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:

Saare study trail

The Saare study trail is located on the border of Silma Nature Reserve.
The hiking trail, which begins at the Sutlepa car park, is equipped with an observation platform and an observation tower. In the spring, you can admire thousands of waterfowl, and on the information boards, you will find information on the values of the Silma Nature Reserve.

Otsa, Saare küla / Lyckholm, Lääne-Nigula vald, Lääne maakond

Children’s park at Haapsalu Episcopal Castle

A popular children’s park is located in the big moat of Haapsalu Episcopal Castle and it attracts visitors with medieval attractions.
Come and have a look at a castle, a ship, a stone tug, a spider, a balance beam, different swingsets, and many other things.

The children’s park, just as the courtyard of the castle, can be visited for free and is suitable for guests of all ages.

Lossiplats 3, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Vormsi Landscape Protection Area

The aim of Vormsi Nature Protection Area is to protect rare landscapes, heritage, culture and plants. The two internationally important bird protection areas on the coast of Vormsi – bays of Hullo and Sviby – and Hari strait with coastal meadows and islets are named research areas of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Interesting places: Hullo bay – a nesting and a stopping place for birds. In spring you can see thousands of scaups, long-tailed ducks, ducks, barnacle geese and woodcocks there. Rumpo peninsula is the habitat of the rare lichens characteristic for tundras, but rare in Estonia. Also take a look at Rälby bog, Dilby peninsula, Saxby beach and Prästviigi Lake.

Norrenda, Rumpo küla, Vormsi vald, Lääne maakond

Swimming at Vasikaholm Beach

Vasikaholm Beach is Haapsalu’s second official bathing beach after Paralepa. There are changing cabins on the beach, as well as a toilet with clean water. In the summer, there is also an ice cream cafe. Water quality and cleanliness is inspected twice a month. The official bathing season lasts from 1 June to 31 August.

Good to know: Pay attention to the colour of the flags on the beach:
* green means swimming is safe and the water is warmer than 18 ºC;
* yellow means the conditions are dangerous for children and the elderly;
* red means conditions are dangerous to all, water temperature below 16 ºC.

Lahe tn 23, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Aafrika beach playground

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.

Promenaadi tn 3, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond

Mihkli Children’s Park in Haapsalu

Haapsalu is a child-friendly town. On the corner of its main road and Mihkli Street you will find a cosy park where small kids can play on the slides and enjoy themselves on the swings. In summer it is a great place to just sit and relax – before taking a tour of the Old Town galleries or the Episcopal castle.

Karja tn 26, Haapsalu linn, Haapsalu linn, Lääne maakond