Venue and travel information

Venue

Summer school takes place in the historic resort town Haapsalu at the Baltic coast in western Estonia, 100 km from Tallinn. Lectures and accommodation will be at the Fra Mare spa-hotel. The venue is located at the seaside with a nearby beach (although a better swimming place is few kilometers to the west) and there are also hiking trails, ball courts, and other opportunities to exercise after lectures.

How to reach

A coach will be provided by organisers taking participants from Tallinn to Haapsalu on Sunday, 6 July at 6PM from the centre of Tallinn Mere puiestee bus stop next to the Russian Cultural Centre (see the map excerpt below).

Haapsalu can also be reached by buses leaving from the Tallinn bus station. The bus station is situated near the city centre and is connected to the airport with buses nr. 2 and 15. From the port, one can reach to the bus station by tram nr. 2. Bus ride to Haapsalu takes less than 2 hours and the bus schedule can be found here. NB! If you are planning to use the regular bus service, it is strongly recommended to by the ticket in advance from the web.

What to do in Haapsalu?

• Haapsalu Old Town – Haapsalu Old Town is a charming historic area known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and peaceful seaside atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along cobblestone streets, explore cozy cafes, and admire landmarks like the Haapsalu Castle and the iconic wooden promenade. https://visitestonia.com/en/haapsalu-old-town
• Africa Beach and Promenade – Africa Beach and Promenade in Haapsalu offer a picturesque seafront experience, beginning at the uniquely named Africa Beach and stretching towards the Chocolate Promenade, named after a former café. This scenic walkway features the iconic wooden Assembly Hall, a sundial, a monument to Carl Hunnius, and the town’s only observation tower, making it a delightful destination for both relaxation and exploration. https://visitestonia.com/en/africa-beach-and-promenade
• Tchaikovsky’s Bench – Tchaikovsky’s Bench, located on Haapsalu’s Chocolate Promenade, commemorates the renowned Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who visited the town in 1867. The bench, crafted from Saaremaa dolomite and bronze, features musical notes from his Sixth Symphony and offers an audio guide to learn more about his connection to Haapsalu. https://www.loode-eesti.ee/objekt/tchaikovskys-bench-in-haapsalu/?lang=en
• Railway and Communication Museum – The Railway and Communications Museum in Haapsalu is housed in a historic wooden terminal station built between 1903 and 1905, once serving as a grand gateway to the resort town. Visitors can explore exhibits on Estonian railways and communication history, featuring steam and diesel locomotives, early telephones, and a 216-meter covered platform—the longest of its kind in Europe at the time. The museum also showcases a unique MEV-1 switcher locomotive, the only one of its kind in the world, highlighting Estonia’s innovative railway heritage. https://salm.ee/en/railway-and-communications-museum/
• Museum of the Coastal Swedes – The Museum of the Coastal Swedes in Haapsalu highlights the history and culture of the Estonian-Swedish community with exhibits like a large embroidered tapestry and traditional wooden boats. It is located in a historic building that once served as a tavern for Swedish-speaking locals. https://aiboland.ee/en/
• Ilon’s World of Wonders – Ilon’s World of Wonders is a museum and gallery dedicated to the life and work of Ilon Wikland, the illustrator of Astrid Lindgren’s beloved books. It features exhibitions, original artwork, and quiet spaces for reflection, offering a culturally enriching experience for adults interested in illustration, storytelling, and Nordic heritage. https://salm.ee/en/ilons-wonderland/

Where to eat in Haapsalu?

For any questions regarding the summer school, please contact us at excosm2025@ut.ee