There is sundial designed by artist Roman Haavamäe on the Haapsalu seaside Promenade. The face of the dial depicts the life of man – starting with a child and ending with an old man supported by a cane. On the Promenade also admire the decorative dolomite stairways and decorative columns by the same artist, as well as the ornamented stairs on both sides of the Assembly Hall.
Interesting fact: The sundial shows the local sun time, which is about 90 minutes slower than daylight savings time. Go and check to see if your watch is correct.
The Risti water tower from the Tsar era is part of the Risti railway station complex. The railway station with the railroad lines was built in 1904, the station building was completed a year later, the water tower was probably built in the same period.
The water tower was used to supply water to steam locomotives. There was a water tank or a reservoir at the top of the tower and a water heater or a boiler on the lower floor. The boiler was used to prevent the water from freezing in the tank.
You can go to the reservoir along the historical spiral staircase. On the ground floor, you can see the tools of the time and an exhibition describing the work in the watertower.
Come and see this memorial to one of Estonia’s most famous composers, who grew up in Lääne County – Cyrillus Kreek (1889-1962). The memorial, which was created by Aime Kuulbusch, is located in front of the composer’s former home, on the shores of Väikese Bay.
Did you know…? The majority of Kreek’s works were created in Haapsalu. Kreek’s most important ‘secret service’ was composing sacred music and arranging sacred folk songs and choral canons, whilst publicly maintaining a standoffish attitude towards the church.
On the Promenade make a stop at the monument to Carl Abraham Hunniuse (1797-1851), who established the resort of Haapsalu.
Dr. Hunnius was the first to notice that the local residents used the sea mud to find relief for their ailments and was inspired to start investigating the properties of the mud. At his initiative, the first therapeutic mud baths were established in Haapsalu in 1825.
Interesting fact: Haapsalu was named an Imperial resort, and Russian Tsars Nicholas I, Alexander II, Alexander III and Nicholas II and their families all vacationed here and took the mud baths.
Come and try a Haapsalu therapeutic mud bath in the Hestia and Fra Mare Spa hotels!
Ridala Church is one of the most valuable churches in Läänemaa from the artistic point of view. It has been dedicated to Mary Magdalene whose figure in the church is one of the oldest sculptured figures in Estonia.
This archaic sanctuary lacks a belfry. Be sure to take a look at the medieval paintings. The altar, the triumphal arch group and pulpit are also remarkable.
In the churchyard the most valuable things are the trapezoid gravestones dating back to the 13th century with sun cross and arbour vitae motifs. The two massive stone crosses near the main entrance of the church are very old.
Interesting facts:
According to a folk tale the church was built by a giant maiden as a dwelling house.
The world-famous Russian composer Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky stayed in Haapsalu in 1867. To commemorate him, a memorial bench was erected on the Šokolaadi Promenaad (Chocolate Promenade), where the maestro loved to watch the sunrise from the shore and marvel at the swans.
Interesting to know: in Haapsalu, Tchaikovsky continued to work on his opera ‘Voyevoda’ and composed the cycle of piano pieces ‘Souvenir de Hapsal.’ After having heard the Estonian folk song “Dear Mary”, he later used the melody in his famous VI Symphony, the first notes of the tune were also carved into the dolomite memorial bench. Today, the bench is equipped with a technical solution with the aid of which you can listen to the composer’s music and information related to him.
One section of the Haapsalu promenade was named the Chocolate Promenade in the first half of the last century. There was said to have been a café that offered excellent hot chocolate, the aroma of which spread throughout the area. This is one of the stories of the romantic spa town that has been told from generation to generation.
The Chocolate Festival gives this story a new life. The festival features a chocolate fair, a truffle and cake competition, workshops and good live music.
The Haapsalu promenade around Kuursaal is once again filled with hot chocolate aromas. The best taste experiences are brought to you by Estonia’s best master chocolatiers.
The highlighting features of Müüriääre Café are paintings by Epp-Maria Kokamägi, furniture by Jaak Arro and ceramics by Liisu Arro. As you walk in, the first thing you notice is the aroma of freshly-baked pastry which makes you feel like you are at you grandma’s house. Cushions, candles, salt lamps and a small fireplace add to the cozy ambience of the place. There are newspapers and magazines for adults to read and a boxful of rag dolls for children to play with.
Interesting to know: Making a choice is not easy. Try various salads, pasties, sandwiches, rolls and, of course, Müüriääre Café cakes.
We love Estonia!
We offer therapeutic treatments to prevent health problems as well as wellness treatments that help get rid of daily stress, tension, and fatigue. The list of services we offer includes a considerable number of treatments with local mud. You can start with a massage with Haapsalu medicinal mud and finish with a mud mask on the scalp. In addition to treatments, we offer both clay drinks and algae tea which help heal the body internally and allow you to regain that healthy blush. We developed natural facial treatments for different skin types and skin needs with the leading Estonian skincare brand D’DIFFERENCE.
Well-being and balance on the seashore ♥
The water and sauna spa of Hestia Hotel Haapsalu Spa offers many different opportunities for relaxing. You can enjoy the water in the wave pool, the relaxing hot bath, the bubbling hot tub, and the flowing pool for relaxing. We have six saunas, so everyone will find their favourite – some of them are steamy and damp, some are hot and sensual, and some include an experience with salt and mud.
The café serves refreshing drinks, smoothies, salads, light snacks, and, of course, everyone’s favourite – ice cream!
The Rumpo Mäe Farm is located in the Village of Rumpo on the Island of Vormsi. The farm, on the beautiful Bay of Hullo, offers you peace and quiet. It is the perfect place for a family vacation or organizing seminars or camps. Nature and culture lovers will enjoy the rest. Accommodations are provided in three thatched-roof houses. A campground is nearby. Catering, seminar rooms, hiking, tour guide services, boat and bicycle rentals and sailboat rides are also available.
We offer you the opportunity to spend a wonderful evening or a whole weekend in romantic Haapsalu. You will have the chance to cook dinner with your friends or team. In the morning you can bathe in the refreshing sea and during the day you can wander the city streets with a guide. That is how quality time flies with us in Haapsalu.
At your disposal:
* a professional kitchen with an instructor and private cooking for up to 13 people;
* a dinner table on a romantic veranda in the picturesque Haapsalu Old Town for up to 23 people;
* 10 rooms for up to 23 people, each with its own unique story and distinctive details.