About the city and the twinning
About Haapsalu
Haapsalu is a coastal town in Lääne County, western Estonia. It received town rights in 1279 and grew around its medieval episcopal castle, which served as the centre of the Bishopric of Ösel–Wiek for nearly three centuries. The castle complex includes a cathedral and a museum devoted to medieval history.
Seaside and cultural heritage
Haapsalu is known as Estonia’s oldest seaside resort. Its tradition of sea-mud treatments dates to 1825, and the town later became a popular summer destination for the Russian aristocracy. The waterfront promenade and the old town’s decorative wooden architecture reflect its resort history. The town also gave its name to the Haapsalu shawl, a finely knitted lace shawl traditionally delicate enough to pass through a ring.
Twinning with Bethlehem
Haapsalu’s municipal development plan lists Bethlehem, Palestine, as a sister city since 2010. According to Haapsalu’s then Deputy Mayor Peeter Vikman, the relationship began when Bethlehem was seeking a partner in Northern Europe. On 6 December 2015, a Haapsalu delegation attended Bethlehem’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The delegation brought back a video greeting from Bethlehem, which was broadcast on Estonian public television as part of the Christmas Eve service from Haapsalu Cathedral.