There is an endlessly fascinating world around us, and when the weather in Lahemaa lets us down, it’s nice to explore preserved elements of it. The museums and galleries located in the national park offer an overview of the lives and culture of North Estonians as well as a rich insight into the works of Estonian artists from the awakening period onwards.
Kolga Muuseum
Palmse Mõis-Muuseum
Sagadi-Mõis-Muuseum
Sagadi Metsamuuseum
Viinistu Kunstimuuseum
Viinistu Külamuuseum
Käsmu Meremuuseum
Vihula Viinamuuseum
Lobi Muuseum
Be sure to include these museums and galleries in your Lahemaa Ring!
The annual highlight in the museum scene is undoubtedly Museum Night, which takes place on a Saturday in mid-May and museums across Estonia stay open until late in the evening. Visiting museums on this night is generally free of charge. Museum Night 2023 will take place on May 20th, and the theme for this year is “There is Movement in the Night”.
Museum Night 2022 | May 21, 2022 | Dreams in the Night
Kolga Museum “Alternative Fifties” is an exhibition of miniatures and replica models that showcases what life in Estonia would have been like after the 1940s if there had been continued independence and no occupation. The models and figures take us back to the 1940s and 1950s.
Viinistu Art Museum At 7 pm, a father-son art tour begins, in which art collection owner Jaan Manitski and his son Arthur share their knowledge, stories, and dreams. The tour concludes with a performance by Estonian National Opera ballet soloist Ketlin Oja, bringing to life the dream role of one of the many young ballerinas amidst the sea view and art.
After the tour, there is an opportunity to chat with the performers and locals about the origin of dreams, their necessity, and where dreams come from.
If the weather is good, a pre-sunset bonfire will be lit to welcome the coming summer and the birthday of the Kunstisadam harbor. The evening will be accompanied by an acoustic guitar concert.
Käsmu Sea Museum is situated in Lääne-Virumaa beautiful captains' village Käsmu. Museum is located starting from 1993 in border guard station building of tsar times and presents the history of legendary Käsmu captains' village. Exhibits reflect all the areas connected to the sea - seagoing, fishing, smuggling trade and also the sea as a part of nature and the object for photography and visual arts.
Interesting to know:
- We organize museum days for children on two subjects: captains' village and viking time
- Sea day, concerts and exhibitions take place
- By request you can celebrate in museum your special occasions
Merekooli tänav 1, Käsmu küla, Haljala vald, 45601
Palmse Manor is one of the grandest baroque mansions in Estonia. The mansion and open-air museum made up the first fully restored manor complex in the country. They are surrounded by the beautiful natural environment of Lahemaa National Park and provide an overview of Estonian manor life and architecture throughout the ages. The open-air museum boasts parks, gardens, and historical buildings. It also features exhibitions, workshops, a training centre, a wine cellar, a romantic café, and a tavern serving national dishes.
Did you know...?
- You can take part in different events at the manor that are designed for children, history enthusiasts, adventurers, and romantics
- The manor is a popular venue for exhibitions, plays, and concerts and the perfect location for training events, conferences, weddings, and receptions
Palmse küla, Haljala vald, 45435
Karepa Kalame Farm Museum is a wonderful and peaceful place for visitors who want to meditate, find themselves, and enjoy the nature.
Kalame farm is situated on the banks of the Selja River in Karepa village on the northern coast of Estonia. At the end of the 19th century, it became the home of the father of painter Richard Sagrits, who is well-known for his pictures of the sea.
At Kalame, you will see 19th century buildings, a cottage-cum threshing barn typical of the northern coast of Estonia, a granary, and a fully functional and a very unique eel kitchen, which has a display of its original fishing equipment.
Karepa küla, Haljala vald, 45401
The Viinistu Art Museum opened its doors in 2002.
