Discover the Best Museums and Experience Centres in Estonia 2025
Discover the Best Museums and Experience
Centres in Estonia 2025
Cover Photo: www.visitsetomaa.ee
Texts: Heidi Vihma
Designer: Aleksander Karu
Translator: Carina Saan
Photos: Egon Erkmann (4), visitparnu.com (5, 48, 49), Kadi-Liis Koppel (6,7), Vahur Lõhmus (13), Evert Palmets, Reio Avaste (15), Aaron Urb (25), Kaisa Äärmaa, Treial (27), Kaarel Kõvatu (28,29), Simo Sepp (34), Mikko Leo Selg (36,37), Rivo Veber (38), Ragnar Vutt, Andres Razik (39), Sven Zacek (44,45), Angelina Kajakas (46, 47), Anton Võlitok (47), Tõnu Tunnel (54,55), Vendo Jugapuu, Egon Erkmann (56), Merilin Kaustel-Lehtmets, Egon Erkmann (57), Valmar Voolaid (58,59), Rita Rahu (60,61), Elle Mets (61), Margit Kõrvits (62,63), privat collections.
Publisher: Best Guides OÜ www.bestguides.ee
You’re invited to discover Estonia through its experience centres!
Experience Estonia is an annual publication that introduces the most exciting museums and experience centres in Estonia. Modern science and discovery centres offer visitors of all ages the joy of discovery, and do so in an engaging and fun way through personal experience or the magic of virtual reality. The midlands and outer areas, with their unique nature and local attractions, are also worth discovering – Estonia is a small country, so you don’t have to travel far. We’re sure that all the places included here are exceptional, each in its own way, and deserve to be discovered. We hope that you will find inspiration here that will enable you to experience Estonia to the fullest.
Heidi Vihma
Best Guides OÜ
Estonia
Katrin Weiss
Best Guides OÜ
Estonia
Estonian
Estonian
Estonian
Estonian
Super
Tallinn
Vabamu
Kuressaare
Saaremaa
Estonia in the Palm of Your Hand
While staying in Estonia, it is easy to take a day, leave the hustle and bustle of the city, and embark on a road trip across the country. One thing is certain – everything is within reach.
The heart of Estonia and its outskirts are worth discovering. Though we are a small country, we are rich in regional diversity, and as a people, we are more varied on the inside than one might initially think.
In the west, you’ll encounter island and coastal culture, while the southeastern border is home to the unique Seto community. On the shores of Lake Peipsi live the Old Believers, a Russian Orthodox group, while in the south lies the hilly region of Mulgimaa, and to the north, the striking contrasts of Virumaa rise from the sea, with Narva standing as the cultural boundary between East and West. At the center of it all is Tartu, the intellectual hub of Estonia, also known as the “Athens of Emajõgi.”
The rich history and culture of Estonia are preserved by both large and small
museums in cities and villages. Often, it is the smaller museums that tell the most vivid stories of our complex and eventful past. Museums hold a special place in the hearts of Estonians. We preserve traditions and value innovative solutions. By blending these together, we make the interpretation of yesterday and today intriguing, helping visitors understand Estonia better.
As you travel through Estonia, you’ll see how museums, cultural heritage, and the distinctive nature of the land are closely intertwined. It’s hard to draw a line between them. Often, while visiting museums, you find yourself captivated by the natural beauty, the peace, and the simplicity that these places offer. This journey is not just a one-off discovery but also a source of refreshment and inner peace – something we all yearn for in today’s fast-paced world. On this journey, you will truly see Estonia in the palm of your hand.
Anton Pärn Director, Haapsalu and Läänemaa Museums
Tallinn Card
Convenient and beneficial
Tallinn Card is an all-inclusive city pass offering the most convenient way to get acquainted with the entire city. This smart sightseeing pass provides you with free public transport and access to more than 50 of the best museums and attractions in the city. It also includes various other offers and discounts in the local restaurants and shops. The fastest and most convenient way to purchase a Tallinn Card is via the Tallinn Card app, which offers personalised recommendations and easy navigation to every attraction. You can choose between various versions that are valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours. With the Tallinn Card, you can enjoy a carefree visit to the Estonian capital.
