Läänemaa (=Westland) County is divided into 12 smaller communities: 1 town (Haapsalu) and 11 municipalities: Ridala, Oru, Taebla, Risti, Martna, Kullamaa, Hanila, Nõva, Noarootsi, Vormsi and Lihula municipality.
In January 2007 Lääne County had 28 236 citizens, that made 2% of the population of Estonia. Based on the statistics here lived 14 763 women and 13 473 men. 42% of our countys population lived in Haapsalu.

Läänemaa (= Westland) County is restful, yet offering great diversity in its nature and culture. Unspoiled nature, many historic monuments marking the long periods of past wars, the nearly 200 year long tradition of a health resort, and unique cultural events are the treasures of the county.

Haapsalu is the centre of the county. The little romantic town has plenty to offer to. The Episcopal Castle – White Lady and walls that hide centuries of secrets. The old flamboyant wooden-lace houses and the quiet winding streets invites you. There are different museums and places of interests situated with cultural and historical people. The Railway Station reminds us the era of Rusiian tsars. Centuries old experience of mud treatments can be enjoyed in local spa hotels. The tight calendar of events and the exciting society gives experoences. In the county you are welcomed to visit other interesting places.

In Ridala you can find the church of Maarja Magdaleena with the churchyard around it and one of the oldest sculptures in Estonia. But that is not all, You can see ruins of Ungru manor house, a former Soviet airfield. From Rohuküla You can leave for the islands Hiiumaa and Vormsi.

Oru Rural District contains a part of the Silma nature reserve. The area where Salajõgi stream goes underground, a group of ancient trees at Uugla and the Kärbla oak(8) are worth a visit. Archeological memorials such as the tomb of the Polish king (9) at Vedra, ancient stronghold at Keedika and cairns at Iiatsi and Uugla (10) are places of interest.

In Taebla Rural District You can see the highest point in Läänemaa - Pikajalamägi (Long Leg Hill) in Palivere. Traveling from Palivere towards Haapsalu one can spot the roadside ribbon pole at Võntküla, ahed You’ll see on Your right the peak of Lääne - Nigula church, what has well preserved old gravestones and grave markers in the graveyard. In Kole is a little farm dwelling museum and in Kadarpiku village the house museum of painter Ants Laikma.

Risti Rural District is the gateway to Läänemaa and also to the islands along Estonia's western shore. A large cross-shaped memorial, made of railway rails, to commemorate the victims of massive deportations, has been erected at Risti where the railway line previously was. The naturally beautiful Marimetsa (Also one of the oldest bogs and one with a flora abundant in species) bog is along Risti - Virtsu highway, with a boardwalk (5.5km) constructed in the bog.

Nõva Rural District is well known for its white sand beaches and woods with abundant wild mushroom and berry crops. Nõva district has several lakes with unusual origins (Veskijärv and Allikajärv). Peraküla with its cobble stone road and Põlluotsa farm museum, are worth a visit. The small wooden St Olaf's church in Nõva is the oldest remaining wooden church on Estonia's mainland.

In Noarootsi the Coastal Swedish culture can be felt at every step. You can see here St Katariina church, visit Saare/Lyckholm manor house museum, near by is also the beginning of Silma hiking trail. In Pürksi is a intresting manor house, currently there is the Noarootsi High School. If you get tired, you can go to Elbik/Olback village, there is Rosta holiday village. In Rooslepa village you can see a old chapel and cemetery visited by the Crown Prince of Sweden who later became Gustaf Vl Adolf, the King of Sweden.
The small harbour at Dirham is the only ice - free harbour in the western part of Estonia. Also worth visiting is a small but intresting island Osmussaar.

Vormsi/ Ormsö is the fourth largest island in Estonia. Until 1944 it was inhabited by the Coastal Swedes. Small villages with Swedish names like Norby, Diby, Rälby and Hullo still exist today. The latter is the island's and the Rural District's centre. St Olaf's church and the churchyard with numerous wheel - shaped circular crosses are worth seeing. A well - known lighthouse is at Saxby village. Rare lichens grow on a small peninsula at Rumpo.

Keskvere manor and St Martin's church in Martna Rural District are interesting places to visit. Five kilometres from the centre of Martna is Suure - Lähtru manor, built in early classical style. The present owners have opened a small museum. Concerts and receptions can be arranged there.

Kullamaa area has a long cultural history. Several Estonian linguists and men of culture have been born here. Koluvere castle has had many owners and it has served as the residence of the Saaremaa and Läänemaa bishops as well as a nursing home during the Soviet era. The epitaph in Kullamaa church commemorates the pastor who was the first to write down the rules for Estonian grammar. The oldest wheel - shaped circular cross in Estonia is in the churchyard, bearing the inscription: "Sitta Kodt Matz". Rohumägi in Kullamaa conceals an ancient 11th - 12th Century stronghold.

Lihula is the historical and present day centre of Southern Läänemaa. The ruins of the ancient stronghold can be seen on the stronghold hill. A museum and tourist information centre are located in the nearby manor house. The main part of the exceptional "bird kingdom", i.e. bird sanctuary in Matsalu National Park is within the boundaries of Lihula Rural District. The centre of the park is in Penijõe manor. Kirbla church is located on Kirbla Hill, a lime -stone ledge, a typical formation in western part of Estonia. The old renovated bridge over Kasari river was at one time the longest reinforced concrete bridge in the world.

Hanila Rural District together with the harbour in Virtsu is the sea gate to Saaremaa. A good portion of Matsalu National Park and other nature preserves - Puhtu - Laelatu, Nehatu and Tuhu are in the District. A couple of churches are of interest. It is likely that Otto von Lutterberg, Grandmaster of the Livonian Order (of Knights) has been buried in Karuse church. Hanila church has rare trapezoidal tomb covers. In the museum near this church are displayed old tools and working utensils. The old Vatla stronghold is on the ridge at the village. A distinctive arch - shaped manor complex is found in Vatla. Komsi walled graves are along Virtsu - Lihula highway. The landscape is dominated by the Salumagi at Salevere, rising 20 m above the sea level. In Valeri Kirss' unique museum in Virtsu one can familiarize oneself with old and notable vehicles.

There is plenty to see and to discover in Läänemaa.
You are more than welcome to visit us!