Places to visit in Haapsalu

Museums & science

Ilon's Wonderland

Ilon's Wonderland is a family theme centre dedicated to the work of the artist Ilon Wikland, best known for her illustrations of Astrid Lindgren's books. Its three floors bring together original art, a gallery, a cinema room, exhibition spaces, Karlsson's room, a playroom and spaces for creative activities. In summer the indoor exhibition is joined by a courtyard with Mattias's house, a workshop and activities for children. This is not a traditional museum where exhibits are only viewed from a distance: the space is designed for play, creativity and visiting together as a family. One of the most rewarding places in Haapsalu for a family visit.

Indicative price: Ticket — 10 €, family — 22 €. Guided tour — 40 € (in Finnish, Swedish, German, English or Russian).

Kooli tn 5, Haapsalu

Museums & science

Haapsalu Castle

Haapsalu Episcopal Castle is the city's main medieval landmark and one of the key places to discover the history of Haapsalu. The fortress is connected to the Bishopric of Ösel-Wiek and the history of the town, which received town rights in 1279. Today, a modern museum operates inside: the route leads through historical rooms and out to viewing platforms offering a panorama of the Old Town. The castle is also associated with the famous legend of the White Lady, which has become part of Haapsalu's cultural identity. The large courtyard is used for concerts and city events, making the fortress not only a museum monument but also a vibrant center of the city.

Indicative price: Adult €12; concession €8; family €28. Guide €90 by prior arrangement. Children 0–8 years — free.

Lossiplats 3, Haapsalu

History & architecture

Haapsalu Kuursaal

Haapsalu Kuursaal is one of the most recognizable buildings in seaside Haapsalu and a rare surviving example of late 19th-century resort architecture. The wooden pavilion was built in 1898 right by the sea; originally, the water came almost up to the building itself. The openwork facade, light wooden structure, and adjacent bandstand evoke a time when Haapsalu was a fashionable summer resort for wealthy guests and members of the Russian imperial circle. Today, the historical Kuursaal remains part of the promenade's life and operates as a restaurant with a sea view during the summer season. Even without visiting the restaurant, the building is worth including in a walk along the waterfront as one of the visual symbols of resort Haapsalu.

Promenaadi tn 1, Haapsalu

Museums & science

Railway and Communications Museum

The Railway and Communication Museum is located at the historic Haapsalu railway station, a striking reminder of the time when the resort was connected by rail to the rest of Estonia. The exhibition covers nearly a century and a half of railway development, as well as how the telephone, radio, television and other means of communication have changed. A separate part of the experience is the station architecture itself and the long platform, alongside which historic locomotives and carriages are displayed. The museum is of particular interest to families, technology enthusiasts and those who want to see Haapsalu not only as a seaside resort, but also as an important landmark in Estonia's transport history.

Indicative price: Adult €6; concession €5; family €15. Guide: €50 in Estonian / €60 in a foreign language, by prior booking.

Raudtee 2, 90504 Haapsalu

Museums & science

Haapsalu Old Town Hall

The historic Haapsalu Town Hall now operates as a museum dedicated to the transformation of a small seaside town into a well-known European resort. The permanent exhibition traces the development of resort culture from the 19th century: the emergence of mud baths, the creation of the promenade, the summer life of holidaymakers, and the resort's impact on architecture and urban life. History is unveiled here through photographs, archival materials, and objects related to leisure and daily life in Haapsalu. Thanks to its location in the Old Town, the museum is conveniently combined in one itinerary with the Episcopal Castle and Ilon's Wonderland, which are located very close by.

Indicative price: Adult ticket — 6 €, concession — 5 €, family — 15 €. The Museum Card (Muuseumikaart) is accepted.

Kooli tn 2, Haapsalu

Nature & parks

Paralepa beach

Paralepa rand is a sandy seaside beach located in the Paralepa recreation area in Haapsalu. The shore is known for relatively warm water during the summer season and combines an open swimming area with green surroundings. The beach features changing booths, outdoor toilets, a children's playground, and a volleyball court. The official bathing season runs from June to August, during which lifeguards are on duty and signal flags are used to indicate water conditions. Showers and additional nearby amenities may be available for an extra fee.

