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.

Vasikaholm Beach is Haapsalu’s second official bathing beach after Paralepa. There are changing cabins on the beach, as well as a toilet with clean water. In the summer, there is also an ice cream cafe. Water quality and cleanliness is inspected twice a month. The official bathing season lasts from 1 June to 31 August.

Good to know: Pay attention to the colour of the flags on the beach:
* green means swimming is safe and the water is warmer than 18 ºC;
* yellow means the conditions are dangerous for children and the elderly;
* red means conditions are dangerous to all, water temperature below 16 ºC.

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.

This beautiful countryside, largely untouched by civilization and surrounded by sparse settlement, is alluring to nature enthusiasts, who are able to visit the nearby forest to forage blueberries, cowberries and mushrooms.

The Nõva coastal area is also enchanting to those interested in enjoying a beach setting and getting a little surfing in. The sandy beach of Peraküla offers close to a dozen kilometres of pure singing sand.

Did you know…?: There are no lifeguards at this beach, and RMK Peraküla has a camping area with campfire sites and outhouses, as well as having a 200 capacity car park at Peraküla beach.