Kersti Lepik, an adventurer and schoolteacher, has mapped and photographed over 100 glacial erratic boulders across Estonia. Her photo exhibition, running at the Ülemiste Centre through the end of May, opens a door to the hidden treasures of Estonia’s natural world – into the realm of giant and lesser-known glacial boulders.
For Kersti Lepik, it all began in February 2017, when she caught a news segment about glacial erratics on the evening broadcast. A passing interest soon grew into a full-fledged passion and a hunger for adventure, drawing her through the overgrowth of ancient forests, down narrow village roads, and along the seacoast to capture Estonia’s stone giants, some of which are more than 10,000 years old.
The exhibition’s photos and short films invite visitors on a journey of discovery – each display includes exact coordinates and practical tips, helping nature lovers find these natural landmarks on their own. Estonia is home to about 100 giant boulders, and Kersti still has around 20 left to find.
“These boulders were here long before any of us – they witnessed the end of the Ice Age and the arrival of humankind. Finding them feels like traveling through time, reminding you that you’re a small, but meaningful part of something much greater,” Kersti explained.
The exhibition at the center features 40 photographs, and seven videos shown on a large screen. The show is like a treasure map for adventurers. Next to each photo is detailed location information, accessible via a QR code. “Giant boulders are like time machines, telling stories about the geological history of our planet. And the path to them is often more exciting than the boulders themselves,” Kersti said.
One of the most thrilling adventures awaited Kersti in Pärnumaa, where she had to drive down a narrow forest road to reach a boulder – only to realize at one point there was no space to turn around. Fortunately, she encountered some tourists who helped her get the car out. “These are the moments that make your heart race – and the ones I share with visitors to the exhibition,” Kersti said.
Drawing on years of experience, Kersti Lepik shares three tips for nature enthusiasts wanting to set off in search of giant boulders:
1. Always think about how you’ll get back. Always mark your car’s location or your starting point precisely in your phone. You can follow a map to the boulder, but the way back can be deceptive – especially in dense forests. “Once near Paldiski I forgot to do this, and without GPS, I would’ve had a tough time,” Kersti shared.
2. Check for access restrictions before you go. Some boulders are in bird nesting areas, which might be seasonally closed, while others may be on private property. It’s always worth checking in advance whether access is open, what time of year is best, and if the route is safe. This can help avoid wasted trips and unexpected situations. For instance, heading into the forest during the bear-waking season is probably not a good idea.
3. Kindness and patience are key. Sometimes it takes a long time to find where a boulder is located – and in some cases, more than one trip. “When you’re out in nature, you’ll meet people and animals. To reach boulders on private land, you might need the landowner’s permission. My experience has been surprisingly positive – many people kindly allowed me to photograph the boulders on their land when approached with respect,” said Kersti.
Kersti Lepik’s photo exhibition dedicated to giant glacial erratic boulders is open at the Ülemiste Centre until May 31, 2025.
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