Paralepa puhkeala, Haapsalu

History & architecture

Haapsalu Maria-Magdaleena Kirik

Haapsalu Maria-Magdaleena Kirik is an Orthodox church by the marine promenade in Haapsalu. Opened in 1852, the church is connected to the town's history as a popular seaside resort. Inside, special attention is drawn to the stained-glass windows by artist Dolores Hoffmann, filling the space with colored light. The church house is linked to the childhood years of illustrator Ilon Wikland, who lived here with her grandparents. The church operates as a place of worship; visits outside Sunday hours must be arranged in advance.

Linda tn 2, Haapsalu

City walks

Haapsalu Promenade and Aafrika Beach

The promenade and Aafrika Beach form a seaside walking route in Haapsalu along Tagalaht Bay. The waterfront retains the atmosphere of an old resort town: visitors can pass the ornate wooden Kuursaal, stop by the sundial and see the bench dedicated to composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The route begins by the shore known as Aafrika Beach and continues towards the Chocolate Promenade, named in memory of a former café. A children's playground, viewpoints and historic monuments are nearby. A walk beside the water is especially pleasant in calm weather.

Promenaadi tn 3, Haapsalu

Museums & science

Museum of the Coastal Swedes

The Museum of the Coastal Swedes on Sadama Street in Haapsalu presents the history of Estonia's coastal Swedish communities. Its exhibition introduces the people who lived for centuries on the country's western coast and islands, their maritime occupations, traditions and culture. Notable exhibits include a long embroidered tapestry depicting scenes from the lives of Estonian Swedes and traditional wooden boats. In the museum complex visitors can see everyday objects and learn how the sea shaped life in these settlements. For an introduction to the history of Läänemaa, it is a substantial complement to the city's medieval monuments.

Indicative price: Adult €5; pensioner, student or teacher €4; school pupil €2; family €10; children under 9 free.

Sadama 31/32, 90502 Haapsalu

Viewpoints

Haapsalu Tagalaht and Promenade Bird-Watching Tower

Haapsalu Tagalaht ja Promenaadi linnuvaatlustorn is a bird-watching tower on the Haapsalu promenade overlooking Tagalaht Bay. From a platform about 15 meters high, it offers a panoramic view of the coastal shallow waters between the city and the Noarootsi Peninsula. In spring, when the ice melts, swans and various ducks can be observed here; in autumn, geese and cranes fly over the bay. The tower allows you to see the rich life of coastal birds without leaving the city. It is convenient to bring binoculars for viewing, and warm clothing in windy weather.

Promenaadi tn 3, Haapsalu

Arts & culture

Haapsalu Lace Centre

The Haapsalu Lace Centre is a craft centre on Karja Street that introduces the tradition of making the famous Haapsalu shawl. Here you can see fine lace patterns, old handmade items and work by contemporary craftspeople. Haapsalu lace knitting developed in the 19th century, and its skills have been passed down from generation to generation. The centre has an exhibition area and a selection of craft supplies and shawls; when possible, you can also learn about knitting techniques. The place complements the old town's historic sights with living local cultural heritage.

Karja tn 25, Haapsalu

Museums & science

Okas Museum

The Okas Museum is an art museum on Karja Street in Haapsalu that presents the work of Evald Okas. Its displays trace the artist's different creative periods and introduce his family's artistic legacy. The historic house has both a permanent exhibition and changing exhibitions, which give a reason to return. Workshops and cultural events organised by the museum add extra value for art lovers. Check the seasonal opening hours before visiting, as the museum is not open every day all year round.

Indicative price: Full ticket €9; reduced ticket €6; family ticket €20.

