Haapsalu linnus
The medieval castle of the Saare-Lääne bishopric in the Old Town of Haapsalu: an interactive museum on two floors and the cathedral dating from 1279.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Haapsalu bishop’s castle dates from the 13th century. It was the centre of the Saare-Lääne bishopric and the seat of local rule until the end of the 17th century. The cathedral in the castle’s south wing is first mentioned in the chronicles in 1279. The castle’s motto is “The heart of a small country since 1279”.
The thoroughly renovated main building of the castle houses a museum of the Middle Ages. The exhibition presents the construction of the castle, the founding of the town of Haapsalu, and the life of the bishopric’s rulers and of the local people. Visitors can try out various mechanisms to understand medieval life. The route of about 700 m runs over two floors, in a dim environment that creates a medieval atmosphere, and suits visitors of all ages. Passages in the walls offer views of the castle and the town.
The moat has a playground for children. In 2021 the museum received a special mention in the European Museum of the Year Awards.
Highlights
- Medieval castle of the Saare-Lääne bishopric
- Interactive medieval museum on two floors (route of about 700 m)
- Cathedral, first mentioned in 1279
- Views of the town from the wall passages
- Playground in the moat
Permanent exhibitions
- Keskaja muuseum linnuse peahoones – The interactive exhibition presents the construction of the castle, the founding of the town of Haapsalu, and the life of the bishopric’s rulers and of local people; the route is about 700 m over two floors.
- Toomkirik – The cathedral in the castle’s south wing, first mentioned in the chronicles in 1279.
- Operated by
- SA Haapsalu ja Läänemaa Muuseumid
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 8 · Children up to 8 years old enter free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Certain visitors with disabilities and their companions enter free (on proof). |
| Families | €28Up to two adults and their children under 18. |
| Guided service (in Estonian, English, Finnish or Russian) | €90Plus the ticket price; book by email at linnus@salm.ee. |
The ticket is valid as a day ticket. Admission is free with a museum card.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The castle is easy to move around in by wheelchair: there are ramps and lifts between the floors, and there is an accessible toilet.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 8 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €28 · Up to two adults and their children under 18. |
- Hands-on stations
- Playground / play area
In the exhibition you can try out the mechanisms, and in the moat there is a children’s playground.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Car parks are near the castle gates on Vaba and Vee streets; the bus car park is next to the Cultural Centre (Posti 3). Parking in Haapsalu is free.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours in Estonian, English, Finnish and Russian must be booked in advance. |