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.

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.

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.

When you are on a family vacation, it is important to know where the young ones can have a good time. The playground on Haapsalu’s Promenade is the best one for children and families, and it is open all-year-round.
Nearby, you will also find the summer café of Haapsalu Kuursaal (Resort Hall) and a bird-watching tower.

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…

The largest karst area in Lääne County is just a few kilometres from Linnamägi, in the direction of Sutlepa. It is around 600 metres long and 100 metres wide. Around 1.5 kilometres of Salajõgi River flows into Haapsalu Bay below ground. Its source is in the springs south-west of the road, from where it flows as the Tiberna River.
During dry periods, only a few litres of water per second flows in Salajõgi River. During high water, however, the water reaches the highway, filling the karst valley and forming a lake.

There are two large Gneissbretsa boulders just off the Salajõe–Ingküla road, called the Kasemetsa and Allika Boulders. The largest of the two stands 3.9 metres tall, while the smaller stands 3.4 metres tall.

Marimetsa bog, typically to Western Estonia, does not have a lot of trees. At the same time, there are many bog ponds characteristic of Eastern Estonia. Together, it offers a pleasant mix of bouncy soil, large bog ponds, and open bogs.
A hike in Marimetsa bog is especially suitable for those who are interested in nature. Marimetsa bog is also known for its abundance of birds. The most significant representative of the rich bog and forest bird life nesting in the Marimetsa nature reserve is probably the bald eagle. The abundance of Charadriiformes is especially striking.
The sample price is for groups of 12 or more people. Ask for a price if you have a smaller group!

A boardwalk leads you from Altmõisa guesthouse in Lääne County through marshy meadows of juniper bushes and reeds. The hike to the seaside and back takes no more than an hour, if you don’t forget yourself watching the swans glide by and the sun sink below the horizon. The hiking trail showcases the surrounding flora, with information boards describing what you see from the boardwalk.

The Promenaad tennis club offers outdoor courts right next to Haapsalu’s famous Episcopal Castle as part of the Krahviaia tennis centre. There are five clay/sand courts, while the adjacent pavilion hosts the clubhouse and a pro shop. There are also changing rooms and everything else you need. Those who have the time and inclination after a game can also play pétanque, croquet or darts – there is plenty of room to play both indoors and outside in Krahviaia park.

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.

Roosta Holiday Village’s two-lane bowling alley does not require any preparation from the player besides a bit of fun and accuracy. Bowling in the party rooms of the holiday village offers pleasant and social entertainment. The lanes are open to both overnight guests and other visitors. In addition to bowling, there are other games (pool, corona, table tennis) in the large entertainment hall and there is also a restaurant. In the restaurant, you can enjoy delicious snacks or combine entertainment with dinner. Bowling is open EVERY DAY!
Come and put yourself to the test!

The sandy beach near Roosta Holiday Village is one of the best in the northwest of Estonia. There is a car park for 80 cars and boardwalks for people in wheelchairs. There are also cabanas and places for buying snacks and drinks. The adjoining Roosta Holiday Village offers various possibilities for active relaxation – starting with miniature golf and ending with a game of tennis or bowling. Roosta Holiday Village also offers accommodation and catering services.
Good to know: In summer you can learn how to surf, hire a boat or pedalo.