Karja tn 24, Haapsalu

History & architecture

Tchaikovsky Bench in Haapsalu

The Tchaikovsky bench in Haapsalu is a memorial to the composer on the seaside promenade. Pyotr Tchaikovsky holidayed in Haapsalu in 1867, and a dolomite bench recalls his stay here. The memorial is also linked to an Estonian folk tune whose motif found its way into the composer's work and whose notes can be seen on the bench. The bench stands on a walking area with sea views, where the resort town's musical history meets the coastal landscape. It is a small but clearly recognisable monument that can be viewed while strolling along the promenade, and it is worth taking time there to enjoy the views of the bay and the town.

Sadama tn 16, Haapsalu

History & architecture

St. John's Church in Haapsalu

St. John's Church in Haapsalu is a historic Lutheran place of worship on Kooli Street in the old town. The building was probably used as a granary in the Middle Ages and was later converted into a church, which is why its floor plan differs from typical church architecture. The altar is unusually placed at the southern end, and inside there are old tombstones and historic furnishings. The building is modest from the outside, but its walls carry several centuries of the town's history. As the church is still used by its congregation, access depends on services and visiting arrangements.

Kooli tn 4, Haapsalu

History & architecture

Ernst Enno Monument

The Ernst Enno monument stands in Haapsalu on the Õhtu kallas (Evening Shore), in a park named after the poet. The memorial is dedicated to the Estonian poet Ernst Enno, who from 1919 worked as the school counsellor of Lääne County and wrote several well-known children's songs in Haapsalu. The monument is by the sculptor Roman Haavamägi, whose work can be found elsewhere in Haapsalu too. The seaside park offers a quiet place to recall Estonian literary history and explore the town. You can stop at the memorial on a walk of its own, without visiting a museum or entering a building. Ernst Enno's grave is in Haapsalu Old Cemetery.

Õhtu kallas 31, Haapsalu

Arts & culture

Haapsalu City Gallery

Haapsalu City Gallery is on Posti Street in the Haapsalu Cultural Centre building and presents contemporary Estonian art. Its spacious, light-filled rooms host changing exhibitions featuring painting, printmaking, photography and other art forms. The gallery aims to enrich Haapsalu's art scene and bring work by both local artists and those from further afield to the town. The exhibition programme changes throughout the year, so every visit may offer a different experience. The City Gallery is an exhibition space within the cultural centre, and visits depend on the gallery's published exhibition schedule.

Posti tn 3, Haapsalu

History & architecture

Haapsalu Baptist Prayer House

The Haapsalu Baptist Prayer House on Metsa Street is linked to the early history of the Baptist movement in Estonia. The Haapsalu Baptist congregation emerged during the religious awakening of the 19th century and regards itself as the first Baptist congregation in Estonia. The prayer house is the congregation's meeting place, hosting services, Bible studies and other community activities. For visitors it reveals one facet of Haapsalu's religious and social history, distinct from the town's medieval churches. The building is not a regular museum, and access to the interior depends on the congregation's activities and service schedule.

Metsa tn 24, Haapsalu

Arts & culture

Haapsalu Art School Galleries

Haapsalu Art School Galleries are on Jaani Street in Haapsalu's Old Town and offer a chance to see work by young and professional artists. The art school uses its house, courtyard and cellar galleries for exhibitions, and their opening depends on the season and the exhibition programme. Displays change and may include paintings, drawings and other art forms. The galleries are linked to the school's teaching, but the exhibitions are also meant for visitors to the town. They are a separate venue from the City Gallery on Posti Street. Admission to the exhibitions is free, and it is worth checking the art school's current programme before you come.

Indicative price: Free admission

Jaani tn 2, Haapsalu

History & architecture

Cyrillus Kreek Memorial

The Cyrillus Kreek Memorial stands on Vaikne kallas in Haapsalu, in front of the composer's former home by the Väike viik bay. Cyrillus Kreek was an Estonian composer and a developer of choral music whose work gives an important place to sacred folk tunes, choral songs and arrangements of folk music. Much of his work was written in Haapsalu, where he lived and worked. The memorial by sculptor Aime Kuulbusch links the composer's life story with the townscape and offers a way to discover Estonian music history outside the concert hall. The monument is a separate work of public art, not another name for the Väike viik skating rink or the Haapsalu promenade.

