Discovering Rakvere’s Handicraft Treasures: A Joyful Journey Through Estonian Käsitöö Shops
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There’s something about Käsitöö shops that fills me with pure joy. The incredible designs, the tradition, the hard work, it’s all there, woven into every handmade piece. Rakvere, a charming town in northern Estonia, where one of my grandmothers grew up. It is a place I must visit when ever I travel to Estonia but this was the first time I discovered this handicraft store, through conversation with my relatives, she took us there and my bank account was not grateful.
Mum and I had made a firm decision: no more shopping. We’d already treated ourselves to plenty, and our suitcases were reaching their limit, and it was only week 3 of our trip! But that promise? It lasted about thirty seconds. As soon as we stepped into another Käsitöö shop, it was game over.
A Handicraft Wonderland at Half the Price
I had expected prices to be better here than in Tallinn, but I was still shocked. Half the price! Especially the vööid (belts). There were so many, each labelled with its specific region so you could choose the right one. If you wanted to be precise in following tradition, you’d know exactly which belt belonged to which cultural group. That kind of attention to detail made my heart swell. Of course, I had to get one.
But it wasn’t just the belts. This shop was filled with so many wonderful little things. Handmade ceramics, embroidered linens, wooden crafts with the unique smell of Estonia, it was impossible to take it all in at once. I had been eyeing some new additions for my coffee cup collection, before I started creating my own, and this was my chance! Let’s just say, my apartment is very Estonian and this was the start of my little obsession, which has turned in to Estonain Designs AU.
The Pink Socks That Stole My Heart
The next Käsitöö shop brought another unexpected delight: pink wool socks. I could hardly believe my eyes. Pink! I’d never seen anything like them before, and at such a reasonable price, there was no way I was leaving without them. Meriel, a relative of mine, and I also found some absolutely ridiculous hats, the kind that make you laugh just by looking at them. We didn’t buy them, but we did take some silly photos to remember the moment.
More Than Just Shopping: A Connection to Culture
I struggle to put into words just how much I love these Käsitöö shops. It’s not just about what’s inside them, but what they represent. They are living proof that Estonian Mastery is still very much alive. Walking through the stores, I felt an overwhelming sense of abundance and connection, not just to the objects, but to the culture and the people who keep these traditions alive, and now I am part of that tradition.
Even if I don’t buy anything (which, let’s be real, is rare), just seeing these crafts still being made and sold fills me with hope. The fact that Estonian handicrafts have survived for generations is something worth celebrating. With the continuation of craft camps and people still learning these traditional skills, I truly believe Käsitöö will never fade away.
Click here to visit the Viru Käsitöö web page
📍Google Maps Links
For anyone traveling to Estonia, Rakvere is worth the visit. Not just for its medieval castle or charming streets, but for the magic you’ll find inside its Käsitöö shops. If you’ve ever visited a special handicraft store, I’d love to hear your story!