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:

Vormsi Landscape Protection Area

The aim of Vormsi Nature Protection Area is to protect rare landscapes, heritage, culture and plants. The two internationally important bird protection areas on the coast of Vormsi – bays of Hullo and Sviby – and Hari strait with coastal meadows and islets are named research areas of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Interesting places: Hullo bay – a nesting and a stopping place for birds. In spring you can see thousands of scaups, long-tailed ducks, ducks, barnacle geese and woodcocks there. Rumpo peninsula is the habitat of the rare lichens characteristic for tundras, but rare in Estonia. Also take a look at Rälby bog, Dilby peninsula, Saxby beach and Prästviigi Lake.

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.

Aafrika beach playground

When you are on a family vacation, it is important to know where the young ones can have a good time. The playground on Haapsalu’s Promenade is the best one for children and families, and it is open all-year-round.
Nearby, you will also find the summer café of Haapsalu Kuursaal (Resort Hall) and a bird-watching tower.

Mihkli Children’s Park in Haapsalu

Haapsalu is a child-friendly town. On the corner of its main road and Mihkli Street you will find a cosy park where small kids can play on the slides and enjoy themselves on the swings. In summer it is a great place to just sit and relax – before taking a tour of the Old Town galleries or the Episcopal castle.

Paralepa Beach

Paralepa beach has always been a sandy beach with one of the warmest water temperatures in Estonia.
In the vicinity of the beach it is possible to use a shower and toilet (for a fee) in Paralepa Camping or at the Hotel Thalasso Spa Fra Mare. On the beach, there are mobile toilets, cabanas, a children’s playground, and a volleyball court. Good to know: The official season is from 1 June to 31 August. During the season, life guards are present every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pay attention to the colours of the flag: Green – swimming is safe and water is warmer than 18ºC; yellow – dangerous for children and the elderly; red – dangerous to all, water is below 16ºC.

Accessible activity park of Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre

The activity park of Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre on the Haapsalu promenade is intended for wheelchair users.
This is an important additional option for people who need a wheelchair to move due to an accident or illness. The park’s attractions help both young and older wheelchair users to enjoy the fresh air and exercise. The park offers new opportunities for more versatile and interesting trainings for people in rehabilitation.
In the park, you can swing, play basketball, and do moderate strength training for your hands or feet.