Vaikne kallas 3, Haapsalu

History & architecture

The Stick Breaker Sculpture

The Stick Breaker sculpture stands on Sadama Street in Haapsalu on the shore of the Väike viik bay, in front of Hestia Hotel Haapsalu. Created by sculptor Juhan Raudsepp, the work depicts a healed man breaking in two the walking stick he no longer needs. It symbolises Haapsalu's long resort and healing tradition, centred on restoring health. The sculpture also has an unusual history: in 1992 it was stolen and cut into four pieces, but the pieces were later recovered and the work was restored. Today the Stick Breaker is a standalone work of public art that can be seen on a walk along Väike viik.

Sadama tn 11, Haapsalu

Nature & parks

RMK Nõva Visitor Centre

RMK Nõva Visitor Centre is in Peraküla, Lääne-Nigula Parish, and makes a good starting point for exploring the Nõva recreation area. The centre provides information on the area's forests, coast, hiking trails and camping options, and you can ask for a suitable route before heading out into nature. Peraküla beach and several trails are nearby, but the centre's opening hours do not limit when you can be outdoors. In October, according to the schedule published by RMK, the visitor centre is open on weekdays; exceptions apply on public holidays. From Haapsalu it is a separate trip towards Nõva.

Peraküla küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Museums & science

Ants Laikmaa Museum

The Ants Laikmaa Museum is in Kadarpiku village, Lääne-Nigula Parish, a short drive from Haapsalu. The national romantic house, designed by the artist himself, preserves his studio as well as his living and working rooms. The farmstead also includes a park laid out by Laikmaa and the artist's final resting place, so a visit combines art history with a peaceful walk. The museum opened in 1960. In autumn and winter the house is open from Friday to Sunday; before setting off, check the museum's website for any special days.

Indicative price: Adult ticket €6, reduced €5, family ticket €15

Kadarpiku küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Nature & parks

Saare Nature Trail

The Saare Nature Trail runs along the edge of Silma Nature Reserve near Saare village in Lääne-Nigula Parish. Starting from the Sutlepa car park, the trail leads through coastal landscape to an observation platform and a birdwatching tower. Information boards explain the reserve's natural values, and in spring you can watch large numbers of migrating waterbirds here. At other times of year, too, it is a good place for a quiet nature walk and birdwatching, though sections of the trail may be wet after rain. Coming from Haapsalu, bring footwear suited to the weather and binoculars; stay on the marked trail.

Otsa, Saare küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Viewpoints

Saxby Lighthouse

Saxby Lighthouse stands on the west coast of Vormsi island in Saxby village, Lääne County. The cast-iron tower completed in 1864 and the historic buildings around it are part of Vormsi's maritime history. From the lighthouse there are views of the sea and the stony shore; in clear weather it makes a particularly good place for a quiet coastal stop. Access to the tower is seasonal: from June to August you can visit Wednesday to Sunday, while at other times a visit must be arranged in advance. Vormsi is reached by ferry from Rohuküla, so check the timetable and your return crossing before the trip.

Indicative price: Adult €4, pupil or pensioner €3; special off-season visit €20/hour and €3 per person

Saxby küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

Museums & science

Vormsi Farm Museum

Vormsi Farm Museum is in Sviby village, about a kilometre from Vormsi harbour. The buildings of Pearse farm and the exhibition present the everyday life of the coastal Swedes who lived on the island before the Second World War, along with local heritage. In the museum you can see the farm's rooms and objects linked to crafts; books and souvenirs about Vormsi are also sold on site. The regular season runs from June to August, but outside it a visit can be arranged for an additional fee. When travelling to the island, plan around the Rohuküla–Sviby ferry timetable.

