The spooky pickle season begins at museums across south Estonia  

Text Ingel Kink
Photos SA Alatskivi Loss, ERM, 

Museums across south Estonia are kicking off the annual low season, known as the “pickle season” (hapukurgihooaeg in Estonian), with a twist inspired by horror films. Nearly ten museums and adventure centres in the region will offer eerie experiences, including ghost tours, horror nights, and other spine-chilling events designed to attract visitors during the typically quieter autumn and winter months.

In its second year, the pickle season brings an unusual blend of culture and horror to museums similar to America’s Halloween pumpkin season. According to Brigitta Nõmmik, campaign manager for the Southern Estonian Tourism Cluster, the aim is to embrace and rebrand the quiet season. “Last year’s peaceful events have been transformed into a thrilling experience for 2024.”

The campaign includes flashlight-guided tours, spooky dinners, horror film screenings, and specially branded “terrifying” pickles in collaboration with Peipsiääre cucumber producers, available at select stores. The participating museums include the Estonian National Museum, Tartu City Museum, Ice Age Centre, Kalevipoeg Museum, Palamuse Museum, Alatskivi Castle, Liivi Museum and Estonian Road Museum, as well as LostFear adventure games.

Further details and a full schedule of events are available at the official pickle season website.

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Estonian Tourism Ghost Tours Southern Estonia Horror-themed Museum Tours Estonia LostFear Adventure Games Pickle Season Estonia Southern Estonia Museums