Description of the attraction
The Estonian Road Museum is a specialized museum created to introduce the history of roads not only from a scientific and educational point of view, but also from an entertainment point of view. The museum was founded by the Department of Roads. The road, which is an important part of civilization, is so familiar to us that we think about it no more than about the air we breathe.
The first to suggest the idea of creating a road museum was the legendary road builder Aadu Lass. The establishment of this institution began in the late 1990s. The Varbuse post station, built in 1863, was chosen as the site of the future museum. There used to be a stable for 33 horses at the Varbuse post station, and there was a regular postal service between Tartu and Võru.
The post station complex is an architectural monument and is under state protection. It consists of 5 cobblestone and red brick buildings. So, the museum includes the main building and the carriage shed, renovated in 2001, the stable was renovated in 2004, and in 2005 the smithy and the dwelling for coachmen and saddlers were restored. All of these buildings are connected by a stone wall, thus forming an inner courtyard. The hangar, built in 2003, contains the cars that drove along the roads of Estonia, as well as the equipment with which these roads were laid.
The first step towards establishing a museum was the approval of the museum council. The Council first met on December 15, 2000. This date is considered to be the birthday of the road museum. Thanks to the efforts of the first head of the museum, Marge Rennit, the institution was opened on June 6, 2005.
You can ride a unique postal carriage drawn by 2 beautiful horses on the territory of the former post station. Thus, you will get an idea of / u200b / u200bthe feelings of the heroes of old adventure books and films in the days when mail carriages were the main means of transportation. The shaking and bumping in the carriage, of course, is difficult to compare with driving in a comfortable modern car, but it is definitely worth taking part in this small trip.
On the territory of the museum there is a section of the road, passing along which you can plunge into different eras. The road starts from the gati (wooden flooring through a flooded area or swamp) and ends with asphalt. Along the sides of the road, you will be guided by the changing living environment of centuries past.
The Estonian Road Museum has recreated a replica of a gas station and petrol stations from the 1960s, which will surely make you feel nostalgic. In addition, there is a soda dispenser next to the petrol station door.
It will be interesting for both adults and children to visit the mini-town. It is driven by electric cars that resemble real cars. Moreover, not only children, but also adults can ride it. The most daring can try a ride on a historic large-wheeled bike.
Also on the territory of the museum rides a bus made in 1943 and got here as a trophy at the end of the Second World War. A refurbished, serviceable bus drives those who wish along the Postal Route.
On the day of the post office, i.e. On May 28, a holiday is held annually, which collects a large number of old cars. Family Day is held in June, when children and their parents can improve their knowledge of road traffic. For seminars, a training classroom for 32 seats has been equipped. In addition, for those wishing to stay here for the night, a guest house for 8 people is provided. The tea room Varbuse offers an opportunity to refresh yourself. You can unpack your takeout basket at the picnic area.