The main building of the museum has been rebuilt from the refrigerated building of the fish processing factory on a former fishermen's collective farm. Today, in the halls of the museum, you will find an exposition consisting of more than four hundred works in Jaan Manitski's rich art collection, which includes the works of Estonian artists from the 19th century to the present. The permanent exhibition provides a good overview of the history of Estonian art, offering at the same time the opportunity to peek into the world of one particular collector. The museum is the only one of its kind in Estonia. The exhibitions in the barrel galleries change every summer.
Viinistu küla, Kuusalu vald, 74701
There is a museum-nostalgia centre in Kadrina, where you can go back in time and feel nostalgic in an area of more than 1,000 square meters. Here, you will find almost all Soviet-era items, from thread to tractors.
In addition to the emotional trip back in time, it is also possible to buy old things. We also provide services for groups, so be sure to book a time. The house full of things allows you to organise concerts and other events here.
Viru tänav 1a, Kadrina alevik, Kadrina vald, 45201
In Lahemaa national park, nearby Palmse manor, you can find the Muinastaide Koda – a museum of prehistoric rock art where the copies of the Lake Onega rock carvings (petroglyphs) are exhibited. A group of enthusiasts from the Estonian Society of Prehistoric Art (www.muinastaideselts.ee) have been to Karelia in 1982 – 2015 to make these frottage copies on the spot. Rock art of Lake Onega is made in the Stone Age about 6000 years ago. The petroglyphs of Lake Onega, together with those of the White Sea, have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.
The ancient messages engraved into rocks are available here and you should not take an exhausting trip to Russian Karelia to admire this heritage.
Võsupere küla, Haljala vald, 45405
Kolga Museum is a local area history museum in Kuusalu municipality that is located in one of the largest and oldest manor ensembles in Estonia – the Kolga Manor. We will take our guests through the history of the manor and rural people to today.
The Museum features 17 different permanent exhibits, including theme rooms for the manor, school, farmers' tools, forest, fishing, sports, nostalgic 60s and 70s and many other exciting things. There is a separate play area for children.
Upon request, we also organise legends and history tours to the main building of the manor. Near the museum, there is the well-known Viru bog and many other beautiful natural sights of the Lahemaa National Park.
Kolga mõis Valitsejamaja, Kolga alevik, Kuusalu vald, 74602
The residential building of the farm was completed according to the design of August Volberg in 1932. The former granary has been restored into a little farmhouse museum by the host family. The thatched roof building contains smith’s equipment and other old tools, old national garments and fabrics and there is also a special corner for fossils. Present-day folklore is represented by rag rugs woven by the hostess. Toomani antiquities include a lot of objects that used to be commonplace and which carry on the historical flavour of Muuksi very well. There is a sacrificial stone with a hollow on it next to the granary and a white poplar of remarkable measurements growing in the yard.
Muuksi küla, Kuusalu vald, 74612
Käsmu Sea Museum is situated in Lääne-Virumaa beautiful captains' village Käsmu. Museum is located starting from 1993 in border guard station building of tsar times and presents the history of legendary Käsmu captains' village. Exhibits reflect all the areas connected to the sea - seagoing, fishing, smuggling trade and also the sea as a part of nature and the object for photography and visual arts.
Interesting to know:
- We organize museum days for children on two subjects: captains' village and viking time
- Sea day, concerts and exhibitions take place
- By request you can celebrate in museum your special occasions
Merekooli tänav 1, Käsmu küla, Haljala vald, 45601
In Lahemaa national park, nearby Palmse manor, you can find the Muinastaide Koda – a museum of prehistoric rock art where the copies of the Lake Onega rock carvings (petroglyphs) are exhibited. A group of enthusiasts from the Estonian Society of Prehistoric Art (www.muinastaideselts.ee) have been to Karelia in 1982 – 2015 to make these frottage copies on the spot. Rock art of Lake Onega is made in the Stone Age about 6000 years ago. The petroglyphs of Lake Onega, together with those of the White Sea, have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.
