About Etar Ethnographic Open-Air Museum (Etara)

The Etâr Ethnographic Open-Air Museum is not as much a museum, as it is a journey back to the 19th century. The open-air museum is a way to experience the architecture and culture of Bulgaria in a different way.
You’ll find little shops to pick up unique souvenirs from your time in Bulgaria. Stop by the millwright, cartwright, bakery, jeweler, potter, weaver, glass shop and more with costumed locals selling their wares. The handicrafts are all made with original tools and instruments. Go for a wander along the cobblestone streets. The bright-colored two-story Revival houses will be sure to impress you. You will want a bite to eat with all the walking, so be sure to find a table in one of the restaurants for a bit of traditional fare.
Stop by the Karadzheika Watermill dating back to 1780, visit the old sawmill, and check the time on the clock tower. It must be time to pick up halva, a local sweet sure to delight your taste buds.

Must See

The collection in the museum can be grouped under the following headings:

  • Agriculture 
  • Crafts 
  • Contemporary Craftsmen
  • Gifts 
  • Lifestyle 
  • Spiritual Culture 

Must see are the water technical equipment, houses with craftsman's workshops, places with social importance. The collections of technical installations driven by water – filling mills, water mills, grindstones can be seen here.

How to reach

The museum is located 8 km. south of Gabrovo. A cab ride from the center of Gabrovo to Etar costs approximately 5 leva(BGN).

 

Tips

The Museum is very child-friendly. It has a children's Area "Discover What You Can Do". Do take your children to such places. 

  • Children can enroll for the educational program "I know and can".
  • Want to stay here, there is a hotel available near this architectural complex. 
  • Plan your visit to see the events during the following period,                                                               
    • Lazarovden (eight days before Easter)                   
    • St. George’s day (6 May)                                       
    • Midsummer’s eve (24 June)                                     
    • St. Iliya’s day (20 July)
  • Pick up belts, hats, handmade candy, jewelry and other souvenir items that are available in the shops here.
  • Do not miss the blue house, you will find interesting items there. 
  • People will be found creating things, used in the past. They will be happy to answer your questions regarding the items. Do speak with them 
  • If you can not speak in the native language, English is the next best option.

Visit Time

1st May to 30th September (Summer season)
Sunday:        9.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday:       9.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday:      9.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday:     9.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday:          9.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday:      9.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

1st October to 30th April (Winter season)
Sunday:         9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Monday:        9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Tuesday:       9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Wednesday:  9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Thursday:      9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Friday:           9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Saturday:       9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

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Waiting Time

Nil

 

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Entrance Fee

Yes

Entrance fee for adults is  BGN 4.00.
Entrance fee for students and seniors is BGN 2.00.
Entrance for a family ticket with children up to 18 years old is BGN 8.00.

For children under 7 years, children from social establishments, disabled people the entrance is free.

Guided tour in the Bulgarian language costs BGN 6.00
Guided tour in a foreign language costs BGN 12.00

Parking:
Paid day parking in the  South entrance up to 1 hour
For a passenger vehicle, the cost is BGN 1.00
For a bus, the cost is BGN 3.00

Paid day parking in the south entrance up to 2 hours
For a passenger vehicle, the cost is BGN 2.00
For a bus, the cost is BGN 4.00

A parking fee of BGN 1 for every hour after the second hour to be paid.

Read more

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Clear Sky 20.94°C

 

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