Art Museum PoCo
A world-class Pop Art experience
The world’s greatest Pop Art stars, such as Warhol, Banksy, Koons, Lichtenstein, Haring, Hirst, Basquiat, Kusama, and many others are represented at the PoCo, Pop & Contemporary Art Museum in Tallinn. The exhibition, with more than 340 works, covers a total of 1,000 m2 on two floors. The works include those from the heyday of New York pop art to the underground art of the USSR, from the streets of Bristol to today’s global digital communes. The works of artists from various eras and places create a fascinating network of references and icons and provide an excellent overview of the diverse world of pop art. Alongside the past and present Pop Art icons, The Next Pop is also part of PoCo’s immersive exhibition with a weekly updated selection of top artists who use AI as a tool for co-creation.
Energy Discovery Centre
A science center full of energy
In the Energy Discovery Centre, located in a former power plant in the heart of Tallinn, you can study and test the functioning of physical phenomena with the help of more than 100 hands-on exhibits. In a safe environment, you can watch lightning bolts flash and experience how static electricity can make your hair stand up on your head, among many other exciting activities. Performances also take place in the science theater, planetarium films are screened, and various thematic exhibitions organized.
PROTO Invention Factory
The magical world of inventions
The PROTO Invention Factory is the first educational virtual reality centre where centuries-old scientific discoveries are revealed – unique protypes that are brought to life by modern 21st-century virtual reality technology. The interactive fantasy world exhibits provide an opportunity to experiment and understand physical phenomena from a completely new angle. The magic of virtual realities provides an opportunity to experience exciting adventures in time and space, as well as in the imaginations of past scientists, for example, to bore into the heart of the Earth, race in a self-driving car, or explore the ocean floor. At PROTO, everyone can become an inventor.
Estonian History Museum
History is multi-coloured
The History Museum tells stories about Estonia’s colourful history in its five branches, which are located in various areas of the city. Two of the museums are in the Old Town. The Great Guild Hall, a pearl of medieval architecture, tells the story of Tallinn’s prosperity in the Middle Ages. The Estonian Theatre and Music Museum is in a building that is connected to the historical town wall and the Assauwe Tower. The permanent exhibition in the Estonian History Museum called My Free Country, in a former count’s castle in seaside Maarjamäe provides an overview of 100 years of Estonian history. The Estonian Film Museum, pleasant recreation areas and exciting outdoor exhibitions are in the castle park. The Särev Theatre Room, the only museum featuring theatrical characters in Estonia, is located in Kadriorg. In addition to the permanent exhibition, all these museums also have temporary exhibitions.
ajaloomuuseum.ee + 372 696 8660 Pikk 17/ Müürivahe 12/ Pirita tee 56, Tallinn
GREAT GUILD HALL
THEATRE AND MUSIC MUSEUM
FILM MUSEUM
MAARJAMÄE PALACE AND PARK
Estonian Museum of Architecture
Notice the space around us!
The Estonian Museum of Architecture is located in a magnificent limestone building in Tallinn, which used to be a salt warehouse in the Rotermann industrial quarter. The permanent exhibition, as well as the temporary exhibitions, provide an overview of history as well as the most modern architecture that is still in the conceptual stage. The “Explore the Space!” discovery exhibition in the museum’s basement hall will help visitors of all ages, but primarily children, learn how to notice the world. The exhibition was awarded the Museum Rat award for the best permanent exhibition in 2019. The permanent exhibition called “Space in Motion: A Century of Estonian Architecture” provides an overview of the impact of social, economic and political processes on the way of life of the local people and local spatial development and is based on an appealing collection of models.
arhitektuurimuuseum.ee
Ahtri 2, Tallinn
Estonian Open Air Museum
Rural life through the centuries
The Open Air Museum, located in a forest by the sea, tells the story of how rural people in Estonia have lived. Historic dwellings, barns, and boathouses have been collected from all over the country and authentically restored. The past is brought to life by the farm women and men who tell stories and perform historical tasks and activities in which the visitors can participate. You can take a ride on a horsedrawn carriage or sleigh, or pet the sheep and goats. The tavern serves traditional Estonian dishes, and the village shop offers period items. The museum village also includes a Soviet-era kolkhoz apartment building that was awarded the 2021 prize for the best Estonian exposition. Starting in the summer of 2024, children will be able to wander along a herdsman’s trail, which is designed like a modern adventure park.
