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:

Läänemaa Health Path

Läänemaa Health Path is an almost 60-kilometres-long path for pedestrians and cyclists along the embankment of the Riisipere-Haapsalu-Rohuküla line. The road has been marked with kilometre posts and with pickets every 100 metres. When at the section between Haapsalu-Rohuküla you should visit the remains of Ungru Castle not far from the path. You can also see the old airfield in Kiltsi. When at the section between Haapsalu-Risti near Taebla, go visit the Laikmaa Museum and Koela Museum and Lääne-Nigula church. When near Risti, go and take a look of Marimetsa bog.
Good to know: The path is covered with a strong surface. Driving on the road is safe and you will be undisturbed by traffic.

Raudteetammi tee lõik 5, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Lynx and bear watching tour in Alutaguse and Lahemaa National Park

The focus of this nature tour is on three iconic mammals – the lynx, the brown bear, and the wolf. For now, let’s focus our attention on the lynx, who has the most secretive life. About 500 lynxes are thought to live in Estonia, and they are mostly seen in Alutaguse and Lahemaa National Park.

Estonia also has a large bear population of almost 1,000. We will monitor their activities from a hut. In addition, we hope to hear the howls of wolves on dark autumn nights.

We will also have plenty of time for bird-watching. The tour includes accommodation and meals.

The best time to order a tour is the first three weeks of October but you can contact us all year round!

We also organise scheduled animal watching trips which you can join alone or with a friend, see our website for more information.

Palasi küla, Vinni vald, Lääne-Viru maakond

Kayaking on Haapsalu Bay

Nice kayaking trips on Haapsalu Bay welcome you to an experience. We set out from Holmi beach in Haapsalu and make a trip around the waters of the bay. We visit yacht harbours and paddle between islets. It is a great way to see almost all of Haapsalu.
The kayak trip includes a place in the boat, equipment, guide service and instructions. Group price (6 persons) €150, from the seventh person €30 per person. The trips are most suitable for adults and children from the age of 14.

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

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.

Tuuliku, Haeska küla, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Liivanõmme study trail

Liivanõmme trail starts from Nõva Nature Centre, runs along a stone-paved road dating back to World War I, then passes Allikjärve lake and then runs towards west to river Uuejõe. From there go along the beach range back towards Peraküla, over the Vanajõe riverbed and then you reach Lake Toatse and then back to Peraküla. The trail is suitable for those interested in forests, nature and local cultural heritage.
Good to know: The trail is dry, very suitable for walking. The length of the trail is 7.5 kilometres and it takes about 4 hours to complete it. You will find places for picnicking near Allikajärve and Uuejõe.

Peraküla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond