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.

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.

Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu, Promenaadi tänav

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.

Elbiku küla / Ölbäck, Lääne-Nigula vald

Haapsalu Art School Galleries

Haapsalu Art School Galleries offer diverse exhibitions of works by its pupils and other artists. There are new exhibitions every 3–4 weeks. There are three different types of galleries: the house, yard, and cellar gallery. The house gallery is open year-round, the yard gallery opens in April, and the cellar gallery can be visited from May.

Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu, Jaani tänav 2

The building of Läänemaa Upper Secondary School

The historic building has accommodated a school for almost 200 years, making it one of the oldest schools in Haapsalu. The oldest part of the schoolhouse was built at the end of the 18th century, the newest part in 1928. The completely renovated school that re-opened in 2013 is now called Läänemaa Upper Secondary School; formerly, it was named in the honour of linguist and scientist F. J. Wiedemann. Some years ago the schoolhouse got an extension – a sports hall, which is the most contemporary sports facility in town. One can cheer for their favourite team there, rent the gym for sport games, use the body building centre and the sauna. The building belongs in the National Registry of Cultural Monuments.

Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu, Ferdinand Johann Wiedemanni tänav 15

Haapsalu Cathedral

The Haapsalu Cathedral (first mentioned in 1279) is one of the largest single-nave churches in the Nordic and Baltic countries. It was the main church of the Bishopric of Ösel–Wiek. During the full moon in August, you could see the eternal lover – the White Lady – in the church window. The cathedral is also a wonderful concert venue thanks to its good acoustics. The cathedral is the church of the St. John’s congregation of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Haapsalu. The services are free for visitors and the church can be entered from the main entrance. At other times, you can enter the church through the Haapsalu Castle Museum with a museum ticket.

Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu, Lossiplats

St Olav’s Church in Vormsi

Vormsi church which dates back to the 14th century and is the main memento of its history and culture – is located in the centre of the island, in Hullo. The church was unused for a long time after the Swedish escaped from the island in the end of World War II. The church was dedicated again on Olav’s Day in 1990. Be sure to take a look at the characteristic square-shaped nave and have look at the old ceiling paintings in the altar room. Interesting facts: The first church in Vormsi was a wooden church. * St. Olav’s church in Vormsi is unique for the fact that it has no belfry, the bell hangs above the door under the high ridge. * There are two gnarled pine trees at the gate of the church – this is the place where the pillory stood.

Hullo küla, Vormsi vald