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:

Winter ice fishing on Lake Veskijärv in Läänemaa

Our guided ice fishing trip takes place on the picturesque, species-rich Lake Veskijärv, a well-known fishing spot in West Estonia.

Ice fishing means catching fish in a completely new way. Our fishing guide will provide you with all the necessary equipment and tips to enjoy the experience in the best possible way. If you are lucky, you might catch perch or pike. If you are not lucky enough to catch a fish, you can enjoy spending time outdoors in winter and learn how to drill ice holes.

The fish you catch are usually released back into the water, but you can also take the catch with you to make a delicious dinner later.

Nõmmemaa küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Promenaad tennis club, Haapsalu

The Promenaad tennis club offers outdoor courts right next to Haapsalu’s famous Episcopal Castle as part of the Krahviaia tennis centre. There are five clay/sand courts, while the adjacent pavilion hosts the clubhouse and a pro shop. There are also changing rooms and everything else you need. Those who have the time and inclination after a game can also play pétanque, croquet or darts – there is plenty of room to play both indoors and outside in Krahviaia park.

Vee tn 10, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Huitbergi hiking trail and limestone hill

One of the most fascinating places on Vormsi is the Huitbergi limestone hill in a spruce forest in the middle of the island. The hill is over 400 million years old and a coral reef polished by ice. The limestone outcrop is covered with moss, but fossils can be seen in places where there is no moss. Protected ferns have found their place there.
The circular trail is marked with wooden signs.

Vormsi metskond 1, Suuremõisa küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

Swimming at Vasikaholm Beach

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.

Lahe tn 23, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Pleasure trips in Haapsalu on board sailboat Meeri

Sailboat Meeri can take up to 5 passangers on board.

You can choose the length of the trip; usually, a trip lasts two to three hours, and this includes a swim.
When there is more time, we can sail to Vormsi or Rohuküla for ice cream or go for a spin around Hobulaid Island.

In order to visit more distant places, such as Heltermaa, Kärdla, Roograhu, Dirhami, Virtsu, Kuivastu, Sõru, or Orjaku harbours, you should set aside an entire day.
You can also go on a one-way trip.
You can bring your own food and drink, tableware is available on the yacht.

Westmeri tn 1, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Marimetsa Bog Hiking Trail

The first part of the trail is a dirt road that runs along the high-voltage power line. The track then reaches the Marimetsa Brook and leads to the rest area along the banks of the brook. From there, a boardwalk will take you to Marimetsa Bog. There is a viewing tower at the end of the trail (7.6 metres high).
In Marimetsa Bog, you will see a fen, a transition bog, a raised bog, and a number of different birds and plants.
The length of the trail is 9 kilometres of which 2 × 2 kilometres is a boardwalk. You should plan 4–5 hours for the hike. The trail is wet at places – make sure to bring your rubber boots.
There is a dry toilet on the track, benches for resting, and an information board with a map and a scheme of the trail.

Kullamaa metskond 2, Rõuma küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond