Route around Haapsalu, Estonia

Haapsalu is a small romantic resort town in Estonia located within just a 1.5-hour drive from Tallinn. It is loved by families and couples for its calm and serene atmosphere. In summer, the city hosts various events and festivals almost every weekend.

The most curious locations in the city:

1. Bishop’s castle in Haapsalu

One of the best preserved castles in Estonia ‘inhabited’ by the ghost of the White Lady.
Entrance to the territory of the large courtyard of the castle is free; visitors wishing to explore the museum at the main part of the castle are charged a fee.

Location: Haapsalu Piiskopilinnus

2. Promenade

One of the most beautiful places in the city, with a true gem: the carved wooden Kursaal. The promenade starts from African Beach and ends with the Chocolate Promenade, named after a cafe that used to reside there..

Location: Allikapaviljon

3. Railway station and museum with the imperial pavilion and extra-long covered platform

The outdoor exhibition is available 24/7 free of charge. Here, you can see real locomotives standing on the tracks near the station. In the premises, for a fee, you can get acquainted with the history of Estonian railways, look into the old post office and learn about the history of the development of communications.

Location: Raudtee-ja Sidemuuseum

4. Old Town

Walk along the narrow streets with wooden houses, feel all the romance of this city and make sure to visit one of the local restaurants. For example, “Rado restaurant” with their gourmet cuisine, or the authentic “Talumehe kõrts” restaurant with hearty local dishes.

5. Ungru castle ruins

One of the grandest neo-baroque buildings in Estonia was established upon the example of Mercerburg Castle, but has never been completed. For decades, the castle was empty, which let to its collapse in the 1940s. Nowadays, the ruins of the castle have been preserved.

Location: Ungru lossi varemed

This route is planned to take 1-2 days.

Material prepared by Juliana Iljina (Facebook: Places to travel in Baltic States; Instagram: jusjka)