Is Haapsalu a Quiet Town?
Text Timo Raussi Photos Viktor Pavlov and Christo Pihlamäe
Haapsalu is an idyllic small town on the western coast of mainland Estonia, about 90 kilometres west of Tallinn, making it an excellent destination for a relaxing summer holiday. At the heart of the town stands the medieval Episcopal Castle, while the first health resort, renowned for its therapeutic mud treatments, opened its doors in 1825. After the imperial court from St. Petersburg stopped arriving by train, and Estonia, after regaining independence, sold the deteriorating railway into private ownership, which effectively led to its dismantling, the town became a remarkably peaceful place, free from the roar of large machines and engines.
An old Estonian saying goes, “Nature does not allow a vacuum,” meaning that something new always replaces what has disappeared. In 2001, enthusiasts of American cars from Estonia and neighbouring countries began gathering in Haapsalu each summer to admire the custom-built creations they had spent the winter working on in their garages, exchange stories, and enjoy American-style food, music, and entertainment.
For many years, the event was known as the American Beauty Car Show, but following a scaled-back rebranding a couple of years ago, it is now called the American Beauty Summer Meet. This year’s event, taking place from 10–12 July, is open to American vehicles first registered before 1981, which are displayed in the exhibition area in the courtyard of Haapsalu Episcopal Castle. Friday and Saturday, especially the evenings, focus on entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere. Organisers maintain a strict no-burnout policy, meaning tyre spinning, excessive revving and other noisy driving displays are not permitted within the event area.
The real horsepower is unleashed only on Sunday at the former military airfield in Kiltsi, on the outskirts of Haapsalu. Starting around midday, the programme features drag racing as well as the Crazy Drivers Stunt Show. More information is available here.
Once the sound of four-wheeled machines has faded after the weekend, attention turns to two wheels. On 15 August at 11:00, the courtyard of the Episcopal Castle once again becomes the centre of attention with the Valge Daami Bike Show 2026.
Like the American car event, it follows a “drive-in”, or, more appropriately for motorcycles, a “ride-in”, format. Unlike the car gathering, however, the motorcycles do not have to originate from the United States. The key requirement is that they are customised machines, whether traditional choppers or bobbers, or more modern styles such as baggers, café racers, scramblers, or even imaginative custom creations enhanced with bodywork modifications or turbochargers.
The event is open to enthusiasts of all ages. Custom-built mopeds and scooters created by junior participants are just as welcome as full-sized motorcycles. After the exhibition, judging and prize ceremony, the festivities continue with the Valge Daami Rock evening at the clubhouse of the organising motorcycle club, Müristaja MC, located at Sadama 30, Haapsalu.
More information about the event, which was also visited and featured last summer by the Finnish specialist motorcycle magazine Kopteri, can be found here.
To learn more about this and similar topicsAmerican Cars Episcopal Castle events Exhibition Festival gathering Haapsalu motorcycles
