Why Estonians invite strangers into their back gardens each summer
Airfind news item
By Hillary Millán
Published on August 3, 2026.
Each summer, Estonians open temporary cafes to strangers in their back gardens, garages, and even bedroom windows across the country. The Kodukohvikute Päev, or "home cafe day", or "Home Cafe Day", is held in small towns across Estonia between April and September. Over 150 such events are held across Estonia, some elaborate with rented tents, tables and chairs, while others are little more than a lemonade stand manned by children. The tradition began in 2007 on Hiiumaa, the country's second-largest island, when local tourism promoters sought a way to attract visitors beyond the peak month of July. HiiumAA Museum is one of the few participants to have taken part every year since 2007, re-creating a 19th-Century cafe in its conference rooms.
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