The ancient messages engraved into rocks are available here and you should not take an exhausting trip to Russian Karelia to admire this heritage.
Võsupere küla, Haljala vald, 45405
Porkuni limestone museum tower was used as a sitting room of the school until 1991 when an exposition about the history of teaching deaf in Estonia was open. This was complemented by the limestone exposition which was initiated by the former county governor M. Pomerants. Once limestone was announced to be the national rock, the limestone museum was open in the fortress tower. This happened thanks to the help of Tallinn geologists. Today you can gain knowledge of how limestone was formed, different fossils and the use of limestone. You will find out more about the reasons why this unique museum in Europe is located just here. Good to know: -An A-b-c book for rock can be explored, describing all Estonian rock types There's a shop selling limestone items, possible to engrave on the item
Mäe tänav 1/2, Porkuni küla, Tapa vald, 46001
There is a museum-nostalgia centre in Kadrina, where you can go back in time and feel nostalgic in an area of more than 1,000 square meters. Here, you will find almost all Soviet-era items, from thread to tractors.
In addition to the emotional trip back in time, it is also possible to buy old things. We also provide services for groups, so be sure to book a time. The house full of things allows you to organise concerts and other events here.
Viru tänav 1a, Kadrina alevik, Kadrina vald, 45201
Karepa Kalame Farm Museum is a wonderful and peaceful place for visitors who want to meditate, find themselves, and enjoy the nature.
Kalame farm is situated on the banks of the Selja River in Karepa village on the northern coast of Estonia. At the end of the 19th century, it became the home of the father of painter Richard Sagrits, who is well-known for his pictures of the sea.
At Kalame, you will see 19th century buildings, a cottage-cum threshing barn typical of the northern coast of Estonia, a granary, and a fully functional and a very unique eel kitchen, which has a display of its original fishing equipment.
Karepa küla, Haljala vald, 45401
You can find out all about the history of Tapa in this museum, whose exhibits provide an overview of Tapa as a sausage, railway and military town. Every month there are special exhibitions marking special days, activities and events in the town.
1. Mai puiestee 34, Tapa linn, Tapa vald, 45106
Kolga Museum is a local area history museum in Kuusalu municipality that is located in one of the largest and oldest manor ensembles in Estonia – the Kolga Manor. We will take our guests through the history of the manor and rural people to today.
The Museum features 17 different permanent exhibits, including theme rooms for the manor, school, farmers' tools, forest, fishing, sports, nostalgic 60s and 70s and many other exciting things. There is a separate play area for children.
Upon request, we also organise legends and history tours to the main building of the manor. Near the museum, there is the well-known Viru bog and many other beautiful natural sights of the Lahemaa National Park.
Kolga mõis Valitsejamaja, Kolga alevik, Kuusalu vald, 74602
Sagadi manor complex includes the Sagadi Forest Museum, which introduces the Estonian forest and heritage culture, including hunting, woodwork and everything connected with the environment.
The permanent exhibition "Forested path" gives the opportunity to test one's knowledge about Estonian forests and get to know forest life. The exhibition expands upon the role of forest in climate change mitigation and timber as a means to create a comfortable living environment. With virtual reality headsets you can visit wooden buildings from various eras with the actor Tõnis Niinemets.
The museum store offers items made of wood and other natural products.
You can also try your hand at harvester simulator.
Sagadi küla, Haljala vald, 45403
Palmse Manor is one of the grandest baroque mansions in Estonia. The mansion and open-air museum made up the first fully restored manor complex in the country. They are surrounded by the beautiful natural environment of Lahemaa National Park and provide an overview of Estonian manor life and architecture throughout the ages. The open-air museum boasts parks, gardens, and historical buildings. It also features exhibitions, workshops, a training centre, a wine cellar, a romantic café, and a tavern serving national dishes.
Did you know...?
