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.
Active holidays
Nature holiday
Accommodation
Spa
Places to eat
Attractions
Tour

Ridala Church

Ridala Church is one of the most valuable churches in Läänemaa from the artistic point of view. It has been dedicated to Mary Magdalene whose figure in the church is one of the oldest sculptured figures in Estonia.
This archaic sanctuary lacks a belfry. Be sure to take a look at the medieval paintings. The altar, the triumphal arch group and pulpit are also remarkable. In the churchyard the most valuable things are the trapezoid gravestones dating back to the 13th century with sun cross and arbour vitae motifs. The two massive stone crosses near the main entrance of the church are very old. Interesting facts: According to a folk tale the church was built by a giant maiden as a dwelling house.
Ridala kirik, Kolila küla, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond
Read more

Haapsalu Castle

Haapsalu Castle is an architectural gem built in the 13th century that was the seat of power of the local authorities until the end of the 17th century. It is one of the best-preserved castles in Estonia and home to the most famous ghost in Estonia – the White Lady!

There is a museum on medieval history in the main castle, through which you can also access the southern cathedral, first mentioned in writing in 1279. There is a children’s playground inspired by the Middle Ages in the moat.
You can visit the courtyard for free, but you have to buy a ticket to get to the museum.

Piiskopilinnus, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond
Read more

Haapsalu Cathedral

The Haapsalu Cathedral (first mentioned in 1279) is one of the largest single-nave churches in the Nordic and Baltic countries. It was the main church of the Bishopric of Ösel–Wiek.
During the full moon in August, you could see the eternal lover – the White Lady – in the church window.

The cathedral is also a wonderful concert venue thanks to its good acoustics.

The cathedral is the church of the St. John’s congregation of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Haapsalu.
The services are free for visitors and the church can be entered from the main entrance. At other times, you can enter the church through the Haapsalu Castle Museum with a museum ticket.

Piiskopilinnus, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond
Read more

Haapsalu City Gallery

Haapsalu City Gallery showcases and promotes the artistic life not only of Haapsalu itself, but of Estonia as a whole. Located in newly refurbished premises in the Haapsalu Cultural Centre, the gallery is spacious and full of light, making it the perfect place to exhibit paintings and graphic art or even photography or ceramics.
Posti tn 3, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond
Read more

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
Read more