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.

Vormsi Cemetery

Vormsi Cemetery right next to St Olav’s Church on the island of Vormsi is one of the most unique cemeteries in Estonia. In the older part of the cemetery you will find many limestone and sandstone wheel crosses. More than 330 wheel crosses have survived and there are many crosses of ordinary shapes.
Interesting facts: There are two memorial stones in the churchyard – one for the Estonian-Swedish cultural figure Hans Pöhl, and the other for the Swedish missionary Österblom who brought about fundamental changes in the local religious life. Try to find the oldest grave stone in the cemetery originating from 1743. Outside the churchyard you can see one of the few freedom monuments in Estonia which stood in its place through the whole of the Soviet era.

Kiriku, Hullo küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

Haeska Ceramics

Haeska Ceramics is located on the northern shore of Matsalu Bay. Margit Mald, a ceramist, lives and works there.
Most of her works are regular household items, burned at a high temperature of 1,260 degrees. The aim of the artist is to create simple products which turn to life when food is placed on them, creating positive emotions. Here, you will also find unique pottery, which gives you the opportunity to play with material, form, and technique.

Metsa, Haeska küla, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Haapsalu Art School Galleries

Haapsalu Art School Galleries offer diverse exhibitions of works by its pupils and other artists. There are new exhibitions every 3–4 weeks. There are three different types of galleries: the house, yard, and cellar gallery. The house gallery is open year-round, the yard gallery opens in April, and the cellar gallery can be visited from May.

Jaani tn 2, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, 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 Sundial

There is sundial designed by artist Roman Haavamäe on the Haapsalu seaside Promenade. The face of the dial depicts the life of man – starting with a child and ending with an old man supported by a cane. On the Promenade also admire the decorative dolomite stairways and decorative columns by the same artist, as well as the ornamented stairs on both sides of the Assembly Hall.

Interesting fact: The sundial shows the local sun time, which is about 90 minutes slower than daylight savings time. Go and check to see if your watch is correct.

Promenaadi tn 3, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Childhood Home of Ilon Wikland

Haapsalu is the childhood hometown of the Ilon Wikland, illustrator of the books by world famous children’s book author Astrid Lindgren. In the 1930s she lived with her grandparents in a yellow house on the corner of Linda and Rüütli streets. Wikland emigrated to Sweden in 1944. Her time in Haapsalu brought small town motifs to her drawings. In Ilon’s work you will find images of Haapsalu’s wooden houses, fortress walls and railway station.

Interesting to know: Ilon Wikland donated 800 of her original drawings to Haapsalu as a gift. They are displayed in a gallery opened on Kooli street on the site of the children’s theme park Ilon’s Wonderland. Ilon’s childhood home can only be viewed from the outside.

Linda tn 2, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond