Old Believers Museum in Kolkja
Old Believers Museum in Kolkja, Estonia
Russian Old Believers. How did they get to Estonia? And when? Why did they settle in shores of Lake Peipsi?
What are the customs of the Old Believers? Why have they grown onions in this very special way for centuries?
The Old Believers Museum in Kolkja investigates the story of the Russian Old Believers of Peipsi shore and tells it to its guests.
The museum was reopened 1.12.2023.
Group bookings can be made:
at the e-mail address info@vanausulistemuuseum.ee or by phone +372 56623980
The museum is open:
- From January to April, from Wed to Sat from 11 am to 5 pm. The museum is open on 1st of May, but closed on 5th of May.
- From May to August, from Mon to Sun from 11 am to 6 pm
- From September to December, from Wed to Sat from 11 am to 5 pm
- At other times for groups by prior arrangement (at least 1 working day). Send an email.
Museum tickets
- Full ticket 11 €
- Discounted ticket 8 € (Children, students, ITIC-card owners, retired persons, people with special needs)
- Family ticket 23 € (two adults and their minor children)
- Group ticket for adults (from 15 people) 9 €
- Grup ticket for children (up to 19 years old, from 10 people) 6 €
- Free preschool children, profoundly disabled people, companion of a profoundly disabled person
We currently offer guide service in the museum in Estonian and Russian. An hour-long tour with a guide costs €30. Please book in advance by e-mail.
Museum’s story
1999
The Museum of Russian Old Believers was established in Kolkja in 1999 on the initiative of Peipsiääre mayor Nina Baranina. Exhibits for the museum were collected from the entire village. The guests got an insight into the way of life of Russian Old Believers who have been living by Lake Peipsi for over 350 years.
2021
The Museum of Old Believers in Kolkja moved to a temporary location next door to make room for builders. The Peipsiääre municipality project “Development of the three cultures of the Sibulatee tourist area” led to a thorough renovation of the old museum building and an addition to the museum.
2023
Long overdue beauty! The Kolkja Old Believers Museum has been reopened from December 2023. We are especially pleased that guests with reduced mobility and in wheelchairs can access both floors.
Thank you for your support, the program for strengthening the competitiveness of regions (piirkondade konkurentsivõime tugevdamise programm)!