'Soorebane' ('Bog Fox') – Risti, Estonia - Atlas Obscura

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'Soorebane' ('Bog Fox')

Risti, Estonia

The first designer power line in Estonia. 

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This transmission line carries electricity to the western part of Estonia. It was commissioned by the electricity company Elering to raise public awareness of everyone’s role when it comes to electricity in modern society. It was also designed to demonstrate that even such a mundane object as an electric pylon can be artistic and enjoyable.

The sculpture is 147 feet (45 meters) high and weighs about 33 tons. It’s made of steel tubes that are anchored to the bog with 25 piles reaching a depth of 62 feet (19 meters). The slender form and rustic color blend nicely with the natural setting of Kuistlema Raba. 

Sille Pihlak and Siim Tuksam created the pylon. The duo encountered a few engineering and design challenges when constructing the pylon. They had to be certain the structure was durable, well-grounded in the bog soil, and effective as a deviation point of electric lines.

The final form of a squatting fox was just a lucky coincidence they discovered later. Hence the name, “Bog Fox.” The pylon opened in 2020.

Know Before You Go

Best to visit using your own transportation. There is a petrol station across the road where you can leave the car if you want to walk to the sculpture. 

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