Lääne County: Discover Coasts, Islands and Culture

For an initial overview, three areas stand side by side in Lääne County: Nõva with its bogs, forest areas and sandy beaches; the island of Vormsi, accessible by car ferry from Rohuküla; and Haapsalu with museums and a 13th-century castle.

Läänemaa offers diverse natural areas with orchids, bog landscapes, good birdwatching opportunities, hiking trails and small islands. The region therefore appeals to travellers who want to combine different types of landscapes in one trip without committing to a single holiday theme.

The cuisine and eating habits of Läänemaa also have a distinctive character: they are influenced by the culinary traditions of the Coastal Swedes.

In the Nõva nature reserve and recreational area, coastal landscapes and plant communities are at the centre. The area includes extensive bogs, forest areas and sandy beaches. The lakes near Peraküla are surrounded by five-metre-high coastal dunes, creating a distinctly varied landscape.

Peraküla’s sandy beach offers almost a dozen kilometres of singing sand. This unusual landscape impression makes the beach a specific destination for travellers who want to experience the coast not only as a bathing spot but also as a natural phenomenon.

For a shorter hiking section, you can plan the circular trail on Huitbergi Hill. It is marked with wooden signs. The markings provide basic orientation on site, but no conclusions about the trail’s length, difficulty or current conditions should be drawn from them.

Vormsi can be reached from Rohuküla on the mainland by car ferry.

On Vormsi, the Saxby Lighthouse offers views of the island’s pebble beaches and the sunset. Built in 1864, the lighthouse has a flashing light at a height of 27 metres. Both features give the site a clear historical and scenic character.

At the Österby jetty, 215 metres of a stone breakwater remain. It was built in the early 20th century and protected the boat harbour from storm winds. Österby Beach is used for swimming during the summer season. The regional conditions in Noarootsi and Nõva are suitable for surfing.

Haapsalu offers several distinct cultural attractions. The Railway and Communications Museum covers the history of Estonian rail transport and communications. The museum also includes Estonia’s only preserved diesel locomotive driver’s cab. This makes the visit suitable both for people interested in transport history and for anyone who wants to see a specific technical exhibit.

Haapsalu Castle is an architectural landmark dating from the 13th century. Until the end of the 17th century, it served as the residence of local rulers. Its historical period therefore differs clearly from the more recent buildings and exhibitions that also play a role in Haapsalu.

The museum in Haapsalu’s Old Town Hall is located in the town hall building erected in 1775. The permanent exhibition presents Haapsalu in the early 20th century from the perspective of a spa visitor. For your selection, this means that you can explore the city’s history both through a historic building and through a clearly defined period perspective on everyday life.

The Lyckholm Museum provides an overview of the history of Noarootsi and focuses on the first period of Estonian independence from 1918 to 1940. Those interested in the political and regional developments of this period will find a clearly defined historical focus there.

The Ants Laikmaa Museum presents the artist’s studio and living and working spaces in his former home. English-language guided tours are offered in the house and its well-kept park, introducing the artist’s life and his unique home. A guided forest-bathing experience in the park avenues planted by Ants Laikmaa is also offered there. The museum thus combines spaces, biography and a guided experience in the park; these offerings should not be generalised into a statement about all museums in the region.

The Sallimuseum presents a permanent exhibition on the history and present-day use of the shoulder shawl. In summer, educational events and workshops are held there, where local shawl makers teach visitors how they are made. Traditional wooden boats of the Coastal Swedes are displayed in a museum. Together with the culinary influence of the Coastal Swedes, this provides another approach to regional culture, relating crafts, maritime traditions and eating habits without combining them into a single offering.

Ilon’s Wonderland is a gallery and theme centre for children and families based on the works of illustrator Ilon Wikland. From May to August, visitors can try handicrafts and play in the courtyard. For families, this is therefore a specific example of an activity that brings together creative pursuits and the work of an illustrator.

The other attractions also allow for different focuses within a shared trip itinerary. One day can centre on museums and historic buildings, another on coastal landscapes, dunes or a marked circular trail. When choosing accommodation in Lääne County, you can therefore first decide whether your trip should be shaped primarily by nature, the coast, islands, family activities or museums. However, a specific accommodation location or amenity cannot be inferred from the region’s sights.

For regional orientation, you can also view the areas Vormsi Parish, Risti, Kullamaa, Taebla, Nõmmemaa, Nõva, Haapsalu, Oru, Lihula, Hanila, Ridala and Noarootsi. The individual areas help you further structure the regional selection for your own trip planning.

When are nature excursions in Läänemaa particularly varied?

Nature excursions are particularly varied from the end of March to mid-June and in September and October. However, Läänemaa’s nature can be visited all year round.

Where can you surf in Lääne County?

Noarootsi and Nõva are suitable for surfing.

What can families do at Ilon’s Wonderland?

From May to August, visitors can try handicrafts and play in the courtyard of Ilon’s Wonderland.

To the higher-level travel overview: Estonia.