- You can take part in different events at the manor that are designed for children, history enthusiasts, adventurers, and romantics
- The manor is a popular venue for exhibitions, plays, and concerts and the perfect location for training events, conferences, weddings, and receptions
Palmse küla, Haljala vald, 45435
The Moe Distillery Visitor Centre located in Moe manor near Tapa, consists of the Estonian Spirits Museum, vodka kitchen, distilling facility with copper columns, brewery and whiskey cellar. There is a factory shop and Moe Krog tavern.During the tour, you will get to know the history of the spirits industry from the days of yore to today. You can see the historic vodka kitchen, the new distillery, master's room of the distillery, the detailed maquette of the distillery, take the lift up in a boiling vat, and many other exciting things. We offer guided tours, visits with audio guides, tasting and catering.
Moe küla, Tapa vald, 45005
Lobi Museum, founded in 1981, has a rich collection of items telling the story of life in a coastal village. The museum is the cultural centre of the local village life. It has collected and continues to collect the heritage of Lobi village – artifacts, names, history and legends.
All those interested can craft something exciting as taught by an instructor of Lobi museum, learn new things, spend a great time and get something to take home. We hold various workshops and organize guided trips to Lobineeme headland.
If you would like to come for a visit, then call or write and let's arrange a suitable time!
Lobi küla, Haljala vald
You can find out all about the history of Tapa in this museum, whose exhibits provide an overview of Tapa as a sausage, railway and military town. Every month there are special exhibitions marking special days, activities and events in the town.
1. Mai puiestee 34, Tapa linn, Tapa vald, 45106
Sagadi manor complex includes the Sagadi Forest Museum, which introduces the Estonian forest and heritage culture, including hunting, woodwork and everything connected with the environment.
The permanent exhibition "Forested path" gives the opportunity to test one's knowledge about Estonian forests and get to know forest life. The exhibition expands upon the role of forest in climate change mitigation and timber as a means to create a comfortable living environment. With virtual reality headsets you can visit wooden buildings from various eras with the actor Tõnis Niinemets.
The museum store offers items made of wood and other natural products.
You can also try your hand at harvester simulator.
Sagadi küla, Haljala vald, 45403
Porkuni limestone museum tower was used as a sitting room of the school until 1991 when an exposition about the history of teaching deaf in Estonia was open. This was complemented by the limestone exposition which was initiated by the former county governor M. Pomerants. Once limestone was announced to be the national rock, the limestone museum was open in the fortress tower. This happened thanks to the help of Tallinn geologists. Today you can gain knowledge of how limestone was formed, different fossils and the use of limestone. You will find out more about the reasons why this unique museum in Europe is located just here. Good to know: -An A-b-c book for rock can be explored, describing all Estonian rock types There's a shop selling limestone items, possible to engrave on the item
Mäe tänav 1/2, Porkuni küla, Tapa vald, 46001
The Viinistu Art Museum opened its doors in 2002.
The main building of the museum has been rebuilt from the refrigerated building of the fish processing factory on a former fishermen's collective farm. Today, in the halls of the museum, you will find an exposition consisting of more than four hundred works in Jaan Manitski's rich art collection, which includes the works of Estonian artists from the 19th century to the present. The permanent exhibition provides a good overview of the history of Estonian art, offering at the same time the opportunity to peek into the world of one particular collector. The museum is the only one of its kind in Estonia. The exhibitions in the barrel galleries change every summer.
Viinistu küla, Kuusalu vald, 74701
The Moe Distillery Visitor Centre located in Moe manor near Tapa, consists of the Estonian Spirits Museum, vodka kitchen, distilling facility with copper columns, brewery and whiskey cellar. There is a factory shop and Moe Krog tavern.During the tour, you will get to know the history of the spirits industry from the days of yore to today. You can see the historic vodka kitchen, the new distillery, master's room of the distillery, the detailed maquette of the distillery, take the lift up in a boiling vat, and many other exciting things. We offer guided tours, visits with audio guides, tasting and catering.
Moe küla, Tapa vald, 45005