Attractions - Visit Haapsalu

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.

Epp Maria Gallery

The creative work of Epp Maria Kokamägi, one of Estonia’s most famous artists, includes oil paintings, watercolours, book design and theatre and film design. The building, which was built as a café during Estonia’s first period of independence, now houses a gallery over two floors, where exhibitions change according to the seasons. In addition to Epp Maria’s wonderful paintings, you can also enjoy the paintings and furniture created by her husband Jaak Arro, the ceramics of Liisu Arro and the paintings of Imbi Lind.

Kalda tn 2, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Martna Church

St. Martin’ Church – exceptionally wide for a single-nave church – was built in the beginning of the 16th century. Pay attention to the shield of Saare-Lääne bishop Johannes III Orgas above the north portal of the church. The oldest thing inside the church is a Gotland-style baptising stone. Also valuable are the altar wall and Empire style pulpit. The church’s collection of 17th-18th century epitaph coat of arms is third in size after Tallinn Dome Church and Niguliste Church.
Interesting facts: In 2004 medieval murals were discovered in the altar room of the church. These are considered one of the biggest historical discoveries in Estonia.

Kiriku, Martna küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

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.

Rannarootsi tee 1, Uuemõisa küla, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Carl Abraham Hunniuse Monument

On the Promenade make a stop at the monument to Carl Abraham Hunniuse (1797-1851), who established the resort of Haapsalu.

Dr. Hunnius was the first to notice that the local residents used the sea mud to find relief for their ailments and was inspired to start investigating the properties of the mud. At his initiative, the first therapeutic mud baths were established in Haapsalu in 1825.

Interesting fact: Haapsalu was named an Imperial resort, and Russian Tsars Nicholas I, Alexander II, Alexander III and Nicholas II and their families all vacationed here and took the mud baths.

Come and try a Haapsalu therapeutic mud bath in the Hestia and Fra Mare Spa hotels!

Promenaadi tn 3, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

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.

Piiskopilinnus, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Saxby Lighthouse

Saxby lighthouse has a 27-metre-high beacon that controls the entrance to the Väinameri Sea archipelago and is an important aspect in the Vormsi island’s culture. The tower, built in 1864, is the oldest lighthouse assembled from cast-iron using the Gordon system. The tower was built at the same time as the Kihnu and Virtsu lighthouses and looks similar to them, which is why a legend from Kihnu island tells a story about the construction of lighthouses. It’s said that there are only three of lighthouses in the world: one on Kihnu island, the second on Vormsi island, and the third one at the bottom of the sea, which is said to have disappeared on a sea lane at an unknown location.
The lighthouse is open and offers a beautiful view of the Vormsi island’s Northwestern coast.

Vormsi tulepaak 596, Saxby küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond