Pärnu Guide
 Pärnu with its 45,000 inhabitants is not just a summer town, it’s actually the most popular summer resort and health destination in Estonia. They say Pärnu has it all - plenty of cultural and educational events thanks to its university and theatres. It is also a good place for business related issues. But actually it is mostly about holidays, as many tourists decide to make it their vacation spot.
Baltic Germans were among the first to discover the fun of bathing in the sea in Pärnu in the 19th century when a wooden building was turned into a bath in 1838, and since then its size and population continued to grow. In the 20th century Russians disvovered the beauty of Pärnu and nowadays more and more Europeans (especially from Finland) come here. The result of the popularity is reflected in such facts as many spas remain booked even at times of the year no one thought about going to a beach resort before. The lovely shallow sea next to the white sandy beach of Pärnu is perfect for swimming from June on. Other beaches in or close to Pärnu where people can spend leisurely time and get a quick tan are Valgerand, Kabli, Uulu and Matsirand.
The Resort
Several boarding houses, villas, tourist houses, cafes, restaurants and hotels were constructed in Pärnu in the 20th and 21st centuries to cope with the increasing number of summer tourists from the whole continent. Casinos and sporting attractions were also put up to for the guests.
Spa & health in Pärnu
Pärnu is a perfect resort to relieve from your stress and improve your health conditions. In fact one third of all bedrooms in spa resorts of Estonia are located here.
A beach walk will freshen up anyone. Healthy, tasty food and dances will make you feel good. Reasonably priced beauty care products and services from aromatherapy to cellulite treatment and plastic surgery, massage and baths, will make you change so positively. Many doctors in Pärnu health rehabilitation centres are balneology experts; specializing in mud therapy (for which Pärnu is famous), various massage methods and baths, laser and paraffin treatment. The symbol of Pärnu as a health resort is the Mud Baths building (Ranna 1) be sure to check it out.
The spas of Pärnu serve over 40 thousand guests annually!
When talking about health be sure to visit Rannapark for a walk, you’ll find nice sculptures there.
Not only for kids: Tervise Paradiis Waterpark (Side 14) with several pools and water slides is open all year.
 Attractions in Pärnu
Pärnu definitely has more than relaxing, health and fun to offer.
Rüütli Street
Great old buildings can be seen, also upscale shopping is available and a short pedestrian zone.
Tallinn Gate
The only left over gate from the 17th century town wall.
Library (Akademia Street 3)
A very modern building if you want to see something newer.
St. Catherine Church (Vee Street 16)
A baroque orthodox church built in 1768 as replacement for another church. A must see.
Traveling to Pärnu
From Tallinn an express bus will take you to Pärnu in about 2 hours, with more than 2 connections per hour.
Coming from Riga doesn’t take much longer, but there are fewer connections (around 6/day).
Pärnu Tourist Information
If you need more advice than is covered on Pärnu Guide then head to the official office at Rüütli 16.
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