Indicative price: Adult €5, pensioner €4, pupil up to 19 €3; off-season visit €35/hour on top of the ticket

Pearse talu, Sviby küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

Nature & parks

Peraküla Beach

Peraküla Beach is a wide sandy beach near Peraküla village in Lääne-Nigula Parish, Lääne County. The pale strip of shore between the sea and the pine forest is ideal for a long walk and for noticing the varied coastal nature of the Nõva area. Sand and dunes give the beach an open feel, while the forest edge offers shelter in windy weather. The nearby RMK campsite has campfire sites and basic recreation facilities. On a summer visit, follow the fire safety rules and protect the dunes and coastal vegetation by keeping to existing paths.

Peraküla küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

History & architecture

Vormsi St. Olaf's Church

Vormsi St. Olaf's Church is a medieval church building in Hullo village on Vormsi island, Lääne County. White-plastered walls, a steep red roof and a towerless silhouette set it apart from many other Estonian country churches: the bell hangs above the entrance. The church's simple exterior suits Vormsi's peaceful village landscape. During visiting hours you can see historic ceiling paintings inside, but opening times in season are limited and at other times a visit must be arranged in advance. A trip to the island means planning around the ferry timetable.

Kiriku/1, Hullo küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

History & architecture

Uuemõisa Manor

Uuemõisa Manor is a historic manor house in the small town of Uuemõisa, Lääne County. Its pale facade, classicist columns and spacious forecourt make it a good reason to stop near Haapsalu. The present main house was completed in the 19th century, and the long wings added later turned it into a striking ensemble. The building houses a school, so do not count on free access to the interior. The manor's exterior and surroundings suit a quiet architectural stop; by arrangement, the white hall also hosts cultural events.

Lossi tn 4, Uuemõisa alevik, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Nature & parks

Põõsaspea Cape

Põõsaspea Cape is a stony coastal spot in Spithami village, Lääne-Nigula Parish, Lääne County. The north-westernmost cape of mainland Estonia opens out to the sea and towards Osmussaar and is known as a place for watching migrating waterbirds. The stony shoreline, shaped by wind and waves, gives the landscape a different character from the area's sandy beaches. On site there is a birdwatching shelter and information boards. Bring binoculars, be prepared for the wind on the exposed cape, and in the protected area keep to marked paths and follow the restrictions in force.

Spithami küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Nature & parks

Marimetsa Hiking Trail

The Marimetsa Hiking Trail starts near Rõuma village in Lääne-Nigula Parish, Lääne County. The nine-kilometre out-and-back route leads first through meadows and spruce forest, then across a bog on a boardwalk. The varied landscape along the trail shows both the damp forest edge and the open bog view with small pools. From the observation tower you can look out over the bog landscape, but reaching it means planning for a longer walk. Choose footwear suited to the ground and the weather; in nature it is best to stay on the marked trail.

Rõuma küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Viewpoints

Osmussaar Lighthouse

Osmussaar Lighthouse stands in Osmussaare village in Lääne County, on the island's northwestern side, which visitors reach by boat from the mainland. The present black-and-white striped concrete tower was built in 1954 and rises 35 metres above the ground. It guides ships along Estonia's northern coast and is one of the island's most prominent structures. The lighthouse is open to visitors, but the boat trip to the island must be arranged in advance, and access may depend on the weather. It is a separate sea mark from Saxby Lighthouse on Vormsi. The surrounding stony shore and open sea are part of the setting's distinctive view.

Indicative price: Adult 5 €; school pupil 2,50 €; preschool child free.

Osmussaare tuletornlinnak, Osmussaare küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Nature & parks

Roosta beach

Roosta beach is located in the village of Elbiku in Lääne-Nigula Parish, Lääne County, and is a wide sandy sea beach near a pine forest. The beach is characterized by a long stretch of sand, open sea views, and a natural landscape between dunes. In summer, the beach is used for swimming and water sports, and the Roosta Holiday Village operates nearby. The beach offers parking, boardwalks, and seasonal services, though their availability may vary by season. This is an independent beach, distinct from Haapsalu Paralepa beach and Nõva Peraküla beach. Sea conditions and wind must be assessed before entering the water.

