Haapsalu - a City by the Sea

By Ingrid Danilov and Talis Vare

Haapsalu could not compete in sea merchandise with other Baltic cities. Due to the specifics of the nature of West-Estonia, the land rises a few millimetres a year. As a consequence, the shore recedes to the extent that ships with a deeper bottom than fishing boats get stuck in the sea mud before arriving at the harbour. It became gradually necessary to move the harbour further to the west; the expansion of the city increased with each year. The islets - holms - turned into peninsulas; new ones rose from the bottom of the sea. Although there were some harbours in Haapsalu, they were only suitable for small boats and sailing ships.

Haapsalu started to flourish at the beginning of the 19th century. The healing powers of the sea mud were discovered quickly and the city developed into Russian Empire's first class health resort. It was the right environment that invigorated the trade and building industries. The now 180-year-old mud treatment tradition is still retained in the city.

The well decomposed coast has given Haapsalu a unique 18 km long shore line, which is filled with breathtaking panoramic views that cannot be found in any other Estonian city. Today, Haapsalu is trying to restore its famous past as a health resort and to learn to better use its potential.

In order to do so, the city has prepared various projects and strategies. In the long run, the entire coastal region should be developed into a unique and attractive resting area. The coast line has been a valued real estate region and a healthy living environment. The sea is a developmental advantage that, if used wisely, could help to develop tourism and other related areas.

With the help of the EU structural funds Haapsalu has taken steps to deepen the waterways that would make it possible for sailing ships to enter the harbour, and to build coastal fortifications and beach promenades. The works are scheduled to begin next year. The sailing traditions are in the process of being restored, and coastal health and resort establishments are continually developing.