Nature, Greenery and Calmness in the Middle of the Busy City Life
Estonians have always been a people of nature. Even though we are often described as one of the most secular societies in Europe, even in the world, we still have our own kind of belief. A belief in natural forces. And superstition, too, is a form of belief. We spit over our shoulder three times, leave food for the departed on All Souls’ Day, recognise the arrival of autumn by the departure of storks, and try to guess what kind of winter is coming based on November weather.
Nature has its influence on us. Many people recognise the feeling: stepping out of a fast-paced routine and into nature feels like a gentle pat on the soul. But once we return to everyday rhythms, that feeling can fade quickly (especially on Mondays). Still, this isn’t just a feeling, there is solid scientific evidence behind the impact of spending time in nature.
That’s why it’s worth reminding ourselves how important it is to spend time in nature, even in the city. Tallinn offers surprisingly many options: Kopli Kasepark, Stroomi Beach, Paljassaare, Kadriorg Park (and those are just a few!). Places where you can step out of the urban rush, breathe, and let your mind rest for a moment.
When getting outdoors isn’t always possible, greenery can also be brought indoors. Plants are the simplest way to do that. And if plants have a habit of accidentally drying out or being overwatered, scientists have good news here as well. Research shows that even artificial plants or green tones in interior spaces can create a similar calming and stress-reducing effect, especially in environments where contact with real nature is limited (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2024).
At Botik, we try to pass on that same sense of calm through our environment. We use natural materials like wood, favour soft and green tones, and never hold back on plants. And our garden, oh, in summer it honestly turns into a proper jungle.
Guests often praise this feeling of nature in the middle of Tallinn’s city life. You can celebrate a wedding right in the city, yet in photos it looks as if you were somewhere in a magical forest. Or you gather with friends for a summer birthday, and even if it’s raining outside (as our beloved Estonian weather sometimes does), the large windows make it feel indoors as though you’re still surrounded by nature.
See you at Botik! Or perhaps in a cosy park or on the Stroomi running path – the important thing is that we’ll see each other.
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