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

RMK Rumpo Hiking Trail

A 6,7 km hiking trail runs from Rumpo village on Vormsi island to the tip of a peninsula bearing the same name. There are platforms along the trail affording a great view of the Hullo and Sviby bays and islets that are marked nesting and migration spots for water birds. Additionally, Rumpo peninsula is a habitat for rare lichens from tundras.

Pilliroo, Sviby küla, Vormsi vald, 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

Paralepa forest tracks

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.

Ranna tee 1, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Allika hiking trail on Vormsi

A 2 km hiking trail is situated in the relatively moist and waterlogged area on the Vormsi landscape protection area. The most notable sites on the trail include the Suur Allikas (Big Spring) and Raviallikas (Curing Spring) and an enjoyable view to Lake Prästviigi. You will find signs and information boards throughout the trail. The trail is partly a dirt road; moist areas have boardwalks and bridges. In the wet seasons, the trail is muddy and difficult to pass. Rubber boots are the most suitable footware for passing the trail. The trail has a timber watchtower that is 2.5 m high.

Matis-Siffersi, Suuremõisa küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

Kullametsa archery range

The bow has been a historic weapon from the 14th century, bow shooting is one of the oldest activities in the world which has by now become a hobby and a sport.
English traditional longbow is suitable for recreational sport for people of all ages, regardless of their gender or physical condition. The acquisition of the basic shooting skills is simple and can be done in a shooting range or a practice ground. You will be guided by a competent instructor, you will wear protective equipment and you will learn about safety measures. Good to know: After you have passed the initial training you can proceed to a forest trail where the shooting trestles and platforms will add excitement.

Saare, Kullametsa küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond