Car Hire Parnu - Haapsalu

Haapsalu is situated on the western coast of Estonia. The town owes its rise to prominence to one man, Dr. Carl Abraham Hunnius, and to mud. Hunnius opened his first sanatorium in 1825 and with the patronage of the Russian royalty and its location within a sheltered bay; Haapsalu soon became a major summer resort.

Haapsalu Castle Museum lies 120 kilometres southwest of Tallinn. The castle was built in the 13th century to function both as a church and a fortress. It was once much closer to the sea, but over the years the surrounding land has risen considerably. The castle is the venue for the 'White Lady' festival in August. According to local legend the ghost of the White Lady, a young woman who was executed for having an affair with a priest, haunts the ramparts during this period. The castle museum houses an array of fearsome weapons including 15th and 16th century swords, halberds and daggers.

Haapsalu no longer has a passenger rail service but the former railway station has been converted into a museum as a reminder of the town's heyday as a spa and resort. The grand imperial reception rooms, which were built for the sole use of the Tsar and his entourage, now house the main exhibitions of the museum, which include model steam engines, uniforms, railway documents and posters.

The Laanemaa Museum brings to life the history of Haapsalu. The exhibitions include a wax model of Haapsalu's most famous pre-war mayor, Hans Alver; wooden legs that were used to smuggle alcohol into Finland and several paintings by Oskar Kallis, who despite his short life is one of Estonia's most famous artists. The museum also sells a range of postcards from the irreverent to the historical, all at cheap prices.

Matsalu Nature Reserve is the western mainland's most important nature reserve. The reserve comprises the shoreline and waters of the Matsalu bay and more than fifty islands close to the shore. The bay is home to wading birds and waterfowl and the islands are the nesting grounds for some rare species of bird.

Most international car hire companies have offices in Estonia. During the short summer season it may be difficult to hire without having booked in advance, but out of peak season there should be no problem. Roads are generally good and any EU driving licence is acceptable.