Interview with Mr. Urmas Sukles, Mayor of Haapsalu
Q1. In just one sentence, how would you describe the essence of Haapsalu to someone who’s never been here?
In Haapsalu, time doesn’t stand still, but while walking along the promenade, in the castle, or on the narrow streets lined with wooden houses, you experience something extraordinary – Haapsalu’s characteristic historical tranquillity.
Q2. While tradition is important, innovation keeps things fresh. What are some key developments in spa services over the past decade, and how are providers staying ahead of health and well-being trends?
In the last decade, spa services have shifted from traditional treatments to a holistic approach to well-being, including nutrition counselling, mental health support, and technological innovations. The demand for nature-based and personalised services has grown, and the role of medical spas has significantly strengthened. Service providers remain at the forefront of trends, combining research-based development, traditional treatments, and modern solutions. Haapsalu spas are a good example of where historical therapeutic mud is integrated into innovative service offerings.
Q2. Haapsalu has two centuries of spa heritage. What elements of that rich tradition can visitors still experience today that reflect its authentic past?
The seaside promenade, a reminder of the glory of the once-famous health resort town of Haapsalu in the tsarist era, is crowned by the wooden, ornate Kuursaal. Haapsalu was a favoured summer destination for Russian tsars. The Haapsalu train station was also built for the Russian imperial family, as evidenced by the separate emperor’s pavilion, and the platform was designed to accommodate the length of the tsar’s train. Today, we can still admire the beauty and history of the promenade, Kuursaal, and the train station.
Q4. What is one experience in Haapsalu that you believe every visitor absolutely must try?
One experience that every visitor to Haapsalu should definitely try is the traditional therapeutic mud treatment – this natural treatment combines historical healing practices, the region’s unique sea mud, and modern spa services, offering deep relaxation and health benefits.
Q5. Is there a particular institution or organisation you see as the driving force behind Haapsalu’s spa industry today? What are its main goals or initiatives?
The development of Haapsalu’s medical spa sector is significantly supported by the Estonian Spa Association. The organisation issues professional certificates for spa service providers and contributes to raising the quality and professionalism of spa services as an umbrella organization.
At the local level, the development of spa tourism is also supported by the Läänemaa Development Foundation, which focuses on regional marketing and collaboration with spas to increase Haapsalu’s attractiveness as a resort town.
Haapsalu has two spas: Fra Mare Thalasso Spa and Hestia Hotel Haapsalu Spa, the latter of which is recognized with the Green Key environmental certification.
These organizations and companies cooperate to keep Haapsalu’s spa sector competitive and attractive and to meet the expectations of today’s customers.
Q6. Without giving away all the surprises, can you share a hint of what congress participants can look forward to in September, in terms of social events, cultural highlights, or special experiences?
During the congress, participants will be welcomed in the historic Kuursaal, which we will specially prepare for the ESPA Congress. The Kuursaal is closed during the autumn-winter season. We will introduce our culture through a unique food and music experience.
Q7. This year’s congress covers a range of topics. Which themes resonate most with Haapsalu’s current direction — and which ones are personally meaningful to you?
This year’s congress focuses on six main topics, addressing the future of spas in the context of European health systems, the use of natural resources, innovation, and the importance of skills and scientific approaches in spa destinations.
The following topics fit particularly well with the development trends of Haapsalu:
- Valuing natural resources and mud therapy
The session “In mud we trust” emphasises the use of natural resources such as therapeutic mud and seawater in balneology. Speakers include experts from Haapsalu College and ESPA, including Jaanus Terasmaa. This directly connects with Haapsalu’s mud therapy tradition and research conducted by the Health Promotion and Rehabilitation Competence Centre. - Preventive and restorative healthcare
The session “Care goes beyond cure” focuses on rehabilitation, chronic condition management, and the integration of health systems. The Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre and local science are leading in this field. - Innovation and technology in spas
The session “Newness in wholeness” will highlight robotics, virtual reality, and digital solutions. The Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre will present, as it is a top player in this field in both Estonia and Europe. - Skills development and community work
The session “Skill set? Skill reset!” will address the development of the health tourism workforce, community work, and elderly well-being. Haapsalu College and Pärnu College will be represented with their projects and studies, such as “AgeWell” and health promotion curricula.
Q8. And finally, we’d love to end with your warm invitation. What would you like to say to spa professionals from across Europe who are considering attending the congress in Haapsalu?
It is a great honour and pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 European Spa and Balneology Congress here in Haapsalu – a city where history, nature, and evidence-based well-being meet.
This year, we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Haapsalu as a resort town. This honourable journey began with the discovery of therapeutic mud in 1825 and has brought us to today, where we combine time-tested healing knowledge with innovative health technologies and sustainable thinking. Our spas – Fra Mare Thalasso Spa, Hestia Hotel Haapsalu Spa, and Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre – are great examples of how tradition and innovation can come together to create a high-quality, health-enhancing experience.
Haapsalu is not just about relaxation – it is a place where ideas are born, cooperation grows, and the understanding of what it means to be holistically healthy deepens. I believe that here lies the opportunity for inspiring discussions, the creation of new partnerships, and the shaping of a common European well-being future.
Welcome to Haapsalu! Mud-5!
Sincerely,
Urmas Sukles
Mayor of Haapsalu