Museum of the Coastal Swedes

The history of Estonian Swedes from the past to the present

The Museum of the Coastal Swedes in Haapsalu is the best place to learn about the history and settlements of Swedes in Estonia.

Swedes have inhabited the coastal areas and islands of north-west Estonia for more than 1,000 years. The permanent exhibition presents the history of Estonian Swedes from the past to the present. The museum also has its own harbor and wooden boats, a historic fish smoking hut, a coastal barn, and a fishing net shed.

The Museum of the Coastal Swedes is a living museum – every Thursday, local craftspeople gather in the museum’s handicraft room. The pearl of the museum, a 20-meter-long tapestry, tells the colorful history of coastal Swedes in pictures, was created by their hands.

The tapestry was completed in 2002 for the visit of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden. The king was delighted with the masterpiece and called to continue the work. By 2021, new tapestries were completed that depicted the escape of Swedes during the Second World War and the events that followed.

The Museum of the Coastal Swedes organizes great cultural events, smoked fish days, and honors the musical heritage of Swedes. The traditional music of coastal Swedes, especially the talharpa, is often heard in the museum.