Sustainable Läänemaa
Läänemaa is a green destination
Läänemaa joined the international Green Destinations programme for sustainable destinations in 2025. Following its very first audit in 2026, Läänemaa received Platinum-level recognition.
Green Destinations assesses the sustainability of destinations against an international standard. The assessment covers areas such as nature conservation and cultural heritage preservation, environmental and climate issues, local community well-being, destination management and business practices.
Läänemaa scored 9.1 out of 10 overall and achieved 78.7% compliance with the GSTC criteria. Our highest scores were in Nature and Landscapes and Culture and Traditions, with a full 10 points in each category.
The auditor identified Läänemaa as one of Estonia’s most sustainable tourism destinations. The region’s strengths include its well-preserved natural environment, a way of life close to nature, environmental awareness, cultural heritage and strong cooperation among local stakeholders. The auditor also noted that Läänemaa is part of UNESCO’s West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve.
Visiting Läänemaa Sustainably
What makes Läänemaa special is the way nature, culture and local life come together. By travelling sustainably, you can enjoy what makes the region unique and help preserve it.
Green Key – environmentally conscious businesses
Green Key is an international eco-label for tourism and hospitality businesses. Green Key-certified businesses work to reduce their environmental impact by saving energy and water, cutting waste and adopting environmentally responsible practices.
Choosing Green Key-certified businesses in Läänemaa is one way to make your holiday more environmentally friendly.
Explore Green Key-certified businesses →
Old Hapsal Hotel
EUROPARC – Visiting with Care for Nature
Läänemaa’s natural areas and distinctive landscapes offer excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching and exploring nature.
EUROPARC’s sustainable tourism principles bring conservation and tourism together so that visits help preserve protected areas and support local communities.
Matsalu National Park is one of Läänemaa’s leading nature tourism destinations. Here you can explore the region’s unique coastal and wetland landscapes and discover its rich birdlife.
Explore businesses recognised by EUROPARC →
Põldotsa talu
UNESCO – West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve
Vormsi is part of the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve, which is included in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
Biosphere reserves aim to strike a balance between nature conservation, local life and economic activity. The West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve plays an important role in preserving the islands’ natural and cultural heritage and promoting sustainable ways of life.
On Vormsi, you can see this balance in everyday life. The island’s natural landscapes, Coastal Swedish heritage, villages and local way of life are closely intertwined.
Explore Läänemaa Sustainably
🌿 Enjoy nature – stick to hiking and nature trails and follow the visitor guidelines in protected areas.
🚲 Use public transport or cycle whenever possible – Läänemaa is ideal for exploring at a leisurely pace while reducing your impact on the environment.
🏡 Choose local businesses – use local services and hire local guides.
🧺 Shop local – more of what you spend stays in Läänemaa.
🌊 Protect nature and cultural heritage – take only memories and leave as little trace as possible.
