I went to Etar Museum and this is what it was like
Part of My Road Trip in Bulgaria
I recently took a short trip to Bulgaria with my friend Mihai. It wasn’t planned as a typical vacation. It was more of a small artistic escape, the kind that resets you a bit. Etar was one of our stops and, honestly, it ended up being the place that stayed with me the most. This article is about Etar alone, but I’ll come back with a longer story about the entire journey.
First Impressions
The moment I walked inside the museum, I felt something shift. It was incredibly quiet. Not an uncomfortable silence, but one that makes you slow down and actually look around. The whole place felt beautifully preserved, almost untouched. As a photographer, that quietness hits you differently. It gives space to the eye.
The First Frames
I didn’t start with landscapes or architecture like most people probably would. My attention went straight to a small orange cat walking lazily between the old houses. That was my first photo from Etar.
After that, I moved naturally through the space: some landscape shots, a few textures, details from the small shops… the usual things that pull my curiosity without effort.
The People Behind the Craft
What really made the place special were the people. Etar isn’t just a collection of old buildings. It’s a living museum, and the ones who keep it alive are the artisans.
One of the moments that stayed with me happened inside a shop with traditional musical instruments. An elderly woman was selling them. She didn’t speak English, but somehow we still communicated through Google Translate and through the few similar words between Romanian and Bulgarian.
Mihai plays wind instruments, so he was excited to try a handmade kaval. I just watched the two of them interact. She had this expressive warmth in her face, the kind you don’t forget. That’s when I felt the strongest wave of inspiration.
In another workshop, a craftsman was making little bells and showed us his tools. Again, no common language, yet the conversation worked. I’ve noticed that when someone does what they love, words matter less.
Why We Returned the Next Day
Most workshops were closed on the first day, but Mihai couldn’t stop thinking about that kaval. So we drove back on Saturday. That decision changed the entire experience.
The place felt alive. More workshops were open.
We met an older man painting icons, completely absorbed in his work.
A woman teaching kids how fabrics are made.
And another craftsman sitting alone in his workshop, working quietly, lost in his rhythm.
It all felt like stepping into a different time.
Etar Through My Eyes
From a photographer’s point of view, Etar is a dream: old wood, flowing water, natural textures, craftsmen at work, muted colors, small gestures, expressions, details that make you pause.
Scenes that feel unrepeatable.
I shot mostly on my Fujifilm X100VI, but I also used my iPhone 14 Pro for quick frames. I didn’t overthink the technical side. I just followed what felt honest visually.
If someone looks at these images, I want them to feel like the place was taken out of a story. Like time moved slower there.
A Short Note About Etar
Etar is an open-air ethnographic museum near Gabrovo, dedicated to traditional Bulgarian crafts and rural life. It’s built as a small historical village, with original workshops, working water installations, and artisans who continue the old techniques. It’s one of the few places where you can still see authentic craftsmanship happening in real time.
Visiting Tips
Go early morning or late afternoon if you want softer light.
Spend at least two to three hours there.
Don’t skip the workshops. They’re the heart of the experience.
If some are closed, come back the next day. It’s worth it.
Talk to the artisans. Even with the language barrier, they’re open and warm.
Bring a camera. The textures, faces, and atmosphere are perfect for photography.
What I Took With Me
The biggest insight was simple: don’t be afraid to talk to people about their craft. Even when communication seems impossible, there’s always a way. Technology helps, gestures help, patience helps. And most people are happy to share a piece of their world if you show genuine interest.
Etar felt like a window into another time. A place that slows you down enough to see things again.
I’ll come back soon with a full story about the entire Bulgaria trip. This was just the first chapter.