evm.ee + 372 654 9101
Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12, Tallinn
Estonian War Museum
The proper place for war
Housed in the beautiful Viimsi Manor, which once belonged to General Johan Laidoner, the Commander-in-Chief of the Estonian Armed Forces during the Estonian War of Independence, the Estonian War Museum is the best place to discover the military history of this country and its people. Located just a 20-minute drive from Tallinn city center, the museum offers visitors the chance to step into an armored train, climb into a Forest Brothers’ bunker, and explore a wide selection of weapons and historical uniforms of the Estonian army. A large display of artillery guns and military vehicles, unique in the Baltics, is open from May through October. Children can have fun in the Play Headquarters—building a castle, trying on mini uniforms, and playing with toy weapons.
Super Skypark
Large, larger, largest!
The Super Skypark, which is the size of a football field, is the largest indoor family entertainment centre in the region. The trampoline area, where you can even play trampoline basketball and dodgeball, is the largest in Europe. In the four-storey-high climbing court, excitement is provided by a seven-meter-long slide and a four-row wave slide, a softball cannon and a sea of balls. Everyone is welcome. There is a separate and safe play area for the littlest family members. Bumper cars, which are unique in the Baltics, provide safe driving experiences for both children and adults. And anniversaries can be comfortably celebrated in the party rooms.
superskypark.ee Peterburi tee 2, Tallinn
The Skywheel of Tallinn
A comfortable ride in any weather
The Skywheel of Tallinn, located on the roof of the T1 Mall of Tallinn, provides an enchanting view of Tallinn’s famous spratcontainer skyline, the sea, Lake Ülemiste and the airport, enabling one to see the city from an entirely new perspective. This is a unique technical solution for Europe. To date ferris wheels have only been installed on the roofs of buildings in Taiwan and Japan. Riding in the gondolas that rise to a height of 120 meters above sea level is comfortable and safe in both summer and winter. Each gondola can accommodate up to six people, and is accessible in a wheelchair or with a stroller. If you wish, you can enjoy the enchanting view with a group of friends and chilled champagne.
skywheeloftallinn.ee
Peterburi tee 2, Tallinn
Tallinn Botanic Garden
Natural plant terraces on the slope of a primeval valley
The Tallinn Botanic Garden is located at the headwaters of the Pirita River and is surrounded by a beautiful pine forest. The arboretum designed as a park, with its rich plant communities installed on four terraces that bloom from early spring to late autumn, along with the forest groves, beautiful ponds and winding paths in the background, have made it a favourite place for city dwellers to take a stroll. There are approximately 6,800 different plants in the twenty-two-hectare garden, with an additional 2,000 in the greenhouses. The Garden of Senses, or socalled medicinal garden, features useful and edible plants.
@botaanikaaed Kloostrimetsa tee 52, Tallinn
Vabamu Museum
Vabamu museum of occupations and freedom
The exhibition titled Freedom Without Borders at the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom focuses on the concepts of justice and freedom based on the personal experiences of the Estonian people, which, depending on one’s fate, can be positive or negative, hopeful or hopeless. The exhibition is fact-filled, yet sufficiently playful and engaging to attract visitors of all ages and nationalities. Modern technology helps to animate and give meaning to the personal stories. The permanent exhibition tells the story of Estonia from 1939 until the restoration of independence. Museum showcases various temporary exhibitions.
KGB Prison Cells
Stories about crimes against humanity
The permanent KGB Prison Cells exhibition enables one to see a place where Communist crimes were committed. During nearly half a century of Soviet occupation, this building, which was originally built as a residence, housed the headquarters of the NKVD, later called the KGB, which was responsible for the political surveillance of the population. At the beginning of the occupation, the cellars were used as prison cells, which were among the most notorious in Estonia. The upper floors were used for interrogations and as workrooms. In this feared and hated building, they tried to break the spiritual backbone of Estonians by particularly cruel means. History shows they did not succeed.
