We know Estonia
28.5.2012 | Culture

A Haunting Castle

A Haunting Castle

A Haunting Castle

”Haapsalu Episcopal Castle was built in 1200, and is the only one of its kind that remained well preserved to today. Every year the museum holds exhibitions that explore its 700-year history,” says Ülla Paras, the director of the castle.

New this year is the medieval heating exhibit and the opening of the rune stone hall to the public; artefacts from the cathedral will also be on display. Estonia’s most famous ghost, the White Lady, has been known to appear in the castle’s dungeon, where she awaits her horrible fate.

”The white lady has inspired artists, writers, and stage directors throughout the years. The White Lady Theatre has been putting on performances since 1979. This summer you can see two performances,” says Ülle Paras. From June 27 to July 2, see Andrus Kivirähk’s Valged Daamid, and from August 3-5, see the performance outside in the castle’s courtyard. The lady appears on August 2 in the light of the full moon from the Baptistery’s circular window.

In addition to the museum, tower, and dungeon, children can enjoy an enclosed playground with a large wooden ship, knight’s horses, and swings.

Summer Events at the Episcopal Castle:

2. 6. Läänemaa Song and Dance Festival (Läänemaa laulu- ja tantsupidu.)

27.6.-2.7. White Lady Outdoor Exhibition (Valge daami näitus Piiskopilinnuse välisterrassil)

6 – 8.7. American Beauty Car Show. Castle courtyard.

11 – 15.7. Haapsalu Early Music Festival (Haapsalu vanamuusikapäevad)

21 – 22.7. International Yoga Festival.

25 – 29.7. Haapsalu International String Instrument Festival (Rahvusvaheline Haapsalu keelpillifestival)

28.7. Haapsalu Dog Show.

2.8. August full moon. Appearance of the white lady from the baptistery’s window.

3 – 5.8. Valged Daamid outdoor performance in the castle’s large courtyard.

17- 18.8. Augustbluus – Blues Festival. Episcopal Castle Location Haapsalu Episcopal Castle, Lossiplats 3, Haapsalu.

 

Location

Haapsalu Episcopal Castle, Lossiplats 3, Haapsalu

TEXT MIKKO VIRTA, PHOTO ÜLLA PARAS

To learn more about this and similar topics

5.6.2026 | Culture

Stencibility Once Again Creates New Urban Art for Tartu’s Streets

Stencibility Once Again Creates New Urban Art for Tartu’s Streets

Tartu will once again become an international hub of street art when the Stencibility Festival takes place in the university … Read more

5.6.2026 | Culture

Estonian Fashion Festival 2026

Estonian Fashion Festival 2026

The Estonian Fashion Festival is Estonia’s largest annual event dedicated to sustainable fashion. This year it will take place from … Read more

4.6.2026 | Culture

Jewels of the Serlachius Art Collection at the Magnificent Kadriorg Palace

Jewels of the Serlachius Art Collection at the Magnificent Kadriorg Palace

This summer, visitors strolling through Tallinn’s Kadriorg Park may be delighted to see Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s painting “Spring” fluttering on the … Read more

3.6.2026 | Culture

Kings of Leon Live in Tallinn

Kings of Leon Live in Tallinn

Kings of Leon are one of the biggest bands to come out of the early 21st century music scene in … Read more

2.6.2026 | Culture

Joy From Related Languages Across Borders

Joy From Related Languages Across Borders

  “Rõõmu sugulaskeeltest—Sukukielistä riemua”, or in English “Joy From Related Languages”, is a popular non-fiction book published in 2025 about … Read more

1.6.2026 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

  1–7 June Baltic Pride 2026, Tallinn A full week of events celebrating Pride Week in the Baltics, with most … Read more

31.5.2026 | Culture

Summer Start Festival 2026

Summer Start Festival 2026

Tartu’s Summer Start Festival is in essence a double festival on 6 June in Tartu’s Song Festival Grounds. During the … Read more

30.5.2026 | Culture

Celebrating Midsummer in Estonia

Celebrating Midsummer in Estonia

Midsummer, known in Estonia as Jaanipäev, is celebrated in remarkably similar ways on both sides of the Gulf of Finland. … Read more