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.

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.  

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.