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:

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

Nõva Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

The Nõva Recreation Area and Nature Reserve on the lowland of West-Estonia was established to protect the coastal landscapes and plant communities. It covers vast bog plains, forest massifs, and sand beaches. The lakes around Peraküla village are surrounded by 5-metre high coastal dunes. White water lilies and the great fen-sedge grow on the lakes. The coastal area enchants beachgoers and surfers. The forests and bogs are full of berries and mushrooms. There is an information point, camping spots, and places for making bonfires in the recreation area.

The Nõva Visitor Centre provides information about the area’s sights and advice on choosing the hiking routes.

Nõva looduskeskus, Peraküla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Peraküla beach

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.

Riguldi metskond 3, Spithami küla / Spithamn, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Haapsalu Sports Hall and Stadium

Haapsalu Sports Hall includes a modern sports centre complex. Here, you can play basketball, volleyball, and tennis in an indoor hall and, if the weather is warm, on the outdoor stadium as well. The sports hall includes a gym, an aerobics room, an indoor cycling room, and a fencing room.
The stadium includes:
• an athletics stadium
• a full-size soccer field
• a soccer field with artificial grass
• an outdoor basketball court with a wooden floor
• volleyball courts on grass and sand
• two tennis courts
• gymnastics areas
• a roofed platform with benches for up to 900 spectators.

The centre also includes a hostel and is located next to Haapsalu Water Centre.

Lihula mnt 10b, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, 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

Palivere Tourism and Health Sports Center ski trails

Palivere, located 20 kilometers from Haapsalu, has ski trails of various lengths and difficulty levels, as well as sledding and snowboard slopes! We also offer ski rental on-site!

Groomed ski trails allow you to ski in both freestyle and classic techniques. The 1.5 km ski trail is illuminated until 9 p.m. in the winter.

At the beginning of the trail, there is a parking lot, a pavilion, a campfire site, and an insulated toilet building equipped with hot and cold water. After skiing, both a sauna and catering are available upon reservation.

Come early in the morning, during the day or at night. Enjoy the crisp winter weather — the ski trail awaits!

Spordikeskuse, Allikmaa küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond