The 10 Best Things to Do in Haapsalu, Estonia

The Episcopal castle in Haapsalu is a park for the ruins of a former stronghold. It is an architectural pearl dating from the 13th century that used to be the residence of local authorities until the end of the 17th century. This is the place where Estonia's most famous ghost - the eternal lover the White Lady - lives. At present the main building of the castle hosts a museum that gives an overview of the history of the stronghold and Oesel-Wiek Bishopric, the weaponry used in the medieval and early modern period and the ashlar found in the castle. The most important sights of the museum include the Cathedral of the former Oesel-Wiek Bishopric located in the south wing of the castle, which was first mentioned in written records in 1279, and the watchtower now used as a belfry. While in the main fortress, one can enjoy a nice view overlooking Haapsalu and the surrounding sea. Historic fortresses have, over the course of time, been turned into parks. This is a unique symbiosis of architecture and nature that provides the joy of discovery for both adults and as children. Small visitors to the fortress can enjoy the playground inspired by the Middle Ages in the vicinity of the main fortress.

Haapsalu, which is bordered by the sea on three sides, fits on a piece of land with a size of just 10.59 km2. The Old Town is located on a peninsula with two eskers, which continue to the north-west as a chain of islets (holms) connected to the Mainland. There are low meanders between the holms – Suur and Vaike Viik.The culturally and environmentally valuable Old Town of Haapsalu can be divided into its medieval section and the 20th century health resort area. The medieval part is around the Episcopal castle, with the medieval network of Kooli, Jaani, Vee, Linda, Ruutli and Vaike-Mere Streets and buildings. It is surrounded by a belt of wooden houses and the Promenade, Aafrika beach and parks.

The railway terminus with its intriguingly grand station building, constructed in the early 20th century to service the bustling resort town of Haapsalu, invites you to take a virtual journey back in time, accompanied by steam engine noises, to learn about the evolution of Railways in Estonia spanning almost a century and a half. Here you can also see different methods of communicating information, from early telegraph and telephone devices to the wireless communications and Television. Old locomotives and carriages made their final stop here and you can also come across a polite stationmaster and a skeleton telephone, or visit the old post office. This is all the Station, a place of arrivals and departures through the prism of the past.

The splendour of Haapsalu, the famous Czarist era resort, is recalled by the seafront Promenade and its jewel -- the Assembly Hall with its wooden “gingerbread”. Walk on the sloping Promenade and glance dreamily at the sea; check the time at the sundial and have a rest on the bench named for the world-famous composer Tchaikovsky. Interesting facts: The Promenade starts at the exotically named Africa Beach, and ends at the Chocolate Promenade, which is named after a former café. There is a children’s playground on the Promenade and the town’s only observation tower. There is also a monument to Carl Hunnius, the discoverer of Haapsalu’s therapeutic mud behind the band shell.

Come and acquaint yourself with the history of medieval Haapsalu, watch a video about the castle and visit the Cathedral. From the upper platform of the bell tower, you have a wonderful 360-degree view that extends for 20 km.Interesting facts: In medieval times, the ship traffic on the Bay of Haapsalu is said to have been controlled from the bell tower. The five-story bell tower is 38 metres high, and every day at noon, you can listen to a carillon. From the small castle you can purchase souvenirs and you may also happen upon a pleasant concert.

The Ilon Wikland Gallery, showcasing the work of the illustrator of Astrid Lindgren's children's books, opened in Haapsalu in 2006. Ilon's World of Wonders opened in 2009.Did you know...? *At Ilon's World of Wonders you can draw, watch films, admire Ilon's illustrations, write a letter to Karlsson, test your skills in the handicraft workshop and Mattias' house, discover the secrets of the Magic Well, try stilt-walking, watch children's Performances, work in the Bullerby kitchen, enjoy a picnic and have a great time generally!Check out the summer and winter schedule of events on the Ilon's World of Wonders website.

The Haapsalu Shawl, an extremely fine knitted shawl that can be pulled through a woman’ ring, has been the symbol of Haapsalu since the last century. At that time, as well as today, they are highly regarded by women. The knitters of traditional shawls knitter are professionals; the skill is passed down from generation to generation. In the Shawl Museum, which is located in a jewellery workshop, you can see a permanent exhibition on the past and present of the Haapsalu shawl, examine the extremely fine patterns, and buy one of the masterpieces for yourself.Interesting fact: Haapsalu shawls have been presented as gifts to the women of the Swedish Royal Family as well as the Estonian President’s honoured guests.

There is sundial designed by artist Roman Haavamae on the Haapsalu seaside Promenade. The face of the dial depicts the life of man – starting with a child and ending with an old man supported by a cane. On the Promenade also admire the decorative dolomite stairways and decorative columns by the same artist, as well as the ornamented stairs on both sides of the Assembly Hall. Interesting fact: The sundial shows the local sun time, which is about 90 slower than daylight savings time. Go and check to see if your watch is correct.