Municipalities
Häädemeeste municipality is the southernmost of the coastal line and the parish boundaries coincide with the Latvian state border - just as well as the local history and culture. Via Baltica, a highway of international importance passes through the municipality in a north-south direction and therefore, one can see guests from very different countries driving through and hiking here.
Parallel to Via Baltica, along the sand dune chain, runs the picturesque old highway, which takes you all the way to the Latvian town Ainaži, where the coastal fishing villages alternate with the pine forests bordering the dunes. The old Tallinn-Riga highway was the 18th century's most important post road, along which old postal stations that can still be found today.
The coastal recreation area from Kabli all the way to Treimani is one of the most beloved recreational and beach holiday locations around Pärnu County. Kabli beach has received a new look in the form of a promenade, which winds along the beach and the coastal meadow and includes such amenities as picnic sites, a children's playground and a summer cafe.
In addition to a beach vacation, Häädemeeste municipality is of interest because of its natural diversity, which includes the coastal areas and meadows, sand dunes covered with pine forests, bogs, marshes, and forests rich in berries and mushrooms. Close by are also the Luitemaa and Nigula nature reserves, which have attracted international attention and protection. Nature lovers have the opportunity to check out the region's beautiful and unique scenery and many hiking trails; definitely recommended is dropping by Kabli nature center-information desk, where you can obtain valuable information about nature holidays and see exciting exhibitions.
The local coastal villages are famous for their sailing ship history; today one can still reminisce of old sailing times by taking in the monuments, the fancy wooden houses of the old sea captains, and the family graves in village cemeteries. The starting point of construction of larger vessels may be considered the year 1861, when Gustav Martinson launched his sailing ships "Julie" and "Markus" - the first Estonian long distance sailing ships which were launched onto their adventures from the waters at Häädemeeste and the Kabli coast. The best medium for maritime shipping and ship-building stories is the Häädemeeste museum and it is strongly recommended for visitors to drop by and ask for more information.
When visiting Häädemeeste municipality, definitely one must cross the state border and drive along the coastal highway to the city of Ainaži. Older Estonians still remember Ainaži under the name of Heinaste, from the times when the city belonged within the borders of Estonia. On the premises of the old maritime school, which operated back when Ainži was a vibrant sea going port, is now located a maritime museum, which tells the story of the past centuries, ship builders, ships and sea travel. The maritime school has trained most of the former sailors and captains of the local coastal area. The Ainaži fire museum is also interesting and the Ainaži beach is for sure worth a visit.
Also, the story of the name Häädemeeste (Good Men) is related to marine navigation. One of the many legends tells the tale of a foreign ship that had been wrecked here on the coast during a storm and the sailors and people barely escaped from death. The coastal people are said to have assisted the castaways and those in turn gave the name to the place.
