Estonian Open Air Museum In Tallinn

Here’s my guide to the Estonian Open Air Museum in Tallinn. A fascinating exhibition demonstrating how Estonians lived in the past.

Table of Contents

How To Get To The Estonian Open Air Museum

The open Air Museum is located on the outskirts of the city in Lange, near Tartu, about 7km from Tallinn.

By Car:

It’s approximately 15 minutes by car and there is a large, free carpark at the front of the museum.

By Bus:

There are various buses you can take from Tallinn to the museum –

21 or 21b from Balti Jaam railway station or Freedom Square.

21a from Vaike-Oismae.

22, 42 and 43 from the city centre will take you to the nearby Tallinn Zoo stop, from where you can walk to the museum.

To return to Tallinn, take bus 41 or 41b from opposite the Museum’s entrance.

You can purchase a Tallinn card in order to have unlimited transport as well discounts on city attractions during your stay in Tallinn. Or, you can buy a single-ride paper ticket from the driver in cash – exact change only.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

Estonian Open Air Museum Entrance Fee

Adult – €12 (summer season) €10 (winter season)

Children under 8 years – free

Various ticket offers are available for families and visits later in the day.

Also, a combined Estonian Open Air Museum and Tallinn Zoo family ticket is available.

Estonian Open Air Museum Opening Times

The Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday

Ticket Office 10am – 5pm

Museum Park 10am – 7pm

Buildings open 10am – 5pm

Best Time to visit the Estonian Open Air Museum + Tips

The museum is spread across a large outdoor area, so visiting during the summer is recommended.

However, if you don’t mind the cold, it would be a great place to visit during the winter and probably not as busy as in the summer, as well as cheaper.

Allow yourself 2-3 hours to get around and enjoy all the exhibitions.

For a really immersive experience, stop for some traditional food at the working inn, all served using plates and mugs that would have typically been used in the past.

If you fancy riding a bicycle around the grounds to all the exhibits, it’s possible to rent a bike from the ticket office or bring your own.

You will get a map of the grounds with your ticket and it’s a good idea to follow this so you don’t miss anything!

What To Pack

Reusable Water Bottle

Sunscreen

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Beanie Hat

Knit Gloves

What To Expect At the Estonian Open Air Museum

Opened in May 1957, on the former Rocca al Mare Summer Estate, the museum stretches over 72 hectares of land.

The museum is laid out over four different areas according to old village types. You have West Estonia, North Estonia, the Estonian Islands, and South Estonia.

Offering nearly 80 restored buildings from the 18th to the 20th century to view, you really have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Estonia.

Amongst the exhibits you will find traditional houses, barns with various tools, wooden windmills, a working inn, a church, a village shop, fishing sheds, a fire station and more!

There are also many activities you can do whilst enjoying your time at the Estonian Open Air Museum. From buying handicrafts and riding horses to trying traditional Estonian dishes at the local inn.

The museum is open all year round, offering heaps of entertainment, interesting workshops and events to enjoy no matter age you are.

If you’re looking for an educational visit, it’s best to book a Tallinn: 3-Hour Ethnographic Museum of Estonia.

Guided trips can be expensive, however it’s a great experience to see how people in Estonia lived.

So, if you are looking for things to do in Tallinn and have a few hours to spare, I would highly recommend a visit to the fascinating Estonian Open Air Museum.

Where To Stay In Tallinn

Luxury – OldHouse Apartments

Located in Tallinn’s Medieval Old Town, OldHouse Apartments provides accommodation in stylish apartments with free WiFi.

Each apartment has a living room with a flat-screen TV, a bedroom and a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator. A stove, a microwave, a dishwasher, a toaster, a coffee machine, a kettle and kitchenware.

Each apartment come with a bathroom and either a shower or a bath.

A hairdryer and free toiletries are provided. There is also a minibar in most apartments.

Mid-Budget – Convenient Central Apartment

Convenient Central Apartment is located in the Kristiine district of Tallinn.

1.4 miles from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, 1.5 miles from Town Hall Square and 1.6 miles from Estonian National Opera.

The accommodation is 1.2 miles from Toompea Castle, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.

The apartment is located on the ground floor and comes with 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a microwave, a fridge, a washing machine, an oven and a stovetop.

Budget – Red Emperor Hostel

Located in Tallinn’s beautiful Old Town and 550 yards from the Town Hall Square, Red Emperor Hostel offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desk.

Free luggage storage is available.

The rooms at Red Emperor are colourful and feature wooden furniture and views of the city.

Shared bathroom facilities are in the corridor.

The hostel comes with a common lounge, guest computers, a shared kitchen bar with draught beers and giant Jenga game, pool table and other entertainment.

For more places to stay in Tallinn. you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.