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

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

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

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

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

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

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