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.

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.

Pearsi, Sviby küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

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.

Jaani tn 2, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Haapsalu Kuursaal

Haapsalu Kuursaal is the only original 19th-century concert hall in Estonia that has survived. It was built in 1898 on the seaside promenade in the heart of this summer resort town. The romantic architecture and the detailed, wooden-laced building reflect the culture of the time, when Haapsalu was an important resort for the Russian imperial family and the upper class of St. Petersburg. Initially, the Kuursaal was located almost entirely in the sea — at the ends of the building there were small bays, which were later filled in, and the shoreline took on its current form.

Together with the adjacent bandstand, the Kuursaal forms a unique ensemble that was the center of Haapsalu’s social life at the beginning of the 20th century and remains so today. During the Soviet era, the building fell into neglect and was used as a warehouse, but it was later restored to its former glory. The interior of the Kuursaal combines French elegance and the historic brasserie style, complemented by modern interior design.

Today, the Kuursaal houses a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with a sea view in a historic atmosphere.

Promenaadi tn 1, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

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.

Kiriku/1, Hullo küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

Okase Museum

The museum of the world-renowned Estonian art classic, Evald Okas (1915–2011), in Haapsalu is a unique cultural center that introduces the great figure of Estonian art history and the work of his family.

The first floor of the private museum houses temporary exhibitions, including paintings from the 1960s to the 1980s. The second floor houses a permanent exhibition that showcases the artist’s work from his youth to the end of his life. In addition to exhibitions, the museum also organizes art courses, concerts, and other cultural events, offering experiences for both locals and visitors.

Art lives in Haapsalu — come and discover the Okase Museum!

Karja tn 24, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

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!

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