Page 95 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

WESTERN EST ONIA 93

promenade is another fine
legacy of the town’s imperial Tchaikovsky in Haapsalu
glory days. From Africa Beach Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich
the promenade winds its way Tchaikovsky and his brothers
past the spa hall at Kuursaal and Anatoly and Modest spent the
leads to the Museum of the summer of 1867 in Haapsalu. Living
Coastal Swedes, which traces in a small house on Suur-Mere
the history of the Swedes. Street, the 27-year-old Pyotr
worked on The Voyevoda, his first
opera and one of his major compo-
E Museum of the Coastal sitions. Tchaikovsky Bench on the
Swedes promenade commem orates his
Sadama 31/32. Tel 473 7165. stay and, at the press of a button,
Open 10am–4pm daily. &
blares out a part of the Sixth
∑ aiboland.ee
Symphony, thought to have been Tchaikovsky Bench on the
inspired by an Estonian folk song. promenade in Haapsalu
island and its beautiful 4 Matsalu National
landscapes make it perfect for Park
hiking and cycling. The island Matsalu rahvuspark
is well known for its lush pine
forests and an abundance of Road Map C2. n Matsalu Nature
juniper bushes, as well as Centre, Penijõe Manor; 472 4236.
spectacular stretches of Open 9am–5pm Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm
rocky coastline. Sat & Sun. 8 ∑ matsalu.ee
Some people believe that
Vormsi means “Snakes Island”, as Situated around the narrow
the name derives from the old Matsalu Bay, Matsalu National
Swedish word for snake. Others, Park was founded in 1957 as
however, claim that it was a sanctuary for nesting and
named after a pirate called Orm. migratory birds. The area is a
Picturesque houses in one of the villages on Either way, Vormsi Island was bird-watcher’s paradise, with
Vormsi Island home to some 2,000 Swedes some 275 species found in its
prior to World War II, and their coastal wetlands. Six obser-
3 Vormsi Island influence can be seen all over vation towers dotted along the
the island. coast offer the chance to see
Road Map C1. * 350. @ from
The island’s main settlement the fauna and birdlife up
Haapsalu. g from Rohuküla, 10 km
(6 miles) W of Haapsalu. ∑ vormsi.ee is Hullo, 3 km (2 miles) west of close. Viewing platforms
the ferry port at Sviby. The overlook some of the islets
Estonia’s fourth-largest island, 14th-century St Olav’s Church and coastal meadows. Most
Vormsi is only 10 km (6 miles) is especially worth visiting for its of the observation towers
by 20 km (12 miles) in size. The Baroque pulpit and a cemetery are reached by car or bus,
island is ruggedly beautiful and with a striking collection of although Penijõe tower, on the
blissfully unspoiled despite circular Swedish crosses bank of the Penijõe river, is a
being only 3 km (2 miles) from looming out of hand-made short walk from the Matsalu
the mainland. The size of the mounds of grass. Nature Centre.

The Matsalu Bay islet, part of the idyllic Matsalu National Park