Estonian Open Air Museum

Eesti Vabaõhumuuseum

An expansive open-air museum recreating rural Estonian life with historic farmhouses, windmills, a chapel and tavern set in seaside woodland. Visitors experience traditional crafts, folk culture and period architecture.

Things to do

• Explore historic farmhouses — Wander through relocated 18th- and 19th-century farm complexes from different Estonian regions, each furnished to reflect period rural life.
• Visit Sutlepa Chapel — Step inside the wooden Swedish-Estonian chapel dating from the 17th century, one of the museum's oldest religious buildings.
• See the windmills — Admire the collection of traditional trestle and Dutch-style windmills once used to grind grain across the Estonian countryside.
• Watch traditional craft demonstrations — See blacksmiths, weavers and woodworkers practicing folk crafts and often sell handmade goods on site.
• Ride a horse-drawn carriage — Take a seasonal carriage or wagon ride along the museum's woodland lanes for a slower tour of the grounds.
• Walk the seaside woodland trails — Follow paths through pine forest to the Baltic shoreline that frames the museum's peaceful setting.
• Attend a folk festival or dance event — Time your visit for seasonal celebrations featuring folk music, singing and traditional dancing.

Food to try

• Kohvik Kolu tavern meal — Dine in the historic 19th-century tavern serving hearty traditional Estonian dishes in a period setting.
• Mulgipuder — A rustic mash of potatoes and barley groats often served with pork, a beloved southern Estonian comfort food.
• Verivorst (blood sausage) — Traditional blood sausage typically eaten with lingonberry jam, especially around festive seasons.
• Rye bread (leib) — Dense dark sourdough rye bread that is central to the Estonian table and baked in traditional ovens.
• Sauerkraut and salted herring — Simple staple preserves that reflect the peasant diet of old rural Estonia.
• Kama drink or dessert — A traditional mixture of roasted grain flours blended with buttermilk or milk for a nutty, filling treat.

Local customs & good to know

• Allow a half day — The grounds are expansive and best explored on foot, so plan several hours and wear comfortable shoes.
• Dress for the weather — Much of the visit is outdoors in seaside woodland, so bring layers and rain protection even in summer.
• Respect the historic buildings — Furnishings and structures are authentic antiques, so touch only where permitted and follow guides' instructions.
• Check the events calendar — Seasonal fairs, craft days and folk performances greatly enrich a visit, so time your trip accordingly.

Nearby

• Telliskivi Creative City — 7 km
• Toompea Hill — 7 km
• Tallinn Old Town — 7 km
• Seaplane Harbour Museum — 7 km