Nature holiday - Visit Haapsalu

Immerse yourself in the nature of 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.

VisitEstonia has produced a brochure introducing Estonia’s national parks:

Tuulingu kicksled hikes in Matsalu National Park

A kicksled hike in Matsalu National Park in winter!

We organise hikes in suitable weather conditions. The rules of the national park allow kicksledding in a unique area of the reserve until the end of February. From March, the bay belongs only to birds. If ice conditions allow, we will also go on a 6–8 km circle around the Haeska islets.

On the sea ice, you can ride on an ice carousel and get acquainted with ice fishing. Fishing is done with real coastal fishing traps. You can also buy fish. At the end of the trip in Tuulingi, we offer soup and talk about the past, present, and future of the place.

The price includes the hike and a meal.

Tuuliku, Haeska küla, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Gulf `Tagalaht` and birdwatching tower in Haapsalu promenade

For most of the year the Gulf Tagalaht in Haapsalu is an exciting place for birdwatching. There is no need to leave town, simply visit the 15-metre high birdwatching tower on the Promenade. When visiting the tower you will get a full overview of birdlife in the area between Haapsalu and Noarootsi. When the ice breaks in April and May, the gulf is filled with swans and different types of ducks. In autumn – in September and October – it is interesting to witness the departure of geese and cranes.

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

Paralepa forest tracks

The Paralepa park forest not far from Haapsalu has 3 km and 5 km long tracks. They provide a number of exercise opportunities, from parallel bars and balance beams to chin-ups and obstacle course runs. You can get a map from the reception desk at the nearby Fra Mare Hotel to help you navigate along the tracks. The map marks the running and ski track, which is also marked in situ, and the hotel will also hire out Nordic walking equipment, bicycles and skis.

Ranna tee 1, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Liivaseranna-Peraküla study trail

The study trail runs through different types of landscapes and key biotypes. You will pass lakes Toatse and Allikajärv, you can enjoy the nature of the forest, the singing sands, the variety of landscapes. In Liivaseranna and Keibu Bay you will find a dozen kilometres of sheer sandy beach.
The trail will give you an overview of the local cultural heritage of Nõva, you will see a cobble street and radio station dating back to World War I. Good to know: The trail is dry and its length is 3,7 kilometres. It is supplied with information boards.

Peraküla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Haapsalu Stadium tennis courts

Haapsalu Stadium has two tennis courts with artificial grass surfaces. Court hire includes use of the changing rooms and shower facilities, and for an extra charge you can enjoy the services of the Haapsalu Water Park. You can also hire all of your tennis gear on site. Game times can be booked at the information desk in the Haapsalu Water Park by the hour.

Lihula mnt 10, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Haeska birdwatching tower

The Haeska birdwatching tower on the north shore of Matsalu Bay is the best one in Europe – the coastal meadows and shallow bay are a popular spot among migratory birds.
Many species have been recorded in the vicinity of the Haeska birdwatching tower and Finnish birdwatchers have also set a European record – 128 different bird species were seen from the tower in one day. The birdwatching tower and recreation area are situated on a private land and therefore staying on this object is allowed from sunrise to sunset.