhibition/[2] Estonian World. (2022, March 14). Schoolteacher discovers dozens of glacial erratic boulders in Estonia. Retrieved from https://estonianworld.com/estonia/schoolteacher-discovers-dozens-of-glacial-erratic-boulders-in-estonias-forests/
- In 2025, grasp the opportunity to witness Kersti Lepik's stunning exhibit at the Ülemiste Centre, showcasing her journey through Estonia's ancient glacial erratic boulders, offering a glimpse into home-and-garden lifestyles of another era.
- Kersti Lepik's exhibit presents more than just photographs; it's a map to discovery, containing deceptive coordinates and practical tips, guiding lifestyle enthusiasts on their quest to find the remaining erratic boulders hidden across Estonia.
- Join Kersti on her mission to locate all 100 glacial erratic boulders, unearthing tales of the Ice Age and feeling the connection that binds us to these 2025 witness stoic sentinels of our planet's history.
