Laulasmaa – the Village of Singing Sands and Power of Silence 

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Laulasmaa is a place where the sea whispers, the sand hums, and time dances to its own rhythm. This small community is nestled in the heart of Lääne-Harju, right at the beginning of the Northwest Estonia Pearl Route – a green thread weaving through nature and cultural landmarks, stretching from the beach to the forest, and through places of deep meaning created by people. Laulasmaa feels like a secret island for those who know how to seek peace and presence. 

The name Laulasmaa comes from a natural phenomenon – the "singing sands" – a rare and enchanting sound you can hear when walking barefoot along the beach. It’s as if the earth itself is whispering. 

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A Café Created from the Spirit of the Village 

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In 2015, a small place called Ott&Matilda was born in the heart of Laulasmaa – a café that began with the simple desire to create a space where people could feel at home in their village. It grew into something more than just a place to eat – it became a part of the community’s rhythm – a meeting spot, a pause, a refuge. Here, there’s no rush or strain. We serve homemade dishes, warm pastries, and a little something sweet – all made with the care and love you'd expect from a home kitchen. 

Ott&Matilda is not just a café – it’s a feeling. In many ways, it’s like arriving at your grandmother's house, especially when the room fills with laughter and conversation. Small, yet with a big heart. 

 

​A Place for Creators and Listeners 

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Laulasmaa is not just a beachside retreat, but a sanctuary for artists, writers, and composers that has been a haven for decades. Here, for example, graphic artist Günther Reindorff found his silence, capturing in intricate detail the landscapes of Estonia that have become legends in the national imagination. His eyes saw the beauty of Laulasmaa’s beach and pine forests, a beauty he rendered in his works with precision and a poet’s hand. 

Not far away, nestled between the pine trees, is the Arvo Pärt Centre – the creative home of the world-renowned composer. It’s not merely a building or an archive, but a living temple of silence that attracts people from all over the world. The Centre naturally harmonizes with Laulasmaa’s rhythm – both silently impactful. 

The beach, dunes, trails, and views of Laulasmaa have also inspired many poets and writers, whose works often echo the quiet closeness to nature and the peacefulness of sea breeze. 

 

The Heart of the Village, Breathing Gently 

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Laulasmaa is small, yet a strong sense of community flourishes here. Life is not lived on a grand scale, but with depth. Here, children are raised, friendships are nurtured, nature is cherished, conversations flow on verandas, and salt and sugar are shared. 

 

“The world struggles under the weight of everyone trying to change it. Changing the world is aggression. I only want to change myself. If someone likes what I’ve done, that is already enough.” 
— Arvo Pärt 

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Laulasmaa doesn’t offer the bustle of city life but something rarer – a quiet existence, timeless value, and a sense of roots. Should you need a place where time slows down and the scent of freshly baked pie fills the air, know that Ott & Matilda is waiting for you. 

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Laulasmaa – a beach that hums a gentle tune, and a village that listens. Perhaps, here, you’ll discover exactly what you didn’t know you were seeking.