Welcome to the seaside resort full of wonderful experiences The fascinating atmosphere of Pärnu seaside resort in WestEstonia is filled with love and with the joy of life. The beloved resort bearing the title of Estonia’s summer capital is full of positive and healing energy. The historical surroundings add their charm to the modern holiday and treatment facilities. Only here can you enjoy the green shadows of the park, the charming and magnificent old villas, the air full of joyful sounds from the glittering sea and the magic of local artists while the smell of fresh pastry spreading from cafés on to the streets is tickling your nose. Pärnu is the city of romantic picnics, strolls on the beach, people in love and first kisses. The summer capital spreads its charm throughout the year, wrapping itself into different colour in autumn and winter.
Legends are born and dreams come true between the river and the sea. The evening breeze and the red shades of the sunset gently strike your face at the place where the river meets the sea and the sea frames the city. The two kilometre long rubble stone pier is stretching into the sea - a perfect place for two people to declare their love for each over. Legend has it that the lovers who kiss each other at the far end of the pier will stay together forever. 3
Ancient home of the Estonians Pärnu is the ancient home of the Estonians. One of the first human settlements in Estonia by the Pärnu river – Pulli settlement site – dates back to 9000 – 8500 BC. Settlements at the site of the present Pärnu and by the rivers here were first documented in 1154 by an Arab geographer al-Idrisi. First written document mentioning Pärnu dates from 1251. City rights were granted to Pärnu in 1318.
The Republic of Estonia was born in Pärnu. On the 23 February 1918, “The Declaration of Estonian Independence” was read out on the balcony of the theatre building for the first time. On the 90th anniversary of this event, the Statue of Liberty resembling the now destroyed theatre house balcony, was placed on Rüütli Square.
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The Hanseatic city that knows of the secrets of Middle Ages In the beginning of 14th century Pärnu became a member of the wealthy Hanseatic League. Pärnu port played an important role in the trade between Hanseatic towns in west and Russia in east. Venus Bastion Smithy near the former city wall by the Moat (Vallikäär), Red Tower Glass workshop in the corner tower of the old city fortifications and Mary Magdalene Guild are representing the Hanseatic times and skills. The Guild connecting the local crafts and arts masters and their workshops, is open for public. The Hanseatic traditions are brought to life at the annual Pärnu Hanseatic Days.
The only corner tower left from medieval city fortifications, the 15th century Red Tower, is housing a crafts workshop and a gallery.
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Sunny resort Pärnu is the most sunny place in Estonia. The famous sand beach with its low, warm water of the bay is irresistible as soon as the very first warm rays of the sun hit the alleys lined with cosy cafés and solid park trees. The beach in summer is busy with people and events. The fountains and the playing grounds of the Beach Promenade have become the children’s favourite. You´ll find cover from the burning sun on the picnic grounds under the protecting shadows of the trees of the Beach Park. At colder times the Promenade provides a great display of nature – the pieces of ice piling up on the beach or the spellbounding vastness of the sea. The snowy and tranquil Pärnu is helping you to find your inner piece.
The story of Pärnu resort begins in 1835, where Pärnu was removed from the list of fortified towns. The city walls were destroyed and the city could start its development outside the fortifications. In 1838 the first bathing house opened its doors. Thanks to Pärnu`s increasing focus on sun and social activities, its fame grew in 1920s and the city developed into one of the most popular holiday and health resorts in Estonia. Pärnu has also been granted with rather significant title - the summer capital of Estonia. Pärnu is the city where an Estonian meets old friends and the visitor can make new friends among the holiday makers.
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Architectural pearls in the stylish atmosphere The Baroque city centre is connected to the river and the sea by the Moat (Vallikäär) which tells us about the history of the fortification. Near the only surviving rampart gates of 17th century in the Baltic countries there is a model of the Pärnu fortress, presenting the city of that time period, its fortifications and what’s left of it. Heading towards the sea the streets take you by the green parks, the stylish villas and old houses decorated with wooden lace, spreading its calm under the trees of the alleys. A walk towards the suburbs brings the colourful play of the wooden architecture into the sight. Pärnu gives you a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the best examples of Estonian architecture. You´ll find the pearls of Estonian functionalist architecture, the Beach House and the Beach Hotel here, both designed by Olev Siinmaa, Pärnu city architect in 1925 – 1944. One of the most stylish and almost fully preserved early Art Noveau style buildings in Estonia – Ammende Villa – is also here in Pärnu. Today it houses a hotel and a restaurant.
