For the last one and a half century, Haapsalu has been seen as a resort, where Russian royalty and cultural figures have spent their summers and taken mud baths. A railway station was built in the summer holiday spot of the Russian imperial family and nobles, where the Railway and Communications Museum is now situated. Kuursaal and its band pavilion were the favourite places of Russian emperors and the upper class of Saint Petersburg. On the so-called chocolate promenade, located near the band pavilion, you will find the bench of the world-famous Russian composer Tchaikovsky. There are lovely wooden houses on the quiet seaside streets and in the old town.

Take a walk on the Haapsalu Promenade, which starts by the Läänemaa Museum and ends by the Aibolands Museum. During the walk, which lasts for more than an hour, you will learn about the history of the Promenade and the main sights of Haapsalu, such as the Kuursaal, Päikesekell (Sundial), and Tchaikovsky’s bench.  You will also see new interesting sights, such as the Allika Pavilion, an open-air dance floor, boat landing, diving pier, arbour, and the Kuursaal’s terrace.

Haapsalu has been a town of health and therapy for centuries. Visitors with a mobility disability, as well as older people, small children, and people with temporary reduced mobility due to an illness can access different objects and sights in town. Haapsalu is not yet 100% accessible for wheelchair users, but the town has all the prerequisites for further developing this area. Here, you will find a selection of places and objects that are easier to access.

Läänemaa and Haapsalu are quiet and peaceful, making it popular among families with children. Every member of the family can have fun in the playgrounds and drawing or crafting in Ilon’s Wonderland. The castle and the medieval playground in the moat are also exciting for the whole family to discover. During the hot summer days, families can spend their holiday on Paralepa beach, where you can snorkel in the shallow and warm seawater or rent a boat.