Nature holiday - Visit Haapsalu

Immerse yourself in the nature of Läänemaa

In the romantic small town of Haapsalu and small villages, hospitable people await you, surprising you with their sincerity and interest in history and culture. The guests who stayed here are remembered again and again with great respect.

VisitEstonia has produced a brochure introducing Estonia’s national parks:

Blokarting (Land-Sailing) at Uuskalda Sports and Holiday Village

Blokarting is becoming more and more prominent in the world and Estonia’s first, almost 1-kilometre long blokart land-sailing track has been built in Uuskalda.
Blokart is a 3-wheel kart which consists of a frame, back-wheels, a turning front wheel, a steering-wheel, rigging and a sheet. The available sail sizes are 3, 4 and 5.5 m2, the suitable winds start at 6 m/s. The best time from the point of view of the wind is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., instructions are always given before the ride. The rules applicable to ordinary sailing apply here as well. You should wear sporty clothes suitable for the weather conditions. If possible, you should wear a helmet.

Kalda, Kärbla küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Vormsi Landscape Protection Area

The aim of Vormsi Nature Protection Area is to protect rare landscapes, heritage, culture and plants. The two internationally important bird protection areas on the coast of Vormsi – bays of Hullo and Sviby – and Hari strait with coastal meadows and islets are named research areas of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Interesting places: Hullo bay – a nesting and a stopping place for birds. In spring you can see thousands of scaups, long-tailed ducks, ducks, barnacle geese and woodcocks there. Rumpo peninsula is the habitat of the rare lichens characteristic for tundras, but rare in Estonia. Also take a look at Rälby bog, Dilby peninsula, Saxby beach and Prästviigi Lake.

Norrenda, Rumpo küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

Tuulingu kicksled hikes in Matsalu National Park

A kicksled hike in Matsalu National Park in winter!

We organise hikes in suitable weather conditions. The rules of the national park allow kicksledding in a unique area of the reserve until the end of February. From March, the bay belongs only to birds. If ice conditions allow, we will also go on a 6–8 km circle around the Haeska islets.

On the sea ice, you can ride on an ice carousel and get acquainted with ice fishing. Fishing is done with real coastal fishing traps. You can also buy fish. At the end of the trip in Tuulingi, we offer soup and talk about the past, present, and future of the place.

The price includes the hike and a meal.

Tuuliku, Haeska küla, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Marimetsa Bog Hiking Trail

The first part of the trail is a dirt road that runs along the high-voltage power line. The track then reaches the Marimetsa Brook and leads to the rest area along the banks of the brook. From there, a boardwalk will take you to Marimetsa Bog. There is a viewing tower at the end of the trail (7.6 metres high).
In Marimetsa Bog, you will see a fen, a transition bog, a raised bog, and a number of different birds and plants.
The length of the trail is 9 kilometres of which 2 × 2 kilometres is a boardwalk. You should plan 4–5 hours for the hike. The trail is wet at places – make sure to bring your rubber boots.
There is a dry toilet on the track, benches for resting, and an information board with a map and a scheme of the trail.

Kullamaa metskond 2, Rõuma küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Saare study trail

The Saare study trail is located on the border of Silma Nature Reserve.
The hiking trail, which begins at the Sutlepa car park, is equipped with an observation platform and an observation tower. In the spring, you can admire thousands of waterfowl, and on the information boards, you will find information on the values of the Silma Nature Reserve.

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

Pikajala Hill in Palivere

Palivere is famous for its sand dunes and pine forests. Pikajalamägi or Pikajala Hill is the highest point in Lääne County – 51 m – and home to a fortress whose construction began in the early part of the second millennium but was never completed. Around 11,000 years ago the sea lapped the foot of the hill. The old ski jumping tower on the hill is no longer in use, but it offers unbeatable views over the surrounding area. Hiking trails also wind their way over and around the hill.
Did you know…? *The spring at the foot of the hill is said to have a restorative effect on the eyes, making them sparkle and leaving you looking forever young! And if you toss a coin in it during spring, they say you will never run out of money…

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