The moat of today as compared to its function in the past as the city fortification, has received a new look: now there are illuminated walking paths on the rampart, a beautiful fountain in the middle of the moat and a wonderful park to attract holidaymakers.
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The time you dedicate to yourself brings you health and well-being It is easy to be happy – all you need is good health and peace of mind. Pärnu is a resort that looks after you health. The local spas with their high quality health care make the city an attractive tourist destination all year round. You are welcome to enjoy the powerful effect of water, the relaxing quality of saunas, exciting massages and treatments. We take care of your well-being by providing you with pure, fresh food, pleasant taste sensations and rich selection of culture and entertainment. Every cell of your body will remember the days spent in Pärnu, nourishing both your body and soul.
Every moment full of excitement The rich concert and theatre life, international festivals and museums have turned Pärnu into a great culture centre. The world culture is spending its holidays in Pärnu.The summers have brought here the names like David Oistrakh, Raimond Valgre and conductors Neeme and Paavo Järvi. Presently Pärnu is also the meeting place for internationally renowned lace masters and porcelain painters. While the summer favours the big festivals, the winter is presenting many cosy blues and jazz concerts and also stylish salon nights. The oldest film festival in Estonia – The Anthropology Film Festival – brings the whole world into Pärnu by more than 100 documentary films. The classical music lovers can enjoy the Järvifest and the Oistrakh Festival. The Pärnu Museum of Modern Art, City Gallery in town hall and other galleries show that art in Pärnu belongs to the people and Pärnu belongs to the art. Handicraft workshops encourage you to be active and create yourself a perfect memory – a souvenir to bring home with you. Pärnu offers a rich variety of night life for those who are sleepless. There is a romantic city space festival taking place once a year in August in Pärnu. It is called Augustsleeplessness. Twice a year Pärnu invites families from all over the world to come and celebrate ice and snow or to participate in water and fire shows.
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In the power of the sea and the winds The 242 kilometres of coastline, 177 islands and islets and the longest river in Estonia make the Pärnu county a perfect place to experience wind, water, physical activities and adrenalin. The conditions for sailing and surfing, kayak, canoe and boat rowing and other water sports are excellent. The historical dugout boats take you on the river to experience the power of floods. An essential part of Pärnu are the tennis and golf fields, illuminated skiing and roller-skating routes. You´ll definitely get a kick out of the ice-road connecting Kihnu to the main land, ice racing and adventure park routes built in the tree tops. Both children and grown-ups will find something to do here. Also the Bog Walking tours in the autumn mire are unforgettable.
Kihnu Island – unique and vivid On this distant but yet so familiar island people sing the songs of our ancestors, tell the ancient stories and keep the old traditions alive. National costumes and unique handicraft are a part of everyday life. After reaching the Kihnu Island by a ferry, it is a good idea to take a bicycle and make a round trip on the island. The 4 villages, a lighthouse and a museum are waiting to be discovered. There is nothing like the local fish to satisfy your hunger. The fish can be pre-ordered at the local guest-houses. Kihnu is one of the most exotic places in Estonia and also unique in the whole world. The cultural heritage of the island is included in UNESCO world heritage list.
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The sound of the wind soughing on the sea and the silence of ancient forests and bogs The wild and unpolluted nature of Pärnu County is hiding unforgettable treasures. The natural beaches and islets are inhabited by the birds nesting on their eggs; the eggs which are just as dotted as the small stones with their unique patterns in low waters. Come and see the extensive bogs with its unforgettable scents and the wideness and the power of ancient forests. Not many can say that they have stood face to face with a deer, beaver, rabbit or elk. There is a good chance you´ll be able to look at them at close distance here. Soomaa`s fifth season, the season of floods, provides an unique experience, the water invading the land and the roads. The houses are cut off from the rest of the world. The only way to get home is by kayak or dugout canoe. The Soomaa National Park is a member of PAN Parks network which connects and protects European wilderness in 11 national parks.
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Conferences in the green environment The people who organize conferences are aware of the fact that the green and fascinating Pärnu is an ideal place for conferences and seminars. Pärnu is just a couple of hours drive from Tallinn and Riga. From autumn to spring the city is alive, hosting seminars, conferences and meetings. The whole city is giving its best for everything to succeed. Pärnu is pleasantly compact. All that you might need is in walking distance – from high quality conference halls to accommodation and eating facilities, from holiday and relaxing facilities to exciting activities and culture events. The beautiful parks, clean air, cosy cafés, nice architecture and friendly people ensure the success of Pärnu.
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