Southern Estonia
Biodiverse Southern Estonia
The sources of Southern Estonia’s biodiversity are the strong identity of its people, pristine nature, and the traditional culture of diverse communities in areas like Peipsi, Setomaa, Võrumaa, and beyond. Though Estonia is small, even the most remote southern corner, with its smoke saunas, the ancient calls of cranes, bogs, dark forests, and picturesque lakes, is only a few hours’ drive from the capital. And the flavors – smoked bream from Peipsi, chanterelle sauce from Põlvamaa, Setomaa cheese, and many other local delicacies, all of which come straight from the forest, lake, field, or garden to your plate. Southern Estonia is worth exploring – the digital state works seamlessly, the people are industrious, the roads are pleasant, and the beds in guesthouses are soft.
Tartu
The city of good thoughts
Tartu is a vibrant city where centuries-old university traditions meet cutting-edge innovation. Recognized with a Platinum award as a Green Destination, the city is committed to sustainability. Tartu was selected as the only Estonian city in the European Commission’s “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030” mission.
Tartu is a 15-minute city - everything is close by. Whether it’s a riverside walk, local cuisine, museums for every taste, or events like sTARTUp Day, WRC Rally Estonia, Food and Wine Festival or Tartu Marathon events. With its renowned universities and dynamic energy, Tartu is a hub of innovation and creativity, offering a supportive ecosystem for new ventures.
Whether you’re visiting or planning something new, Tartu is where balance and inspiration come together.
AHHAA!
The science centre in the Baltics that is the most fun
“Ahhaa!” is what Estonians exclaim when they learn something new and surprising. The AHHAA Science Centre in the middle of Tartu provides new knowledge and the joy of discovery to visitors of all ages. And does it in an attractive and fun way. For instance, you can ride a bicycle high above the hall, observe the daily routines of ants and chicks, and discover the human anatomy in an entirely new way. You can touch the exhibits and try them out yourself. The workshops provide opportunities for doing handicrafts. Films are shown in the planetarium and performances are held in the science theatre. From November 2024 to May 2025, the scientific escape game “Ahhaa, City of Light’ will be open, after which it will be replaced by an exhibition focused on artificial intelligence, called “Ahhaa, AI!”
ahhaa.ee + 372 745 6789
Sadama 1, Tartu
Aura Centre
Fun for your friends and entire family
Excitement in the water park is provided by the family area, water slides, swimming pools and various water attractions. For younger visitors, there is a baby pool with fun attractions and a tube slide for small children. The Aura Centre is the only water park in Estonia with an interactive tube slide. The 60-metre tube slide has a touchpad as well as light and sound effects. The exciting slide ends with a water curtain. In the family area, you will find a children’s pool with a water games table, a desert room, a tropical room and a unique rain room, where you can choose the rain that suits you. Eight different saunas, a winter room, a Japanese bath and cozy lounge area with hanging chairs provide relaxation in the sauna centre. On the outdoor terrace you’ll find an Iglusauna and two hot tubs with different temperatures, i.e. one pleasantly warm and the other refreshingly cool.
Upside Down House
A good mood is guaranteed!
The Upside Down House could be a typical Estonian family house, with the most ordinary furnishings. But, everything in it is turned upside down – in the literal sense. The top floor is the bottom and the bottom floor is the top. The sofas, kitchen cabinets and everything else, which is usually located on the floor, is on the ceiling in the Upside Down House. Actually, they are on the floor, but the floor is the ceiling and the ceiling is the floor. Naturally, the sauna in the house is also upside-down. The house is also slightly tilted, which tests our sense of balance. Or maybe, we’re the ones who are upsidedown? All this creates confusion, makes us laugh and creates a good mood. And what wonderful photos you can take in the Upside Down House!