Suplusranna, Elbiku küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

History & architecture

Ungru Manor ruins

The ruins of Ungru Manor are located in Lääne County, in Kiltsi village within the administrative territory of Haapsalu city, rather than in the centre of Haapsalu. The construction of the Neo-Baroque manor began in the late 19th century, but the grandiose building was left unfinished. High walls, window openings, and facade sections remain, giving an impression of the planned manor house. The ruins are surrounded by a green landscape, and the exterior of the building is easily recognisable. Visitors can view the architecture from the outside, but caution must be exercised near the crumbling walls. This is a separate historical site distinct from Haapsalu Castle and the museums in the town centre.

Ungru loss, Kiltsi küla, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

History & architecture

Noarootsi Püha Katariina kirik

Noarootsi St. Catherine's Church is located in Hosby village, Lääne-Nigula Parish, Lääne County, and is a historical sanctuary in the Late Gothic style. The church was built around 1500, and its stone building also served defensive purposes in the Middle Ages. The red boarded roof and massive walls are distinctive features of Noarootsi Church. Inside, the baptismal font, Baroque pulpit, and historical memorial plaques are noteworthy. Opposite the church is the old vicarage building. Visiting the interior is by prior arrangement, and the activities of the sanctuary must be taken into account. This is not the St. John's or St. Mary Magdalene church in Haapsalu.

Noarootsi kirikumõis, Hosby küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Nature & parks

Liivaseranna–Peraküla õpperada

The Liivaseranna–Peraküla nature trail is located in Lääne County, in the Peraküla area of Lääne-Nigula Parish. The hiking trail, which is approximately 3.7 kilometers long, passes through various forest and coastal landscapes and leads close to Toatse and Allikajärv. Along the way, visitors can explore the nature and cultural history of the Nõva region, including a former cobblestone road and a wartime structure. The trail is equipped with information boards and is suitable for peaceful nature walks. It is a marked nature trail, distinct from the previously published Peraküla beach or Saare nature trail. Before setting out, visitors should consider the weather and trail conditions.

Peraküla küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Arts & culture

Vormsi Cemetery

Vormsi Cemetery is located in Hullo village on Vormsi Island, next to the Church of St. Olaf. In the older part of the cemetery, over 330 limestone and sandstone ring crosses have been preserved, reflecting the heritage of the island's coastal Swedes. There are also other historical grave markers; the oldest gravestone dates back to 1743. In the churchyard, memorial stones commemorate the Estonian-Swedish cultural figure Hans Pöhli and the missionary Österblom. Outside the churchyard stands a freedom monument that remained in its place even during the Soviet era. When walking in the cemetery, it should be noted that it is still a peaceful memorial site.

Kiriku, Hullo küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

Nature & parks

Palivere hiking trails

Palivere hiking trails are located in Lääne-Nigula municipality, Lääne County, offering diverse skiing and hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. The trails can be used year-round, including for skiing, running, cycling, nordic walking, and simply hiking. The trail is also ideal for GPS games and orienteering. Different trails range from 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7.3 kilometers, including a 1.5-kilometer illuminated trail. There is a parking lot for 100 cars, a warm outdoor toilet, and fire pits available. The trail also features an 18-hole disc golf course, and an old ski jump tower is nearby.

Spordikeskuse, Allikmaa küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Nature & parks

Rumpo hiking trail

The Rumpo hiking trail is located on Vormsi Island and stretches 6.7 km from the village of Rumpo to the peninsula of the same name. Along the trail, there are several platforms offering beautiful views of Hullo and Sviby bays and the nearby islets, which are known as breeding and migratory sites for aquatic animals. Rumpo peninsula is also a habitat for rare tundra mosses. This hiking trail is an ideal place for enjoying nature and birdwatching, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore unique flora and fauna. The trail is open year-round, allowing for outdoor experiences at any time.

