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:

Pikajala Hill in Palivere

Palivere is famous for its sand dunes and pine forests. Pikajalamägi or Pikajala Hill is the highest point in Lääne County – 51 m – and home to a fortress whose construction began in the early part of the second millennium but was never completed. Around 11,000 years ago the sea lapped the foot of the hill. The old ski jumping tower on the hill is no longer in use, but it offers unbeatable views over the surrounding area. Hiking trails also wind their way over and around the hill.
Did you know…? *The spring at the foot of the hill is said to have a restorative effect on the eyes, making them sparkle and leaving you looking forever young! And if you toss a coin in it during spring, they say you will never run out of money…

Kayaking in Haapsalu

The Gulf Tagalaht and its surroundings in Haapsalu are an ideal place for kayaking. It’s also a great place to see many different bird species. Kayaking in autumn is a spectacle in itself because you can watch the migration of geese and common cranes. On the other hand, kayaking in summer is very pleasant in the sun. Often the water is too shallow even for kayaks, fortunately the route can be changed according to the group and water level. In addition, various sights can be seen, for example Haapsalu Kuursaal, different harbours, Suur Viik Bay, old Kalakombinaat, etc.

At the beginning of the kayaking trip, we always talk about water safety and teach basic paddling skills.

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.

Gulf `Tagalaht` and birdwatching tower in Haapsalu promenade

For most of the year the Gulf Tagalaht in Haapsalu is an exciting place for birdwatching. There is no need to leave town, simply visit the 15-metre high birdwatching tower on the Promenade. When visiting the tower you will get a full overview of birdlife in the area between Haapsalu and Noarootsi. When the ice breaks in April and May, the gulf is filled with swans and different types of ducks. In autumn – in September and October – it is interesting to witness the departure of geese and cranes.

Blokarting (Land-Sailing) at Uuskalda Sports and Holiday Village

Blokarting is becoming more and more prominent in the world and Estonia’s first, almost 1-kilometre long blokart land-sailing track has been built in Uuskalda.
Blokart is a 3-wheel kart which consists of a frame, back-wheels, a turning front wheel, a steering-wheel, rigging and a sheet. The available sail sizes are 3, 4 and 5.5 m2, the suitable winds start at 6 m/s. The best time from the point of view of the wind is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., instructions are always given before the ride. The rules applicable to ordinary sailing apply here as well. You should wear sporty clothes suitable for the weather conditions. If possible, you should wear a helmet.

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.