Estonian National Museum
The custodian of Estonian cultural heritage
The Estonian National Museum (ERM) is the largest museum in Estonia, located 1909 meters from the city centre of Tartu in the Raadi district. The permanent exhibition of Estonian cultural history titled Encounters provides a comprehensive and diverse overview of the everyday life of the people who have lived in Estonia from the beginning of time to the present day. The permanent Finnish-Ugric exhibition Echo of the Urals is like a magical world where you can discover the connections, languages and genes of the Finno-Ugric peoples’ way of life, cultural and intellectual world. The permanent exhibitions are supplemented by constantly changing and diverse exhibitions. A restaurant and museum shop with a wide selection also await visitors.
Tartu City History Museums
Five views of the city’s history
Together, each of the five different museums featuring the history of the City of Tartu, tell the story of Tartu from their own perspective. The Tartu City Museum exhibits a new permanent exhibition “Our Tartu” that tells the story of local districts through the eyes of people and communities. The Song Festival Museum, located on Jaama street in the birthplace of the song festivals and the national theater, introduces Estonian cultural history. The Oskar Luts House Museum tells the story of the writer beloved by many generations. The 19thCentury Citizen’s Museum invites you into a middle-class home of the 1830s and provides a glimpse into a townsman’s everyday life. The darkest period of the city’s history is recalled by the museum of KGB cells in the „gray house“ on Riga Hill where, in the 1940s-1950s, the NKVD/KGB operated and a pre-trial prison for those arrested for political reasons was located in the basement.
KGB CELLS
SONG FESTIVAL MUSEUM
OSKAR LUTS HOUSE
TARTU CITY MUSEUM
19TH-CENTURY CITIZEN’S MUSEUM
Jõgeva County
Diverse and varied
Jõgeva County stretches from the shores of Lake Peipsi to the center of mainland Estonia. Just as diverse as its landscape, shaped by Ice Age glaciers, is the life and people of Jõgeva County. The Peipsi lakeshore landscape and its unique blend of cultures offer much to explore. Kuremaa stands out with its picturesque views highlighted by Baltic German architecture and Estonian agricultural expertise. There are also sites connected to the Estonian epic hero Kalevipoeg, Põltsamaa Castle, and the famous works of Avinurmes’s woodworkers. You can explore local food and agricultural produce at fairs and food festivals, the most notable being the Great Paunvere Exhibition and Fair, Peipsi Food Street, and Wine Day at the Põltsamaa Castle courtyard. Põltsamaa also captivates with its beautiful roses, exquisite wines, and the regal charm of Põltsamaa Castle. For nature lovers, the untouched landscapes of nature reserves and parks offer unforgettable experiences.
Palamuse Museum
A place cherished by all Estonians
The Palamuse Museum is much more to Estonians than just a museum showcasing the history of parish schools. The beloved folk writer Oskar Luts and his timeless novel Spring (Kevade) have turned it into a lasting cultural treasure. At the museum, the vivid characters, folk humor, and plot of the novel come to life, and visitors can see the schoolrooms and places that inspired the writer. Through the lens of past school life, one can explore the cultural history of a small nation in a unique way and discover Estonia’s history and traditions from a new perspective. The museum also hosts exhibitions and workshops introducing Estonian national culture, traditions, and handicrafts.
Köstri allee 3, Palamuse, Jõgeva county palamusemuuseum.ee
Kalevipoja Koda
On the trails of the hero from Estonia’s national epic
Kalevipoja Koda combines a museum dedicated to Kalevipoeg, the hero of Estonia’s national epic, with an adventure park. The museum presents the legendary giant Kalevipoeg in a new and engaging way: visitors can experience his adventures and legends through interactive technological solutions. Alongside Kalevipoeg, you can travel to the ends of the earth and to the gates of hell, embark on a journey aboard the ship Lennuk, and take part in the famous sword tale. The adventure park offers excitement and challenges between the ground and the sky, giving visitors the chance to test their limits. The museum is open year-round, while the adventure park is available by reservation until the end of the fine autumn weather.
