In 1827, Count Carl Magnus De la Gardie bought a castle with a park what was to be called the Count Yard. De la Gardie also supported the construction of the first mud spa in Haapsalu. Many important figures of the Russian Empire, including the Imperial Family, went on summer holidays to his castle. Since the end of the reign of Nicholas I until the destruction of the Empire, all of the Russian tsars, until Nikolai II, spent their summers in Haapsalu and took mud baths there. De la Gardie’s castle was renovated and since 2012, it has been used as a nursing home for the Lääne County hospital.

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.

Haapsalu Castle is an architectural gem built in the 13th century, which until the end of the 17th century was the seat of power for local authorities. The museum in the main castle focuses on the history of the castle itself. You can learn about the construction of the castle, the birth of the town of Haapsalu, and the fate of the rulers and locals of the Bishopric of Ösel–Wiek. In order to better understand the life of that time, guests can try out different mechanisms. The passages on the walls offer a wonderful view of the castle and the picturesque town of Haapsalu.

This resort town was a favourite summer spot of the Russian tsars. The railway station was built according to the original designs with the complex consisting of four parts –  the passenger terminal, imperial pavilion, a sheltered passage linking those, and a unique covered platform extending 216 m long. Good to know: the Russian Tsar himself was in favour of the idea of building the station and supported its construction. The first passenger train arrived in Haapsalu in 1904 and the last one left in 1995. Take advantage of a unique opportunity to travel from Haapsalu to Riisipere (50 km) by bike as the old railway bed has been turned into Lääne County health trail. Today, there is a bus stop in front of the railway station. The station belongs in the National Register of Cultural Monuments.