Hiiumaa Muuseumi Pikk Maja
About This Museum
Tucked away on Kärdla's old factory grounds, the Pikk Maja, or 'Long House,' feels less like a formal institution and more like stepping into your great-grandmother's attic if she had curated the entire history of Hiiumaa. Its charm lies in its intimacy; you wander through rooms that feel authentically lived-in, piecing together the island's story from ancient fishing tackle to Soviet-era ephemera. It’s a deeply personal and tactile experience, where history isn't behind glass but is something you can almost touch and feel.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the poignant exhibit on the 1863 Kärdla gunpowder factory explosion, a disaster that shaped the town. The recreated 19th-century islander home is wonderfully evocative, complete with traditional textiles and handcrafted tools that speak to a life of self-sufficiency. Upstairs, you'll find a surprisingly rich collection of local folk costumes and maritime artifacts that anchor you firmly to this windswept Baltic island.
Visitor Information
It's a small museum, so an hour or two is plenty for a thoughtful visit. The staff are typically locals with deep knowledge and wonderful stories—don't be shy about asking questions.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a classic example of 19th-century Estonian wooden architecture—a long, single-story timber structure painted a soft, traditional color, with a simple, pitched roof that seems to hunker down against the coastal weather.
Contact & Location
Address: Pikk maja, 8, Vabrikuväljak, Kärdla linn, Hiiumaa vald, Hiiu maakond, 92411, Eesti
Phone: +372 463 2091
Website: Visit Website