Kääpa, Mustvee parish, Jõgeva county kalevipojakoda.ee
Võru County
UNESCO heritage in the southern corner of Estonia
The greatest charm of Võru County lies in its untouched nature and the two ancient cultural landscapes that have developed within it –Old Võrumaa, located in Estonia’s far southern corner, and Setomaa, situated at the border between East and West. Both are represented on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list: Võrumaa for its smoke sauna traditions and Setomaa for its leelo, a polyphonic singing tradition. Numerous tourist farms and small, unique eateries offer local heritage cuisine that cannot be found elsewhere. A dense road network and numerous hiking trails make it easy to access Estonia’s highest peak, deepest lake, and most mountainous region, the Haanja Uplands, all located in Võrumaa.
Ida-Viru County
Full of surprises and hidden treasures
Ida-Viru is a county of striking contrasts, located in the northeastern part of Estonia, placing the region on the edge of Europe. The area is famous for its diverse adventures –there is a lot of industrial heritage connected with oil shale mining as well as picturesque landscapes that are only common for IdaViru region, like Struga area in the river of Narva and inland sand dunes in the youngest National park of Estonia - Alutaguse National park. Ida-Viru is also home to the longest sandy beaches in the northern shore of Peipsi as well as the longest seaside sand beach in the historic resort city of Narva-Jõesuu. You can experience rich history in the border city of Narva, the once closed city of Sillamäe, and much more.
Narva
Europe starts here
Narva is a border town that has always been a meeting point of cultures and has a rich history. You can explore the city’s past and present on a guided tour of the Town Hall, where you’ll discover hidden corners of the building. You can also take a virtual time travel journey, “The New Life of Old Narva,” where you dive into the city’s history through virtual reality glasses. At the Town Hall’s Tourist Information Center, you can book a guided city tour that takes you to both well-known and hidden spots in Narva. Just a five-minute walk from the Town Hall towards the river promenade, you can explore the underground passages of the Victoria Bastion, where guides not only share historical facts but also entertaining and fun legends.
Pärnu
The green city for vacationers
Pärnu’s greatest charm lies in its vast and beautiful sandy beach, numerous water parks and spas, and the resort atmosphere that fills the city’s streets, concert halls, promenades, and restaurants. However, Pärnu is not just a seaside resort town, but also a green city: one-fifth of its area is covered by parks, forests, gardens, and a protected coastal meadow, which is grazed by Highland cattle from spring to autumn. The city and its natural surroundings can be explored on foot or by bicycle, with bike paths covering the entire city and its surroundings. The entirety of Pärnu County is worth exploring, with its forests, bogs, bird sanctuaries, and the children’s favorite Lottemaa theme park.
Lottemaa
Unique family theme park
Located just outside Pärnu, Lottemaa theme park welcomes visitors to meet Lotte, the famous puppy from cartoons, musicals, and books, along with her friends Bruno, Albert, and the other inhabitants of Leiutajateküla. The village, filled with fun colorful houses, offers activities for both kids and adults. Visitors can enjoy interacting with the villagers, playing games, and engaging in sports together. Exciting attractions include an adventure park, the internet tower, a power station, a boathouse, and over 100 inventions to explore. Every day, there are theater performances and a concert where you can dance. Several restaurants and souvenir shops provide rest and refreshment.
Lottemaa is open to visitors during the summer and the Christmas season.
Reiu, Häädemeeste parish, Pärnu county lottemaa.ee
Wasa Resort
Spa hotel in the beach district
Wasa Resort is a unique spa hotel located in the beach district of Pärnu, where a private park area and a beautiful courtyard create a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. Guests have the option to choose a hotel room that suits their taste – either in the modern new building or in the renovated historic wing, where balconies and wonderful garden views add to the coziness. Both buildings offer rooms that are more spacious and comfortable than usual. The hotel’s restaurant provides gourmet-level experiences, while the spa center is equipped with various saunas, a pool, and a wide range of relaxing treatments. Wasa Resort offers a broad and diverse selection of packages, ensuring that every guest finds a suitable way to relax. In addition, Wasa is an ideal venue for hosting seminars, meetings, and weddings. Wasa Resort is dedicated to making sure every guest leaves with the feeling that “everything is perfect!”
