The calm and friendly small town of Haapsalu, located less than 2-hour’s drive from the capital, enjoys a long standing history as a spa resort. Modern Haapsalu hosts a number of international festivals and is home to charming restaurants. Haapsalu is a wonderful little town with narrow streets, a miniature town hall and romantic wooden dwelling houses. On the romantic seaside promenade stands Kuursaal, one of the finest wooden buildings in Estonia. Once in Haapsalu, don’t forget to browse for a traditional hand-woven woollen Haapsalu shawl with fine and elegant patterns.

A recently renovated museum introducing the medieval history of the castle. Haapsalu Castle is an architectural pearl built in the 13th century, which until the end of the 17th century was the seat of power of the local authorities. This is one of the best-preserved castles in Estonia and home to the most famous ghost in Estonia – the White Lady!

Located north of the coastal town of Haapsalu, Noarootsi peninsula appeal to travellers with their untouched nature and Scandinavian feel. Coastal Swedes inhabited these western Estonian areas for hundreds of years, leaving behind a wealth of history and traditions. Home to Estonia’s oldest and smallest wooden church, it borders three nature reserve areas, a safe haven for local flora and fauna. The Noarootsi peninsula draws in visitors also for its beautiful sandy beach, pine tree forest and is considered one of the best places for birdwatching in Estonia. Nõva Nature Reserve is a beautiful quiet place in the summertime and quite busy with bird-watchers during migratory seasons in the spring and autumn.

Paldiski, located on the Pakri Peninsula, was one of the most important army bases for both the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. Come and see for yourself how the town, which used to be a closed Soviet nuclear submarine study centre, has changed. Also worth a visit are the main building of the Paldiski train station, which is the best preserved station building in Estonia (closest to the original building). For a long time, the Pakri Peninsula was closed off for the general public as it was used by the Soviet Army. This has lent a certain mystique to the place and given way to a lot of legends. Among other treats, visitors come here for the limestone cliffs and a unique lighthouse.

After the recently completed thorough restoration, the monastery is open to visitors again. The monastery was built by the Cistercians in the 14th century and is the only preserved Cistercian monastery in Northern Europe.

On the way back to Tallinn we’ll pass one beautiful waterfall and take a stroll around the river. Keila waterfall is the third largest waterfall in Estonia; after the Narva and Jägala waterfalls. There is a road from the park along the riverbed, crossing two suspension bridges, to the waterfall.