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.

Vormsi Farm Museum

Vormsi is an island where Swedes lived for centuries. Documents show that there was a settlement as early as in the 13th century. Vormsi was a Swedish-speaking island, where, for example, in 1934, 2,393 Swedes and 122 Estonians lived.
Vormsi Farm Museum is a typical pre-World War II farm of Estonian Swedish people. The farm has been restored with the help of old photographs, written sources, and the memories of the people of Vormsi who were born in Vormsi and fled Sweden to escape the war.
The museum sells Vormsi handicrafts, souvenirs, and Vormsi-themed books.

Risti Monument for the Deported

Risti railway station was the place from where most of the deportees from Läänemaa – almost 3000 people – were deported to Siberia. The monument designed by Viljar Ansko “The railway rails remember…” has been placed on a small freight platform with stone stairs on both sides. Four rails reach for the sky from the four corners of the platform. The rails are joined into a cross with two horizontal bars just before the top. At night the monument is illuminated diagonally by four spotlights installed inside the railway platform. The height of the monument is almost 13 metres. Besides commemorating the mass deportations in recent history, the cross also symbolises the history of the small railway town Risti.

Handicraft shop Mirimart in Haapsalu

The lovely Mirimart handicraft shop is located in the old town of Haapsalu.
In the shop, you will find exciting products from Estonian craftsmen. The shop offers a wide range of Estonian souvenirs, ceramics, gifts and products of local woodworkers. In addition, you will also find lovely knitwear from local craftsmen and much more. Buy a nice, warm sweater, a beautiful accessory for the kitchen, or a great board game to enjoy later at home.
The Mirimart product range has something for everyone.

Osmussaar Lighthouse

Osmussaar is unique for its interesting nature and history. The island was first inhabited by the Estonian Swedes; after the WWII, Osmussaar became a restricted border zone with a Soviet military base.
The island is 4.8 kilometres long and 1.6 kilometres wide. Its highest spot is 8 metres high. Osmussaar probably rose from the sea 3,000 years ago. The landscape is characteristic for its limestone shore, breccia boulders, vast shingle mould areas, and juniper shrubland. 
At the northwestern tip of the island on the cliff coast, a reinforced concrete lighthouse, built in 1954, can be found. The lighthouse has been open for visitors since 2019.

‘Stick-breaker’ sculpture

In front of the Hestia Hotel Haapsalu, on the shore of Väike Viik in Haapsalu, you will find Juhan Raudsepp’s sculpture ‘Stick-breaker’. It symbolises someone who has recovered from their illness in Haapsalu and breaks their walking stick in half, since they no longer need it.

Interesting facts: In 1992 the sculpture was stolen and broken up into four pieces. To the disappointment of the thieves, it proved to be hollow, so they sold the sculpture. Thankfully the pieces were recovered and the sculpture was restored to its former glory.

Rooslepa Chapel and Cemetery

The ruins of Rooslepa chapel originate from the 17th century. It was originally built as a wooden chapel. The present stone chapel was built in 1834. The chapel fell apart after World War II, but the sanctuary which has by now been completely restored was recommemorated in August 2007. The chapel has a brand new belfry with the ball and weathervane. The weathervane depicts a whale with its toothed mouth open.
Interesting facts: The stone inside the chapel near the entrance waited for 10 years to return to its original place. The stone is unique for the autograph by the grandfather of the present King of Sweden dating back to the year 1932.