Sagardoetxea - Museo de la Sidra Vasca

About the museum

Sagardoetxea is the Basque cider museum of Astigarraga, about 6 kilometres from Donostia (San Sebastián), in the heart of cider country. It is run by the Sagardoaren Lurraldea consortium and tells the story of a drink with more than ten centuries of tradition and its cultural importance in the Basque Country.

The visit covers three spaces. The orchard (manzanal), in the open air, shows the different ways of cultivating apple trees, the Basque apple varieties and the methods of crushing and pressing the fruit. The enclosed museum space uses explanatory panels, interactive materials, photographs and games to present the past, present and future of cider culture. It includes a scent room with aromas of fruit, flowers and nature, which requires advance booking. Finally, the tasting area and the shop introduce the txotx ritual: how to hold the glass, observe the cider, interpret its colours and distinguish its flavours.

Admission includes the guided visit, the orchard, the museum and a cider tasting for adults, or an apple must (mosto) tasting for children. The museum also offers visits with a premium tasting, combined experiences with cider houses (sidrerías), family workshops for making apple must and a documentation centre specialising in apples and cider.

Highlights

• Outdoor orchard with Basque apple varieties
• Interactive exhibition on the history of cider
• Scent room adapted for people with reduced mobility or low vision
• Cider and apple must tasting included in admission
• Guided visits in Basque, Spanish, English and French

Permanent exhibition

• Museo de la Sidra Vasca – Orchard, interactive exhibition on the history and culture of cider, scent room and tasting area.

Operated by

Consorcio Sagardoaren Lurraldea

Admission & discounts

The €5 admission includes the guided visit with a cider tasting for adults (and apple must for children). School and leisure groups: €3 per child (aged 3 to 17); teachers and group leaders free. Children's apple must costs €1 more on some rates.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is adapted for people with reduced mobility and can be visited by wheelchair users. Wheelchair users can request permission, by phone or email, to drive up to the museum by car or minibus and avoid the steps from Kale Nagusia street (it can also be reached from Jose Elzo square). The scent room has Braille texts.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Guided visits adapted for families, the mascot Dasti, a children's publication “Sagarrekin jolasean” (Playing with Apples) and, in autumn, a family workshop on making apple must.

Getting there & parking

Astigarraga is about 6 km from Donostia. Take the GI-41 towards Hernani and the Astigarraga exit, then follow the signs to Sagardoetxea.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop selling ciders, apple must, liqueurs, apple vinegars and gourmet products.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit