Haapsalu

Haapsalu is a true pearl among coastal towns, and its calling card is the historic and grand railway station – built in its day exactly long enough for the tsar’s train with its numerous carriages to fit in entirely and comfortably. If you wish, you can stroll among authentic old locomotives and carriages and visit the Railway and Communications Museum. It is a unique chance to feel the spirit of travel from bygone days and see the giant machines up close.

Since Haapsalu lies right on the edge of the sea, our route follows the romantic seaside promenade, where you can admire the town’s famous wooden lace architecture. We stop at Tchaikovsky’s bench – it is known that the composer liked to sit at this very spot, gaze at the sea and enjoy the sunset. The Kuursaal, which still houses a restaurant today, was the place where holidaymakers gathered after their mud baths and seawater treatments to enjoy concerts and to dance.

We climb the Tagalaht birdwatching tower, the perfect place to enjoy the enchanting landscape of Haapsalu bay. Haapsalu is known for its shallow, warm-watered bay, an important stopover for migratory birds – with luck you can watch swans and ducks from here.

Ilon’s Wonderland is a place where the childhood in all of us comes alive. Her own childhood was spent right here – in Haapsalu; these very wooden houses and courtyards gave her the inspiration for illustrating Astrid Lindgren’s books.

The heart of the town is the town hall, today home to the Läänemaa Museum, keeping alive the stories of Haapsalu’s glory days, its famous summer visitors and local life. In Haapsalu’s Bishop’s Castle hides Estonia’s most famous ghost – the White Lady.

Haapsalu without a café visit would not be the real Haapsalu.

Tour starts: from Tallinn.

Transport: a bus can be ordered if needed.

If you wish: museum excursions can be ordered in addition.

Catering: if desired, based on a group menu.