Events - Visit Haapsalu

Things are happening in 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.

Swedish Market

Haapsalu’s main street, Karja, begins at the Swedish Market. The name of the street (“herd”) originates from the time when animals belonging to the citizens of the town were led out to pasture down this road. As late as the beginning of the 20th century, the Swedish Market was an empty square where the fish market was held. Many plots of land in the area belonged at that time to Estonian Swedes (or Coastal Swedish) families. In the 1930s, a small park with the town well was built here. To decorate the square, the sculpture “Boy With A Fish” was commissioned from the sculptor Juhan Raudsepp (erected in 1936).

Good to know: The fountain side is still a nice and romantic place to sit. During the summertime festivals such as August Blues and the White Lady Festival the Swedish Market is transformed into a small open air stage.

Karja tänav, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Ridala Church

Ridala Church is one of the most valuable churches in Läänemaa from the artistic point of view. It has been dedicated to Mary Magdalene whose figure in the church is one of the oldest sculptured figures in Estonia.
This archaic sanctuary lacks a belfry. Be sure to take a look at the medieval paintings. The altar, the triumphal arch group and pulpit are also remarkable. In the churchyard the most valuable things are the trapezoid gravestones dating back to the 13th century with sun cross and arbour vitae motifs. The two massive stone crosses near the main entrance of the church are very old. Interesting facts: According to a folk tale the church was built by a giant maiden as a dwelling house.

Ridala kirik, Kolila küla, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Österby jetty and fire station

Österby sadam, Österby küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Saxby Lighthouse

Come and discover the pride of Vormsi Island – Saxby Lighthouse, built in 1864, with its 27-meter-high flashing light guiding the way to the Väinamere Archipelago. This lighthouse is not only a navigational landmark but also a historical and cultural symbol standing on the northwestern coast of Vormsi.

According to legend, there are only three such lighthouses in the world: one in Kihnu, one in Vormsi, and the third, lost somewhere on the seabed.

From the top of the lighthouse, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Vormsi’s rocky beaches and the enchanting sunset. This is a place where history, legends and sea views meet – an ideal destination for every adventurer and peace seeker.

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

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.

Piiskopilinnus, 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.