Worth seeing in Haapsalu and 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.

Africa Beach and Promenade

The splendour of Haapsalu, the famous Czarist era resort, is brought to mind by the seafront Promenade and its jewel — the Assembly Hall with its wooden lattice designs. Walk on the sloping promenade and glance dreamily at the sea; check the time at the sundial and have a rest on the bench named for the world-famous composer Tchaikovsky.

Interesting facts: The Promenade starts at the exotically named Africa Beach, and ends at the Chocolate Promenade, which is named after an old café. There is a children’s playground on the Promenade and the town’s only observation tower. There is also a monument to Carl Hunnius, the discoverer of Haapsalu’s therapeutic mud standing just behind the stage.

Innovation Centre INNOKAS. Robotics and Virtual Reality

The innovation centre INNOKAS in Haapsalu welcomes families, toddlers, youthful grandparents, and kindergarten and school groups. INNOKAS promotes inventing and exploring – guests can discover the laws of nature on their own.

Our team works hard to make sure that all guests can create something and discover the laws of the world through invention.
Besides robotics, we have virtual reality and 3D printing.
You can also celebrate birthdays and organise corporate events here.

Haapsalu Castle

Haapsalu Castle is an architectural gem built in the 13th century that was the seat of power of the local authorities until the end of the 17th century. It is one of the best-preserved castles in Estonia and home to the most famous ghost in Estonia – the White Lady!

There is a museum on medieval history in the main castle, through which you can also access the southern cathedral, first mentioned in writing in 1279. There is a children’s playground inspired by the Middle Ages in the moat.
You can visit the courtyard for free, but you have to buy a ticket to get to the museum.

Rannarootsi Centre

Rannarootsi Centre is a safe and cosy environment for shopping and spending leisure time. It is also a perfect meeting place.
The centre aims to be the shopping and leisure centre of choice among the locals.

Vormsi Cemetery

Vormsi Cemetery right next to St Olav’s Church on the island of Vormsi is one of the most unique cemeteries in Estonia. In the older part of the cemetery you will find many limestone and sandstone wheel crosses. More than 330 wheel crosses have survived and there are many crosses of ordinary shapes.
Interesting facts: There are two memorial stones in the churchyard – one for the Estonian-Swedish cultural figure Hans Pöhl, and the other for the Swedish missionary Österblom who brought about fundamental changes in the local religious life. Try to find the oldest grave stone in the cemetery originating from 1743. Outside the churchyard you can see one of the few freedom monuments in Estonia which stood in its place through the whole of the Soviet era.

Lyckholm Museum and Saare Manor

The Museum of Lyckholm is situated in the stables of Saare manor. It was restored in 1995 and gives you an overview of the history of Noarootsi. It focuses on Estonian first independence period between 1918 to 1940. It also displays a collection of old domestic- and farming tools, which emphasises the collaboration between Esonians, Swedes, Germans and Finns living in the area. Good to know: Have you seen fossils dated to silur period? Come and have a look!