Pärnu
Pärnu is a well-known spa and health resort, with its famous summer attraction, the long and sandy beach. Mud treatment baths have attracted people to the city for centuries. The city's first spa opened in 1838. Pärnu is also the summer capital of Estonia.
Pärnu is located 130 km from Tallinn and by car it takes just under two hours. The charming city with a population of 40 000, has something to offer the whole family, from children to grandparents, just as well as for friend groups or someone travelling alone.
Pärnu recognized for sustainable tourism
Pärnu has won the title Most Sustainable Tourist Destination at the Sustainable Tourism Award 2020 organised by the Baltic Sea Tourism Center. The strengths were among others the investment in environmentally friendly public transport services, coastal meadow maintenance and developing the cycle path network. There are about 70 km of bicycle paths in Pärnu.
We recommend in Pärnu
Maarja-Magdaleena Guild
The Mary Magdalene Guild gathers artisans and artists of arts and crafts. At workshops you can, with help of an artisan instructor, make by hand all kinds of fun. For example a self-made bracelet, a unique souvenir. The whole family will thrive here.
Pärnu museum
In Pärnu, you can travel back in time thousands of years into the local history. If the Stone Age is the beginning of the journey, the end extends to the Soviet years. Pärnu Museum has a permanent exhibition "11,000 years of history - experiences from the old days." The museum is one of the most modern history museums in the Baltics.
Mini Zoo
At the Mini Zoo you can get to know all kinds of reptiles and spiders. More than 50 species, like the Texas rattlesnake or the Tokay Gecko, live in the terrariums. The staff will tell you about the different species and the bravest visitors can even hold some of the animals, the harmless ones. Guiding also in Finnish.
Everything at the walking distance
When roaming around town on foot, you can learn about the different worlds present in Pärnu, such as the historical centre and the romantic beach area with its elegant 1920-30's spa building architecture.
On a beautiful summer's day, you can truly enjoy yourself on the long, long beach of Pärnu. Shallow, it is safe for children. There are many activities available at the beach.
Museum of New Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is located near Vapaudenaukio in Pärnu. The museum focuses on organizing international art exhibitions with works by artists from different countries. The museum's collections include approximately 1000 works of art, from photographs to installations, including Pablo Picasso and Yoko Ono.
Swimming at Valgerand
At a distance of 8 km from the town centre, there is the most beautiful beach on the Pärnu Bay - the Valgerand. The beach, opening to the South, receives sun all day along, and a pine forest protects it from northern winds. There is a playground on the beach for children as well as a fun adventure park and boat rentals.
Day at the waterpark
Jump into a water slide at a height of 11 metres! The largest waterpark in Estonia, the Tervise Paradiisi, features four different slide tubes, the longest of which is 100 metres. In addition, there are platforms for jumping, mountain streams with rapids, a warm outdoors pool, whirlpools, different types of saunas and a summer terrace.
Climb the bird watching tower
The Pärnu Coastal Meadow Protection Area was established in 1958 to protect the endangered and rare species of plants and the moving dynes there. Go bird-watching and enjoy the bird-watching towers of the area.
Tips of Visit Pärnu
Pärnu is a versatile travel resort. The link below has more information about what is happening in Pärnu and the neighbouring area as well as tips for activities. Have a peek at the Pärnu hints.