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:

Bicycle rental in the port of Sviby on the island of Vormsi

The bike rental has 50 bicycles for rent. The 3- or 1-speed bikes are ideal for riding on the tracks and landscapes of Vormsi. The bicycles have luggage carriers and bottle holders and you can also use special seats for children. Vormsi has a well-developed network of roads and bike tracks, and the traffic is much safer than in the mainland. If you ride around by bike you can have much better contact with nature and you can visit places you cannot access by car. You can rent the bike for 1.5 hours or up to a couple of days.

Sviby küla, Vormsi vald

Nõva Nature Reserve, RMK Recreation Area, and Visitor Centre

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.

Peraküla, Lääne-Nigula vald

Huitbergi hiking trail and limestone hill

One of the most fascinating places on Vormsi is the Huitbergi limestone hill in a spruce forest in the middle of the island. The hill is over 400 million years old and a coral reef polished by ice. The limestone outcrop is covered with moss, but fossils can be seen in places where there is no moss. Protected ferns have found their place there. The circular trail is marked with wooden signs.

Suuremõisa küla, Vormsi vald

Lake Prästvike hiking trail

Lake Prästvike, located in the central part of Vormsi Island, is a former sea lagoon, which has been taken over by reed to a large extent, but has retained its importance as a spawning and nursery area for fish in the coastal sea. The birdlife of the lake is abundant and diverse – on a quiet spring evening, you can hear the song of the bittern. The largest spring among the numerous springs in the northern part of the lake is the Suurallikas Spring. The 1.7 km hiking trail leads to Lake Prästvike and the observation tower on the north shore. At the edge of the forest, there is the unique Raviallikas Spring. It is surrounded by calcareous spring meadows with different species of Orchidaceae.

Hullo küla, Vormsi vald

A hike on elven trails in the virgin nature of Tõldmäe

A hike on elven trails takes you to the magical Tõldmäe bog island covered in virgin forest and offering breathtaking views on Leidissoo. This is a place where time stands still and the unearthly prevails. The place is rich in trees and rocks in various shapes and sizes. We will talk about nature, local legends, Estonian pre-history, mythology and traditions. If you wish, you can have a smoke sauna after the hike. Leave the civilization behind, become a part of primeval nature and have an adventure in a mystical elven forest! You will always be welcome here! The hike is about 8 km long and lasts for about 5–8 hours; the price includes the fee of a tour guide and transportation from Tallinn.

Auaste küla, Lääne-Nigula vald

Fishing traditions of Nõva

Enthusiasts can take a fishing trip on the sea or a local lake with professional fishermen from the coast, fishing equipment and an instructor. You can learn about likely places to find fish, what kind of catching methods and techniques to use in various areas, and how to put those to correct and effective use. You will also hear about the traditional methods and beliefs of the coastal folk. The trip lasts about 1–3 hours. Fishing season lasts from late spring until early autumn.

Nõva küla, Lääne-Nigula vald