The best hiking routes in Lääne County

Lääne County is characterized by its flat coastal plains, shallow bays, and extensive juniper shrublands. Walking here means navigating a low-lying landscape where the land slowly rises from the Baltic Sea, leaving behind damp coastal meadows and thick reed beds. You will not find any deep valleys or steep ridges in this part of Estonia; the terrain is consistently level and open, requiring little climbing but demanding an eye for subtle changes in vegetation.

Underfoot, the paths alternate between soft sandy tracks near the shoreline, packed gravel roads, and spongy peat sections. In May, the coastal pastures near Haapsalu are filled with migrating waterfowl, making the shoreline lively with bird calls, while the inland pine forests remain silent. The ground can be damp, especially near the floodplains, so sturdy footwear is a practical necessity.

This region is ideal for those who prefer quiet, horizontal landscapes over dramatic topography. The more accessible coastal paths near the town of Haapsalu tend to see more foot traffic, whereas the inland forest tracks and bog borders offer a much more solitary walking experience.