7 Historic Walking Areas in Estonia That You Shouldn't Miss

Haapsalu, which is bordered by the sea on three sides, fits on a piece of land with a size of just 10.59 km2. The Old Town is located on a peninsula with two eskers, which continue to the north-west as a chain of islets (holms) connected to the mainland. There are low meanders between the holms – Suur and Vaike Viik.The culturally and environmentally valuable Old Town of Haapsalu can be divided into its medieval section and the 20th century health resort area. The medieval part is around the Episcopal castle, with the medieval network of Kooli, Jaani, Vee, Linda, Ruutli and Vaike-Mere Streets and buildings. It is surrounded by a belt of wooden houses and the Promenade, Aafrika beach and parks.

The splendour of Haapsalu, the famous Czarist era resort, is recalled by the seafront Promenade and its jewel -- the Assembly Hall with its wooden “gingerbread”. Walk on the sloping promenade and glance dreamily at the sea; check the time at the sundial and have a rest on the bench named for the world-famous composer Tchaikovsky. Interesting facts: The Promenade starts at the exotically named Africa Beach, and ends at the Chocolate Promenade, which is named after a former café. There is a children’s playground on the Promenade and the town’s only observation tower. There is also a monument to Carl Hunnius, the discoverer of Haapsalu’s therapeutic mud behind the band shell.

Kasmu nature trail looks at the development of the Kasmu peninsula and Estonia’s biggest natural accumulation of rocks. The trail begins in the car park next to the chapel and is 4.2 km long. The trail is well marked with signs, and the trees along the trail have white stripes painted on their trunks.Kasmu is one of the country’s most beautiful seaside villages, and the local museum provides an excellent overview of its maritime history.

The Vaivara historical trail winds its way from the ‘blue hills’ to Mummassaare beach. The marked trail is 15 km long and will provide hikers with an excellent overview of local nature and history. A shorter, 8 km route can be taken in the ‘blue hills’, where a key World War II battle took place. You will see places associated with the war along this trail. The trail is marked by blue rings on the tree trunks, with maps located at Lastekodumagi, Grenaderimagi and Tornimagi hills and in the Mummassaare car park.Did you know…?*The part of the historical trail that stands out most to the naked eye is Mummassaare beach, which has restored trenches and bunkers*You can book a guide to take you along the trail

Quaint village with windmills.