Piirissaare vanausuliste muuseum
A permanent exhibition on Old Believer culture in the former parish priest’s house on Piirissaar island in Lake Peipus; samovar tea and fish soup by advance order.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Piirissaar is an island in Lake Peipus, inhabited all year round, covering about 7.5 km² and with three villages: Piiri, Tooni and Saare. Most residents are Russian Old Believers, who for centuries have preserved their distinctive culture and way of life; traditionally people fished and grew onions. The whole island is a nature conservation area.
The museum is located in Saare village, in a building that once belonged to the parish priest of Saare. The permanent exhibition presents the culture of the Piirissaar Old Believers: visitors can see a traditional Old Believer home, prayer books and icons, and learn the history of the island. Occasionally there are also themed exhibitions. The museum is run by the MTÜ Piirissaare Vanausuliste Kultuur.
Visitors can taste tea brewed in a samovar with Piirissaar sugar; on advance order, local fish soup and pies are served. There is a rest area in the yard. The island can be reached from Laaksaare harbour by the ferry Koidula.
Highlights
- Traditional Old Believer home
- Prayer books and icons
- Samovar tea with Piirissaar sugar
- Fish soup and pies (by advance order)
- History of Piirissaar
Permanent exhibition
- Piirissaare vanausuliste kultuur – Permanent exhibition on the culture of the Piirissaar Old Believers: a traditional Old Believer home, prayer books, icons and the history of the island.
- Operated by
- MTÜ Piirissaare Vanausuliste Kultuur
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Getting around the island by car is inconvenient; cars are left in the paid car park at Laaksaare harbour.
The ferry Koidula sails to Piirissaar from Laaksaare harbour (Kihnu Veeteed); the crossing takes about 45–60 minutes depending on the weather and the ice. In summer the ferry runs regularly; in winter, enquire about ice conditions at the border guard post.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
On advance order, local fish soup with pies is served; there is a rest area in the yard.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Samovar tea brewed with Piirissaar sugar can be tasted. |
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