Lääne County
Western Estonian coastal county with Haapsalu spa traditions and Matsalu National Park birdwatching tourism.
Lääne County occupies Estonia's western coast—a region where Haapsalu's spa town traditions mix with nature tourism around Matsalu National Park. The county exploits coastal and wetland assets for visitor experiences rather than industrial production.
Haapsalu historically attracted Russian imperial aristocracy seeking therapeutic mud baths and seaside relaxation. This spa tradition continues, providing tourism infrastructure and employment. The town's compact historic center and railway museum add cultural attractions.
Matsalu National Park protects extensive wetlands that attract migratory birds—one of Europe's most important stopover sites for waterfowl. Birdwatching tourism brings specialized visitors contributing to local economy. Fishing and small-scale agriculture complement tourism.
The biological pattern is ecosystem-based tourism: Lääne County converts natural assets (coastline, wetlands, birdlife) into economic activity without extractive industry that would degrade the resource base.