Things to Do in Haapsalu

Haapsalu sits quietly on Estonia's western coast, a medieval town that feels almost untouched by time. The cobblestone streets wind past wooden houses painted in soft pastels, while the ruins of a 13th-century castle overlook the shallow, surprisingly warm waters of Haapsalu Bay. This was once the summer retreat of Russian aristocracy, drawn by the therapeutic mud baths and the town's peculiar microclimate that made it warmer than much of the Baltic coast. Today, you'll find a place that moves at its own gentle pace - locals still gather at the promenade to watch spectacular sunsets, and the weekly market feels genuinely authentic rather than staged for tourists. The town has managed to preserve its spa town elegance without becoming a museum piece, though it definitely helps to speak some Estonian or Russian if you want to get beyond the surface.

Haapsalu's dining scene punches above its weight for a small town, with several restaurants focusing on fresh local seafood and traditional Estonian cuisine. The waterfront restaurants naturally command premium prices but the setting, especially at sunset, often justifies the cost. You'll find excellent fish dishes - the local perch and pike-perch are particularly good - along with hearty Estonian classics like black bread and local cheeses. The town market on Saturdays is worth timing your visit around, offering local produce, smoked fish, and homemade pastries. Don't expect a huge variety of international cuisine, but what's available tends to be well-executed and reasonably priced outside the main tourist strip.

Summer, particularly July and August, offers the warmest weather and longest days, with temperatures reaching a pleasant 20-25°C and daylight lasting until nearly 11 PM. This is when the bay water is warmest and the town feels most alive, though it's also the busiest period. Late spring and early fall can be lovely if you don't mind cooler weather - May and September often have fewer crowds and still offer decent weather for walking around. Winter has its own stark beauty, especially when snow covers the castle ruins, but many attractions have reduced hours and the weather can be quite harsh. The shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn might actually be ideal for photography and peaceful exploration.