Haapsalu is a seaside resort town located on the west coast of Estonia. It is the administrative centre of Lääne County, and on 1 January 2020 it had a population of 9,375.
Summer (June – August): Best time for warm weather (15–25°C), outdoor activities, and festivals.
Spring (April – May) & Autumn (September – October): Pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and great for nature walks.
Winter (December – February): A quiet retreat with a magical winter atmosphere and spa experiences.
By Bus:
Direct buses from Tallinn (about 1.5–2 hours).
By Car:
A 1.5-hour drive from Tallinn via Route 9.
By Train:
There is no direct passenger train service, but the historic Haapsalu railway station is a landmark worth visiting.
Haapsalu Castle – A medieval castle with a ghostly legend and stunning views.
Promenade & Kuursaal – A scenic seaside boardwalk with a charming wooden concert hall.
Tchaikovsky Bench – A tribute to the famous composer who visited Haapsalu.
Haapsalu Railway Station – A beautifully preserved historic station with an old locomotive.
Ilon's Wonderland (Iloni Imedemaa) – A children’s museum dedicated to Ilon Wikland, the illustrator of Astrid Lindgren’s books.
Haapsalu Bishop’s Castle Museum – Learn about the town’s medieval history.
Ungru Castle Ruins – A romantic, unfinished castle with an interesting backstory.
Paralepa Beach – A sandy beach near the town, great for swimming and sunbathing.
Haapsalu Spas – The town is famous for its mud therapy and wellness treatments.
Vormsi Island (Day Trip) – A nearby island with Swedish heritage and beautiful nature.
Explore Haapsalu Castle – Climb the towers and visit the medieval museum.
Relax in a Spa – Haapsalu is famous for its therapeutic mud baths.
Walk Along the Promenade – A peaceful seaside walk with cafés and beautiful views.
Visit Ilon’s Wonderland – Perfect for families and fans of Nordic children’s literature.
Go Birdwatching at Matsalu National Park – One of Europe’s best birdwatching sites, just 30 minutes away.
Enjoy the Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival (HÕFF) – A must for movie lovers (held in spring).
Attend the Haapsalu Tchaikovsky Festival (July) – A celebration of classical music.
Try Windsurfing & Paddleboarding – Haapsalu’s bay is perfect for water sports.
Taste Local Fish at the Market – Freshly smoked fish is a must-try.
Visit the Haapsalu Lace Center – Learn about the town’s famous fine lace-making tradition.
Luxury:
Fra Mare Thalasso Spa – A top spa resort with sea views.
Hestia Hotel Haapsalu Spa – A modern hotel with great wellness facilities.
Mid-Range:
Beguta Guesthouse – A cozy guesthouse in the town center.
Kongo Hotel – A charming hotel with a Scandinavian feel.
Budget:
Haapsalu Old Town Hostel – A great budget-friendly option.
Camping & Guesthouses – Several affordable options for nature lovers.
Traditional Estonian & Local Cuisine:
Hapsal Dietrich – A highly rated restaurant with delicious cakes and local dishes.
Wiigi Kohvik – A cozy café with sea views and great seafood.
Fine Dining & Seafood:
Flammkuchen Haapsalu – A unique restaurant specializing in Alsatian-style flatbreads.
Osteria della Nonna – A great Italian restaurant with homemade pasta.
Casual & Café Culture:
Müüriääre Café – A lovely café with excellent coffee and pastries.
Vutipesa Resto – A casual restaurant with hearty Estonian food.
Local Delicacies to Try:
Smoked fish – A popular local specialty.
Haapsalu mud cake – A famous dessert.
Homemade black bread – A staple of Estonian cuisine.
Seaside Spa Culture: Haapsalu has been a spa town for centuries, attracting visitors seeking relaxation and mud treatments.
Music & Arts: The town has deep cultural ties to Tchaikovsky and regularly hosts music and film festivals.
Swedish Heritage: Haapsalu has historical connections to Sweden, and Vormsi Island still has a strong Swedish influence.
Slow Living: Haapsalu is all about relaxation, with a peaceful atmosphere and scenic nature.