Haapsalu’s main street, Karja, begins at the Swedish Market. The name of the street (“herd”) originates from the time when animals belonging to the citizens of the town were led out to pasture down this road. As late as the beginning of the 20th century, the Swedish Market was an empty square where the fish market was held. Many plots of land in the area belonged at that time to Estonian Swedes (or Coastal Swedish) families. In the 1930s, a small park with the town well was built here. To decorate the square, the sculpture “Boy With A Fish” was commissioned from the sculptor Juhan Raudsepp (erected in 1936).

Good to know: The fountain side is still a nice and romantic place to sit. During the summertime festivals such as August Blues and the White Lady Festival the Swedish Market is transformed into a small open air stage. 

Club Africa is located in the most popular place in Haapsalu, right in the heart of the city. On the first floor of the building, there is Pub Africa, and in the basement, there is Nightclub Africa.

Africa is one of the first nightclubs in Estonia, opened in 1994. To create the milieu-like interior of the club, sculptor Tauno Kangro’s erotic sculptures in an African style have been used.

Comfortable furniture and an interesting lighting solution give the club a truly pleasant and cosy atmosphere. The high-quality lighting equipment and a decent sound system guarantee a party mood and make the club visitors dance.

 

Driving on the highway through Taebla you will see Lääne-Nigula Church. The building was restored in 1816, the steeple dates back to 1882. The height of the church is 52.2 metres of which the spire is 26.7 metres.
There is an old cemetery around the church. You will find the old crosses and headstones in the cemetery interesting. The present interior design of the church dates back to the 19th century. The magnificent Empire style altar wall was made by master Sigismund from St Petersburg. Interesting facts: The altar paintings “Last Supper” and “Resurrection” are copies of Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings.

The works of Evald Okas, a great figure in the Estonian art world and an honorary member of the Florence Art Academy, can be found in museum collections in Estonia and abroad. This museum has been enriching the art life of Haapsalu since 2003. The primary attraction is the constantly changing permanent exposition and exhibits in the museum gallery.

Did you know…?
*The building, constructed in the mid-19th century as a tavern, has a unique atmosphere
*You can take part in art courses and attend interesting exhibitions
*Since 1939, Okas’ works have been displayed in 50 solo exhibitions

On the Promenade make a stop at the monument to Carl Abraham Hunniuse (1797-1851), who established the resort of Haapsalu.

Dr. Hunnius was the first to notice that the local residents used the sea mud to find relief for their ailments and was inspired to start investigating the properties of the mud. At his initiative, the first therapeutic mud baths were established in Haapsalu in 1825.

Interesting fact: Haapsalu was named an Imperial resort, and Russian Tsars Nicholas I, Alexander II, Alexander III and Nicholas II and their families all vacationed here and took the mud baths.

Come and try a Haapsalu therapeutic mud bath in the Hestia and Fra Mare Spa hotels!