Pilliroo, Sviby küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

Nature & parks

Prästviigi Lake Trail

The Prästviigi Lake Trail is located in the central part of Vormsi Island and leads visitors to a beautiful lake that was once a marine lagoon. The lake is largely covered with reeds but still retains its importance as a spawning and growth area for fish. The birdlife around the lake is rich and diverse; on a quiet spring evening, one can hear the song of a woodpecker. The trail is 1.7 km long and takes visitors to the lakeshore and the observation tower on the northern bank. The trail also features a unique Healing Spring, surrounded by a limestone-rich spring meadow where various orchid species grow.

Vormsi ringtee, Hullo küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

Museums & science

Lyckholmi Museum and Saare Manor

Lyckholmi Museum is located in the stables of Saare Manor in Lääne-Nigula Parish, Lääne County. The museum was opened in 1995 and offers visitors an overview of the history of Noarootsi, focusing on the period of Estonia's first independence from 1918 to 1940. The museum also displays a collection of old home and agricultural machinery, highlighting the cooperation between local Estonians, Swedes, Germans, and Finns. Additionally, visitors can explore fossils from the Silurian period, which is certainly an interesting discovery for any nature enthusiast. The museum is open from May to August from Wednesday to Sunday, but in autumn and winter, prior arrangement is necessary for visits.

Saaremõisa, Saare küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Nature & parks

Läänemaa Health Trail

The Läänemaa Health Trail is a walking and cycling route linking Haapsalu with nearby settlements, built on a former railway embankment. Almost 54 kilometres long, the trail between Turba, Haapsalu and Rohuküla suits both walking and cycling. Kilometre posts and closely spaced marker stones help you judge distances. Much of the route has a compacted gravel surface and runs separately from motor traffic. Between Haapsalu and Rohuküla the journey can be combined with discovering historical sites in the area. The long route need not be done in one go: you can choose a section to suit your own pace.

Raudteetammi tee lõik 5, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Nature & parks

Allika Spring Trail on Vormsi

The Allika Spring Trail on Vormsi is a nature trail near Suuremõisa village that introduces the island’s springs and wetland landscapes. The roughly two-kilometre route runs through the Vormsi Landscape Protection Area and leads to the Suurallikas and Raviallikas springs. From the trail you can also see the surroundings of Lake Prästviigi. The path combines dirt track, boardwalk sections and stiles, and signposts and an information board help with orientation. In wet weather the trail can become muddy and hard to walk, so waterproof footwear is advisable. There is also a low wooden viewing platform along the way.

Matis-Siffersi, Suuremõisa küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

History & architecture

Haapsalu Church of St Alexander Nevsky

The Haapsalu Church of St Alexander Nevsky is a historic Orthodox church on Surnuaia Street, originally built as an auxiliary cemetery church. The building was completed in 1896–1897, and its design is marked by a tented roof, a small onion dome and a porch with a bell tower. The church’s exterior is linked to a design by the St Petersburg architect A. F. Krassovsky. After the church was closed in 1962, the original iconostasis was moved to the Orthodox church in Kiviõli. Today an Orthodox congregation uses the building. When planning a visit, note the published weekend opening hours, as no regular visiting times are listed for other days.

Surnuaia tn 1, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Nature & parks

Huitberg Hiking Trail and Limestone Mound

The Huitberg Hiking Trail and Limestone Mound are on Vormsi island, near Suuremõisa village, in a spruce forest. The trail’s main sight is a fossilised coral reef more than 400 million years old, a reminder of the time when sea covered the area of today’s island. The continental ice sheet smoothed the surface of the mound, and an observant visitor may spot fossils in the moss-covered rock. Rare protected ferns also grow nearby. The circular trail is marked with wooden signposts and suits a relaxed walk in the forest. When exploring the mound, take care of nature and avoid damaging the protected plants.

Vormsi metskond 1, Suuremõisa küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond