Photos of Viru Bog
About Viru Bog
Viru Bog sits in the heart of Lahemaa National Park in northern Estonia. It is a raised bog, so you get open ground, dark pools and low twisted pines instead of forest all sitting along a boardwalk lined trail. The trail runs 3.5 km through the bog, with a longer loop back through the pines if you want it. Ideally try to come at sunrise when the mix of soft light and mist create an amazing mix of peaceful yet eerie. The mist usually sits low over the pools but burns off fast after the sun rises. Still air turns the pools into mirrors as they run alongside the boardwalk so it is also the perfect spot to experiment with reflection photography. An observation tower stands out in the middle of the bog. From the top you can capture the whole pattern of pools and stunted pines spreading out below. As you explore the bog, the boardwalk itself makes a perfect leading line to pull your eye into a frame. Every season brings its own compositions. In the spring you can feel the bog waking up as the weather starts to warm up. Summer brings lush greens and wildlife. Autumn turns the ground rust and orange. Winter snow flattens everything to white and black. As you explore and capture the bog make sure to stay on the planks, because the bog surface is fragile and needs to be protected. (Lahemaa National Park, Harju County, Estonia)
