Eesti Muuseumraudtee
Estonia’s only narrow-gauge railway museum, in Lavassaare: more than 80 rolling-stock units, steam locomotives and rides on a 2 km section.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Eesti Muuseumraudtee (Estonian Museum Railway) in Lavassaare presents the history of Estonian narrow-gauge railways from 1895 to 1975. Lavassaare was a former peat-production area, and the museum was established there in the 1980s. The collection today comprises more than 80 rolling-stock units, including five steam locomotives, and more than 700 historical photos, objects and documents.
Narrow-gauge railways were built in the 19th and 20th centuries in the Estonian and Livonian governorates to serve regional industry, for example the paper mill in Kohila, the glass factory in Järvakandi and the Kreenholm cotton mill in Narva. Every October the museum marks anniversaries of Estonian railways.
From June to September you can ride on a 2 km section by steam train, diesel train or picnic train; in good weather it is also possible to ride a dresine (rail bike). On site there are a free car park, information boards, a picnic area and a souvenir shop.
Highlights
- Estonia’s only narrow-gauge railway museum
- More than 80 rolling-stock units, including five steam locomotives
- Rides by steam train, diesel train or picnic train
- More than 700 historical photos, objects and documents
- Autumn steam days
Permanent exhibition
- Kitsarööpmelise raudtee veerem ja ajalugu – The exhibition presents Estonian narrow-gauge railways from 1895 to 1975; the rolling-stock collection has more than 80 units, including steam locomotives, and rides can be taken on a 2 km section.
- Operated by
- Eesti Muuseumraudtee MTÜ
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The museum is suitable for families.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Lavassaare lies about 17 km west of Pärnu, in the middle of the bogs. From Pärnu you drive through Audru and Jõõpre (a fully paved road); from Tallinn you come via Pärnu-Jaagupi and Vahenurme or via Nurme and Ullaste.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Souvenir sales and a picnic area.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Groups should arrange their visit in advance (+372 527 2584, museumrail@suhtlus.ee). Train rides take place from June to September and during special events, for example the autumn steam days. |
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