Estonia's Day of Countryside Living organizer: rural life suits active people

Estonia marks its annual Day of Countryside Living on September 19, an event aimed at connecting people interested in rural living with local communities. Lead organizer Reve Lambur said anyone thinking about moving to the countryside should visit these communities in person, as rural life is best suited to active people who have many opportunities to build something new.

According to Lambur, the event serves two purposes. First, it shows how pleasant countryside living can be, giving prospective movers a chance to see what local communities are actually like — including whether jobs and housing are available. Second, it lets current residents see their own municipality through fresh eyes, introduce themselves to newcomers, and take pride in their area.

26 municipalities taking part

This year, 26 rural municipalities are participating in the event. Unlike previous years, when municipalities themselves had to serve as the main point of contact, this year communities can also take the lead — ensuring that communities actively seeking new residents aren't left out of the opportunity.

Lambur noted that the pandemic pushed many people to relocate to the countryside and stay there, with many being families with children drawn by the safety of rural life. The downside, she said, is that services aren't always nearby, meaning families need a car. Visitors to communities during the event can ask directly about the advantages and drawbacks of living there.

Lambur emphasized that moving to the countryside means joining not just a house but a whole community — the central message of the day. She described rural life as offering abundant opportunities to create and take initiative, becoming what she called a "spark person" whose actions matter to others.