Suvituse 14, Pärnu, wasahotels.ee
Haapsalu
The capital of the west coast
The nearly 750-year-old Haapsalu, situated at the boundary of land and sea, is a unique crossroads where sea routes lead to Estonia’s islands of Hiiumaa and Vormsi, and coastal roads meander north and south. This small romantic town is distinguished by its 200year history as a resort, medieval architectural heritage, and the unique culture of the coastal Swedes, which has shaped the area for a thousand years. Visitors can delight in exploring the childhood world illustrated by Ilon Wikland, the museums of artists Ants Laikmaa and Evald Okas, who influenced Estonian culture, as well as numerous galleries, craft shops, and cafés – all just a few steps from one another.
Haapsalu Museums
World culture in a small town
The medieval episcopal castle, a landmark of Haapsalu, is home to a castle museum that received the European Museum of the Year Award in 2021. The museum presents medieval life in both traditional and interactive ways. The Railway and Communications Museum is located in a century-old station building, a significant part of the town’s history. In the 19th century, the discovery of healing mud made Haapsalu a unique resort on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Its international fame grew with the construction of the railway in 1905. Ilon Wikland, an illustrator of children’s books, gifted her childhood town, Haapsalu, nearly a thousand original drawings. This led to the creation of Ilon’s Wonderland – a magical place where children can explore, and adults can revisit their childhood. Most of the characters Wikland illustrated were born through her collaboration with author Astrid Lindgren.
Kooli 5/ Raudtee 2, Haapsalu, salm.ee
HAAPSALU CASTLE
HAAPSALU CASTLE
RAILWAY AND COMMUNICATIONS MUSEUM
ILON`S WONDERLAND
Kuressaare
The capital of Saaremaa
Saaremaa is Estonia’s largest island and Kuresaare is its capital. Life on Saaremaa differs somewhat from that on the mainland. The nature is different as are its people, who are mellow, kind-hearted and very energetic. What life was like on the island in the past is described in the museums located in Kuressaare, i.e. the Saaremaa Museum, which is located in the old bishopric castle, and the Saare KEK Museum. What life is like on the island today, we can observe for ourselves. Life in Saaremaa progesses at its own pace, and to better observe it, one needs to take their time. Then one will also find the best smoked fish and sea views. And the famous spas of Saaremaa, which are among the best in Estonia, help one to relax.
Saaremaa Museum
The bishopric castle tells the story of Saaremaa
The Saaremaa Museum is located in the convent building of Kuressaare Castle, which dates back to the 14th century, and together with the surrounding fortifications, is one of the most completely preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. During the summer season, the tower cafe is open, and craft workshops with a historical feel, concerts and Castle Days are organised. Exhibitions introducing the culture and history of Saaremaa are on display in the halls and adjacent buildings. The branches of the Saaremaa Museum include the Mihkli Farm Museum located in the village of Viki, where one family’s household that has housed eight generations since the beginning of the 18th century is on display, as well as the Johannes and Joosep Aavik House Museum, the home of the philologist and music teacher in Kuressaare.
saaremaamuuseum.ee +372 455 4463
Lossihoov 1, Kuressaare / Vallimaa 7, Kuressaare / Viki küla, Kihelkonna
SAARE KEK Museum
Travel back in time to everyday Soviet life
The Time Travel Back to the Soviet Everyday takes a humorous look at a time period, i.e. the 1970s and 1980s, that today’s Estonians can freely smirk about. By that time the Soviet regime had lasted quite a while, but many goods were still in short supply. The situation was difficult, and one had to cope with all the hardships daily, be creative and resourceful, by sometimes balancing on the edge of absurdity. The exhibition is comprised of 15 different thematic rooms, including a Soviet-era village store and bar that will all take about 2 hours to see. Also You can attend 2 different authentic escaperoom games. The SAARE KEK building itself, which is one of the most outstanding examples of Soviet-era constructivism, deserves special attention.
saarekek.ee +372 5668 8377
Ringtee 15, Kuressaare
1 2 7 k m
Tallinn
Kuressaare
Pärnu
Haapsalu
Tartu
Narva
180km
210km
Once you’ve explored Estonia and no longer need this booklet, pass it on to a friend so they too can enjoy Estonia’s beauty and diversity, and discover something new and special.
