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.

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.

Evald Okas Museum

The works of Evald Okas, a great figure in the Estonian art world and an honorary member of the Florence Art Academy, can be found in museum collections in Estonia and abroad. This museum has been enriching the art life of Haapsalu since 2003. The primary attraction is the constantly changing permanent exposition and exhibits in the museum gallery.

Did you know…?
*The building, constructed in the mid-19th century as a tavern, has a unique atmosphere
*You can take part in art courses and attend interesting exhibitions
*Since 1939, Okas’ works have been displayed in 50 solo exhibitions

Haapsalu Railway and Communications Museum

The historic wooden railway station in Haapsalu houses a museum with outdoor and indoor exhibitions about the history of Estonian railway transport and communications.

In the outdoor area, you can see Estonia’s only preserved diesel train driver’s car and the oldest preserved broad-gauge railway steam locomotive! The museum offers personal guided tours and visitor programs. The station building itself consists of four parts, including a unique 216 m long platform, which at one time was the longest in Europe!

Today, the platform is one of the most popular photo spots in Haapsalu.

St John’s Lutheran Church in Haapsalu

St. John’s Church in Haapsalu, a town church rebuilt from a granary, first mentioned in writing in 1513, is a Lutheran church which has been active without interruption since 1524. In the church there is a stone altar wall, created by Joachim Winter in 1630. The stone altar is rare in the whole Northern Europe. Its central motif, a high relief depicting ‘Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane’ is also unusual. The tombstone of the first known pastor, Joachim Jacobi (1581-1587), lies on the ground in front of the altar. The wooden pulpit with baroque-style wooden carvings dates back to 1707. Two bells, the older of which is from 1590, toll in the church tower.

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.

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.