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:

Kayaking on Haapsalu Bay

Nice kayaking trips on Haapsalu Bay welcome you to an experience. We set out from Holmi beach in Haapsalu and make a trip around the waters of the bay. We visit yacht harbours and paddle between islets. It is a great way to see almost all of Haapsalu.
The kayak trip includes a place in the boat, equipment, guide service and instructions. Group price (6 persons) €150, from the seventh person €30 per person. The trips are most suitable for adults and children from the age of 14.

Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, 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

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

Lake Prästvike hiking trail

Lake Prästvike, located in the central part of Vormsi Island, is a former sea lagoon, which has been taken over by reed to a large extent, but has retained its importance as a spawning and nursery area for fish in the coastal sea. The birdlife of the lake is abundant and diverse – on a quiet spring evening, you can hear the song of the bittern.
The largest spring among the numerous springs in the northern part of the lake is the Suurallikas Spring. The 1.7 km hiking trail leads to Lake Prästvike and the observation tower on the north shore. At the edge of the forest, there is the unique Raviallikas Spring. It is surrounded by calcareous spring meadows with different species of Orchidaceae.

Vormsi ringtee T3, Hullo küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

Liivanõmme study trail

Liivanõmme trail starts from Nõva Nature Centre, runs along a stone-paved road dating back to World War I, then passes Allikjärve lake and then runs towards west to river Uuejõe. From there go along the beach range back towards Peraküla, over the Vanajõe riverbed and then you reach Lake Toatse and then back to Peraküla. The trail is suitable for those interested in forests, nature and local cultural heritage.
Good to know: The trail is dry, very suitable for walking. The length of the trail is 7.5 kilometres and it takes about 4 hours to complete it. You will find places for picnicking near Allikajärve and Uuejõe.

Peraküla, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

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.

Paralepa puhkeala, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond