Haapsalu is a seaside resort town located on the west coast of Estonia. It's the administrative centre of Laane County and has a population of 11,618 (as of 1 January 2010).
Haapsalu has been well known for centuries for its warm seawater, curative mud and peaceful atmosphere. Narrow streets with early 20th century wooden houses repeatedly lead to the sea. Haapsalu has been called the "Venice of the Baltics", although this positioning has been criticized as exaggerating. The name "Haapsalu" is from Estonian haab 'aspen' and salu 'grove
