| Tallinn – Risti – Haapsalu – Rohuküla (110 km) |
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Tallinn – Risti – Haapsalu – Rohuküla (110 km)
This is the fastest and straightest way from Tallinn to Haapsalu.
Risti – Haapsalu (30 km)
Risti is at the crossroads and the gate to Läänemaa and islands. If you drive through Risti, you can see a peculiar memorial to the people who were deported: an iron cross constructed from rails. From here about 3000 West-Estonian people were deported to Siberia. While going from Risti towards Virtsu, you pass Marimetsa marsh which begins at Rõuma. The bog has been equipped with wooden paths with the length of 5.5 kilometres, bird watching towers and information boards.
The next inhabited place is Palivere, which is famous for its sandy mountains and pine forests. The highest point in Läänemaa is just here –a 51-metre-high hill which once was a stronghold and which is now used for ski jump. From the top of it there is a beautiful view to the surrounding landscape. Not far from Palivere, by the road, you can see a park and Palivere Manor, where you can stay overnight. By the road, not far from Palivere your eye will certainly catch a pole which is decorated with ribbons. On top of the pole there has always been a stork nest. The ribbons have been tied there by grooms in the hope for a lot of children.
Just before Taebla, on the right, you can see a steeple of Lääne-Nigula Church. The church itself was restored in 1816 and the steeple in 1882. The church is surrounded by an old cemetery where old crosses and tombstones catch everybody’s eye. Not far from the church stands the Koela Farm-museum which was founded into Uuetoa farmhouse and which has a lot to offer to those who like old farm items.
After a short ride you can notice a road sign which shows the way to Kadarpiku Village, to the House-Museum of Ants Laikmaa, one of the best-know Estonian artists. The house was built as an image of the painter’s ideals in a unique style of national romanticism. The 7-hectare park behind the house is under nature protection and where you can find the old oaks planted in honour of several famous Estonian writers.
The signs in the town centre show you the way to Rohuküla harbour. After having passed the Railway Station, one of your options is to turn towards Paralepa Beach and to Thalasso Spa Fra Mare. The water at Paralepa beach is one of the warmest in Estonia. From the beach you can go on to Pullapää along various paths through a natural park where you can see a variety of landscape. It is a favourite place for bikers. Pullapää was already discovered in the 19th century by holidaymakers and the members of the emperor’s family and it became their favourite picnic area for. If you decide to go straight towards Rohuküla Harbour, you can satisfy you thirst for shock-tourism at Kiltsi Military Airfield which was used as a military base for Soviet MIG jet fighters and radars. There are 28 hangars and the length of the main runway is almost 3 kilometres. But you should be cautious; climbing on the ruins is dangerous!
Some ruins by the road might attract your attention. The history of Ungru Castle dates back to 1893, when Count Ewald von Ungern-Sternberg’s beloved girl promised to marry him only on condition that her wedding present would look like Merseburg Castle in Germany. That marriage was never to happen…
Very soon you will find yourself in Rohuküla harbour which was founded before WW I as a military port. From here ferries take you to the islands of Hiiumaa and Vormsi.
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