Pärnu

Pärnu, known as Estonia's summer capital, draws visitors to its Baltic coast with a long sandy beach, historic wooden villas, and established spa culture. In this seaside town, you can sunbathe on the shore, explore the old town's streets, enjoy mud baths, or attend music festivals.

Pärnu's Golden Beach

Pärnu's beach stretches along the coast of the Baltic Sea, with shallow, warm waters that are good for families with children. You can walk along the beach promenade, where you'll find cafes and bars, or try water sports like kitesurfing and paddleboarding. For a view of the sea, walk to the end of the stone jetty. According to local legend, couples who kiss there will stay together forever.

Spa and Wellness Experiences

Pärnu has been a wellness destination since the 19th century. The historic Pärnu Mud Baths, now part of the Hedon Spa & Hotel, represent the town's spa heritage. You can try traditional mud treatments, use modern wellness facilities, or relax in saunas with sea views. Many hotels in Pärnu have their own spa centers, making it convenient to include wellness activities in your stay.

Exploring the Old Town

In Pärnu's old town, you'll see a variety of architectural styles. On the pedestrian-friendly Rüütli Street, you'll find colorful wooden houses, boutique shops, and cafes. The Red Tower, dating back to the 15th century, is the oldest building in Pärnu. Other significant buildings include the baroque St. Elizabeth's Church and the neoclassical town hall. To learn about local history, visit the Pärnu Museum, which covers the town's 11,000-year past.

Green Spaces and Nature

Pärnu has several parks and green areas. You can have a picnic or take a walk in the Beach Park (Rannapark). The Vallikäär promenade, built on old city fortifications, follows a small river. If you're interested in nature, you can visit the nearby Soomaa National Park for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife watching. In winter, the park floods, creating a wetland landscape where you can try "fifth season" activities.

Cultural Events and Festivals

Pärnu hosts events throughout the year, with many happening in summer. The Pärnu Music Festival brings classical music performances to various venues. During the Hanseatic Days, you can experience a medieval atmosphere with markets, performances, and workshops. For more contemporary events, there's the Pärnu Film Festival and the Beach Grind Festival, which combines music and extreme sports.

Local Cuisine

Pärnu's restaurants serve Estonian cuisine with modern interpretations. You can try local dishes like smoked fish, wild mushrooms, and black bread. Many restaurants use seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. For a meal with a sea view, you can book a table at Rannahotell's restaurant.

Getting to Pärnu

You can reach Pärnu by bus from both Tallinn and Riga. The journey takes about two hours from Tallinn and 2.5 hours from Riga. If you're driving, you'll find well-maintained roads and straightforward routes. In Pärnu, you can explore the compact city center on foot or by bike.

Best Time to Visit

Pärnu is busiest from June to August, but each season offers different experiences. Summer is good for beach activities and outdoor events. In spring and autumn, there are fewer visitors, and you can focus on spa visits and nature walks. Winter activities include ice skating and cross-country skiing, and you can spend evenings by the fireplace in historic villas that have been converted into hotels.