Easter

Easter at the Estonian Open Air Museum

5 April 2026
Programme from 11:00 to 16:00; buildings open from 10:00 to 17:00

Spring has finally arrived, and with it the bright Easter holiday. Easter is not only one of the most important church celebrations, but also a day surrounded by many ancient beliefs and customs welcoming the new season.

We will swing on the village swings, dye eggs and learn how farms prepare for this great celebration. A service will be held in the Sutlepa chapel, the Kolu Inn will offer festive dishes, and the Tallinn Bird-Watching Club will share their knowledge of birdwatching in the fresh air. Those who wish can test their knowledge in an orienteering game.

Orienteering game – Easter symbols

Ask for an orienteering sheet at the ticket office and find the Easter symbols hidden across the farms. Try to guess what they might mean. Complete all the stops, find the correct answers, and receive a sweet surprise at the Kuie school. If needed, the Easter Bunny wandering around the museum will come to your aid.

Village square swings – come and have fun!

In the old days, Easter in Estonia was also known as the Swing Festival. On the village square, the whole family can swing together and join in merry festive games.

Egg dyeing with onion skins in front of Kolu Inn

In front of the inn, a large cauldron of water with onion skins simmers over a fire, in which everyone can dye an egg themselves to make it look truly festive.

Kolu Inn – delicious festive dishes

A festive menu awaits visitors at Kolu Inn, featuring the star of the show: pasha, a curd dessert prepared according to a 1915 recipe.

Härjapea farm – egg and dairy dishes, Easter egg hunt

The hostess of Härjapea farm have already set the festive table with pasha – a curd dessert borrowed from the Orthodox tradition. Come and discover what other dishes are being prepared for the holiday!

Search the farmyard for colourful hidden Easter eggs and tell the hostess how many you found and what colours they were. Please do not take the eggs with you—leave them for other visitors to find!

Kuie School – Easter symbols and the best Easter egg contest

The village school remains open even during the holidays—here you can listen to Easter organ melodies performed by the teacher.

You can also check your orienteering game answers here; those with correct answers will receive a sweet surprise!

If you bring a decorated egg from home, you can enter the traditional competition for the most beautiful Easter egg. The winner will be announced at 15:15, with prizes for the best. After the contest, stay for the egg-tapping!

Birdwatching excursions – every bird has its own song

Tallinn Bird-Watching Club will teach you how to distinguish birds by their song. Tours start from the gates of Kuie school at 11:30 and 13:00.

Kolkhoz apartment building – festive dishes and egg carton animals

While the hostess prepares festive meals, the younger generation is finding new uses for egg cartons. Everyone is invited to craft something creative from egg boxes.

Kolga farm barn-shed – farm animals and birds

The museum’s sheep, goats, rabbits, geese, ducks, turkeys, and chickens live at Kolga farm. You can visit them in the stable accompanied by the hostess every hour on the hour from 11:00 to 15:00.

At the "Every Little Step Counts" exhibition, you can gain knowledge through play on how to better care for the environment.

Seto farmstead – strict fasting

The Orthodox are still observing the Great Lent that precedes Easter. Visit the Seto farm and learn about the deep meaning behind the fast.

Sutlepa Chapel – Easter service

The service will begin in the Sutlepa chapel at 15:00. For Christians, Easter is the most important holiday and the most joyful day of the year.

Lau village shop – sending Easter postcards

Alongside the usual range, Lau shop stocks festive postcards and stamps. Want to brighten the day of a friend or loved one? Sign an Easter postcard and send it right from the shop.

Getting to the Estonian Open Air Museum

Public transport

• Buses No. 21 and 21B from Balti Station and the city centre stop directly at the Rocca al Mare bus stop at the museum gate.
• Buses No. 8 and 42 go to the Zoo stop, from where it’s about a 15-minute walk along the seaside promenade.
• To return to the city centre from the museum, take buses No. 41 or 41B.

Micromobility

• Bolt scooters can be parked in the museum parking lot.
• Cycling is also allowed within the museum grounds.

By car
Free parking is available:

• in the main parking lot at Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12;
• in the Tehasemaja parking lot (closer to the city centre).