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.

St Olav’s Church in Vormsi

Vormsi church which dates back to the 14th century and is the main memento of its history and culture – is located in the centre of the island, in Hullo. The church was unused for a long time after the Swedish escaped from the island in the end of World War II. The church was dedicated again on Olav’s Day in 1990.
Be sure to take a look at the characteristic square-shaped nave and have look at the old ceiling paintings in the altar room. Interesting facts: The first church in Vormsi was a wooden church. * St. Olav’s church in Vormsi is unique for the fact that it has no belfry, the bell hangs above the door under the high ridge. * There are two gnarled pine trees at the gate of the church – this is the place where the pillory stood.

Kiriku/1, Hullo küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

Okase Museum

The museum of the world-renowned Estonian art classic, Evald Okas (1915–2011), in Haapsalu is a unique cultural center that introduces the great figure of Estonian art history and the work of his family.

The first floor of the private museum houses temporary exhibitions, including paintings from the 1960s to the 1980s. The second floor houses a permanent exhibition that showcases the artist’s work from his youth to the end of his life. In addition to exhibitions, the museum also organizes art courses, concerts, and other cultural events, offering experiences for both locals and visitors.

Art lives in Haapsalu — come and discover the Okase Museum!

Karja tn 24, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Lyckholm Museum and Saare Manor

The Museum of Lyckholm is situated in the stables of Saare manor. It was restored in 1995 and gives you an overview of the history of Noarootsi. It focuses on Estonian first independence period between 1918 to 1940. It also displays a collection of old domestic- and farming tools, which emphasises the collaboration between Esonians, Swedes, Germans and Finns living in the area. Good to know: Have you seen fossils dated to silur period? Come and have a look!

Saaremõisa, Saare küla / Lyckholm, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Rooslepa Chapel and Cemetery

The ruins of Rooslepa chapel originate from the 17th century. It was originally built as a wooden chapel. The present stone chapel was built in 1834. The chapel fell apart after World War II, but the sanctuary which has by now been completely restored was recommemorated in August 2007. The chapel has a brand new belfry with the ball and weathervane. The weathervane depicts a whale with its toothed mouth open.
Interesting facts: The stone inside the chapel near the entrance waited for 10 years to return to its original place. The stone is unique for the autograph by the grandfather of the present King of Sweden dating back to the year 1932.

Side, Rooslepa küla / Roslep, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Museum of the Coastal Swedes

This museum in Haapsalu introduces the thousand-year-old settlements of the coastal Swedes in Estonia. In the house inaugurated by the King of Sweden, you can acquaint yourself with their unique cultural heritage and see a 20-metre embroidered rug that depicts the life of the Estonian Swedes. There is a scene where Swedish peasants bought Large-Pakri Island from the Padise Monastery for 34 silver marks in 1345. Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf had great words of praise for the pictorial rug! In addition, other interesting events are organised and traditional wedding feasts are held.
Good to know: the museum houses several traditional wooden boats typical of coastal Swedes.

Sadama tn 32, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Ants Laikmaa’s Home Museum

Artist Ants Laikmaa was born in the Vigala Rural Municipality in Lääne County on 5 May 1866.

A. Laikmaa studied painting in St. Petersburg and at the Academy of Arts in Dusseldorf; his favourite technique was pastel. He mostly painted natural landscapes and portraits of Estonian intelligentsia and the farmers of West Estonia.

The artist made his last home in Lääne County in the village of Kadarbik. The house was constructed according to the artist’s own drawings and it is surrounded by a gorgeous natural park.

The ground floor of the home museum houses an exhibition about the life of the master. On the upper floor, you will find his studio, study and bedroom with personal belongings and ethnographic antiquities.

Muuseumi/1, Kadarpiku küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond