Exploring the incredible Haapsalu castle as a digital nomad in Estonia
Image credit: Haus of Hiatus
As a digital nomad, I’ve tried to see as much of Estonia as I could fit in the 12 months of being here – and the abundance of castles has been one of the best parts (you can read about my visit to Kuressaare castle on Saaremaa island here)!
Haapsalu Castle, also known as Bishop's Castle, is an incredibly well-preserved medieval fortress located in the coastal town of Haapsalu in Western Estonia. The castle dates back to the 13th century and has served as a residence for bishops and as a defensive structure throughout its history.
The castle is situated on a hill overlooking the town and the sea, providing visitors with breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape (especially when you walk to the top of the viewing points inside the wall). The castle grounds are well-maintained and include a beautiful garden, a moat, and a drawbridge. The castle itself is a complex of buildings, including a main tower, a chapel, and a number of smaller structures.
Inside, visitors can find out more about the castle's history and learn about its role in Estonia's past. The castle has a museum that displays a variety of artefacts, including weapons, armour, and ceramics, which makes it perfect for families in my opinion. The chapel, which dates back to the 14th century, is also open to visitors and features a beautiful fresco on the ceiling.
One of the highlights of visiting Haapsalu Castle is the chance to climb to the top of the main tower, which offers incredible panoramic views of the town and the sea. Visitors can also take guided tours of the castle, which are available in several languages, but you’ll need to check the website for when these are.
If you’ve got some time in the country and are able to travel outside of Tallinn, Haapsalu Castle is well worth a visit.
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If you’re seriously considering a year as a digital nomad, whether that’s to explore the world, setup a virtual business, or both, I strongly urge you to put Estonia at the top of your list for all the reasons I mention below – however don’t be surprised if you don’t want to return back to your country of origin at the end of it!
Secondly, I make no apologies for being so enthusiastic about the place, I’ve travelled in over 60 countries across the world and feel like I’ve found somewhere that is truly remarkable for many good reasons that people aren’t yet aware of.