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:

Palivere discgolf park

The discgolf park, renovated in 2021 on Pikajala Hill in Palivere, has 30 courses of different lengths. In addition to different lengths, the courses are also divided based on their difficulty levels:
* Yellow course – a simple 9-basket course, suitable for beginners.
* Blue course – 18-basket course, suitable for enthusiasts.
* Red course –18-basket course, suitable for advanced players.

There is a paid disc rental in the centre. It is also possible to order paid training and organise competitions for your friends in the park. Equipment rental and training take place upon reservation.

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

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…

Spordikeskuse, Allikmaa küla, Lääne-Nigula vald, 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

Läänemaa Health Path

Läänemaa Health Path is an almost 60-kilometres-long path for pedestrians and cyclists along the embankment of the Riisipere-Haapsalu-Rohuküla line. The road has been marked with kilometre posts and with pickets every 100 metres. When at the section between Haapsalu-Rohuküla you should visit the remains of Ungru Castle not far from the path. You can also see the old airfield in Kiltsi. When at the section between Haapsalu-Risti near Taebla, go visit the Laikmaa Museum and Koela Museum and Lääne-Nigula church. When near Risti, go and take a look of Marimetsa bog.
Good to know: The path is covered with a strong surface. Driving on the road is safe and you will be undisturbed by traffic.

Raudteetammi tee lõik 5, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Nõva Nature Reserve, RMK Recreation Area, 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 in the Nõva RMK Recreation Area provides information about the area’s sights and advice on choosing the hiking routes.

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

Liivaseranna-Peraküla study trail

The study trail runs through different types of landscapes and key biotypes. You will pass lakes Toatse and Allikajärv, you can enjoy the nature of the forest, the singing sands, the variety of landscapes. In Liivaseranna and Keibu Bay you will find a dozen kilometres of sheer sandy beach.
The trail will give you an overview of the local cultural heritage of Nõva, you will see a cobble street and radio station dating back to World War I. Good to know: The trail is dry and its length is 4.4 kilometres. It is supplied with information boards.

Peraküla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond