Then and Now: Tallinn Unrecognizable After 35 Years

Tallinn has undergone a profound transformation over the last 35 years, rendering it almost unrecognizable from its former self. The most striking change is the dramatic improvement in air quality, a stark contrast to the past.

Previously, the city center and its surroundings were characterized by the pungent smell of exhaust fumes from low-quality car fuel and the acrid smoke of cheap cigarettes. This air pollution was often compounded by the unpleasant odors emanating from industrial enterprises and a nearby meat processing plant, which were situated close to the city center.

Visitors and returning residents often noted the pervasive smell as one of the first things they noticed about the city. The description highlights how the combination of vehicle emissions and industrial byproducts created an environment that was far from pleasant.

Today, these offensive smells have largely vanished. The decline in the use of poor-quality fuels and cheaper tobacco products, coupled with the relocation or modernization of industrial facilities, has led to a cleaner and more breathable atmosphere. This environmental shift has fundamentally altered the sensory experience of the city, making it a more agreeable place to live and visit.