The Lääne County Dance Festival is an annual event, held at the Haapsalu Castle, a thirteenth century castle with the largest single-nave cathedral in the Baltic states, in Haapsalu, western Estonia.
The Lääne County Dance Festival begins May 28, 2011, from 16:00 to 21:00. The festival features folk dancers, bellydancers, linedancers and more.
Haapsalu, also known as the “Venice of the North”, is a bucolic destination, popular for its scenic vistas, but also for the curative muds that provide so many health benefits. The town is also famous for the Haapsalu scarf, or Haapsalu shawl, a delicately knitted lace shawl made popular in the 19th century.
Aside its very rich Summer cultural programme, the town has numerous historic attractions, including the Haapsalu Castle, the Haapsalu Sundial, the idyllic Estonian Orthodox Maria Magdaleena Church (recently restored to its original form), the St. John’s Church – rebuilt from a 15th century warehouse, and the famous Haapsalu Sundial – a work by artist Roman Haavamäe, which depicts the life of man.
The town has numerous world-class spas, more affordable than elsewhere in the world. In fact, Haapsalu can be considered one of the most sophisticated and romantic destinations in Estonia. With impeccable customer service, and classy restaurants, this is one of Estonia’s most precious gems. More importantly, this is a place where traditions harmonize with modernity, where you will experience Estonia at its most authentic.