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.

Rides on the pleasure train “Peetrike”

A memorable and fun train ride allows you to see more of the picturesque and romantic seaside town than you would on foot. The train has a tour guide who points out the attractions on the way. You will see Kuursaal, lovely seaside streets with wooden lace houses, and cafés on the main street decorated with flowers. The excursion lasts 45 minutes. Departure/arrival in the summer season: Haapsalu Railway Station The schedule is available here.

Self-drive tour “On the trails of coastal Sweden”

Coastal Swedes have lived on the coast and islands of Northwest Estonia for more than 1,000 years. Start from Aibolands Museum in Haapsalu, which gives you an overview of the history, then go to Lyckholm Museum and St Catherine’s Church in Pürksi. Then, head to Rooslepa and Nõva from Österby port. Swedish village names and red houses are characteristic of the whole region. If you have time, also visit Vormsi and Osmussaare, the first settlement area for coastal Swedes. Order a trip to Osmussaare here. Vormsi was inhabited by indigenous coastal Swedes until 1938. See the ferry schedule to Vormsi here. However, the most convenient way to discover the island is by bike.  

Bicycle Route Rohuküla-Haapsalu-Linnamäe-Sutlepa-Riguldi-Spithami-Nõva

Läänemaa tour for families with children

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.

Tour of Russian history in Haapsalu

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.

Walk on the Haapsalu Promenade

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.