Eesti Jalgrattamuuseum
Museum in the historic parish house in Väätsa, showing the story of the bicycle in Estonia from the 19th century to the 1990s: more than 200 historic bicycles in seven rooms.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The non-profit association Eesti Jalgrattamuuseum (Estonian Bicycle Museum) was founded at the end of 2010 as an association of enthusiasts of bicycle history. In September 2013 an agreement was concluded with the Väätsa rural municipality government for use of the historic Väätsa parish house, and the building was largely renovated by the association itself. The museum officially opened on 17 May 2015. By November 2025, a new roof had been completed on the building with the support of LEADER and co-financing from the European Union.
The museum is housed in the parish house built in 1893, which was rebuilt from a medieval road inn; it once stood at the centre of the roads of the Estonian lands. The house is furnished in the style of the golden age of bicycles, the 1920s–1930s, and visitors are played music on a gramophone from 1929.
Highlights
- More than 200 historic bicycles, including a full-metal bicycle from 1869
- Estonian bicycle industry in the 1920s and 1930s
- Radios, gramophones, telephones, typewriters and sewing machines
- Interiors in the style of the 1920s and 1930s
- Educational programmes and a trip to the old road’s bridge
Permanent exhibition
- Jalgratas läbi ajaloo – In the seven rooms there are more than 200 historic bicycles from the 19th century to the 1990s; special attention is given to the Estonian bicycle industry of the 1920s and 1930s. In addition to bicycles, radios, gramophones, telephones, typewriters and sewing machines are shown.
- Founded
- 2015
- Operated by
- MTÜ Eesti Jalgrattamuuseum
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Pupils, students, pensioners and those arriving by bicycle |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 8 · Children up to 8 years old enter free. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Group discount: more than 10 people −10%, more than 20 people −20%. |
| Families | €19 |
| Guided service (booked in advance) | €20 |
Admission is also free for those arriving with a bicycle made before 1944, museum staff, and members of ICOM and ICOMOS. The museum card is valid.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum building is old: there are steps and high door thresholds, and a narrow staircase leads to the second floor, so wheelchair access is not possible everywhere.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 8 |
| Family ticket | €19 |
Getting there & parking
By public transit
By train or bus to Türi, then by local taxi.
By car
Free parking
Cars and buses can park free in front of the building; a bus can turn around in the parking area.
The museum is in the northern part of the village of Väätsa, 7 km from Paide and 11 km from Türi.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | A standard tour takes about one and a half hours, and a quick walk-through takes half an hour to an hour. Tours are given in Estonian, English, Russian and Finnish. Nine educational programmes are offered, along with seminar services for up to 20 people. |