Pärnu
Pärnu is the only city in Estonia that is simultaneously located on the seashore and on the mouth of a river.
The city is very compact, smart and at the same time proud to have its traditions. You will be welcomed, all year round, by nine unique spas, lots of greenery and an atmosphere characteristic of a resort, with top-class restaurants, cafés, theatre and concert experiences. There are two golf centres near Pärnu. You will also find plenty of opportunities for fishing on the river and on the sea.
Pärnu is home to the largest and most beautiful sandy beach in Estonia. The coast of Pärnu County is also full of smaller and more private beach nooks that are great for swimming, having a picnic or only enjoying the sunset. The beaches in Pärnu have the best surfing conditions in the Nordic countries. The shallow water and a bay open to the winds make Pärnu a true surfers’ paradise.
If you like to enjoy the atmosphere of a little town, pamper yourself with spa treatments, take in some of the rich cultural experiences or admire the power of nature, Pärnu is just the right place to visit. Here, you can enjoy cycling trips and long walks, watch the nature come to life in spring, take part in summer activities and enjoy the autumn and winter romance.
There are many places to discover in Pärnu County forests and nature. The Matsalu National Park is one of Europe’s richest areas for bird species. In Soomaa, you can wander around and go hiking on foot, in bogshoes or in a canoe. The islands of Kihnu and Manija still honour the traditions and customs of ancient Estonians. Hiking trails and beautiful nature can be admired both in the north and in the south, on the sea, on the coast and in the mainland.
The Vaasa-Pärnu Association is the maintainer of contacts at the civic level of Vaasa and Pärnu. The association was founded in 1988 to continue the twin city relationship between Vaasa and Pärnu that started in 1956 and to implement relations between the twin cities of Vaasa and Pärnu in practice and to increase information about Estonia. Activities between citizens have resulted in cultural exchange as well as economic connections. There is a Pärnu-Finland Association for the same purpose with operations in Pärnu.
