Pärnu is a beautiful historic seaside town. The warm sea and fine sandy beach has been the trademark of Pärnu for over 170 years. Pärnu is proud to be the Summer Capital of Estonia and the story of the resort which began in 1838 continues as strongly as ever.

Pärnu enjoys all the benefits of a resort town: the beach backed by green spaces, an array of parks, a wide range of spas and health centres, all only a short walk away. Old wooden houses and elegant villas create ambience and a valuable milieu. You can breathe in the fresh sea air, be surprised by just how much green and open space there is in Pärnu and pass time at a leisurely pace.

However, Pärnu can also entice you with the hustle and bustle of culture and entertainment. The summer life on the beach is enjoyable but so is our diverse programme of national and international festivals, exhibitions and concerts all year round. Browse our shopping centres and the pedestrianised shopping street, enjoy delicacies in charming cafes and restaurants, party in night clubs and have a good rest in cosy hotels. Pärnu may seem small but with such a rich selection to choose from you can easily let yourself be spoiled for choice.

Pärnu is an ancient Hanseatic town where a medieval festival and an arts and crafts fair are held every summer. In 2010 Pärnu will host the 30th International Hanseatic Days. This is the time when the town brims with Hanseatic guests and traders and the old encounters the new: a medieval prison tower may reveal some of its secrets from many centuries ago, wooden boats built by old masters drop anchors in the harbour, knights challenge each other at tournaments, and a myriad of concerts, theatre and dance performances take place.

If you dare leave urban pleasures behind, there is our great countryside to explore. The unpolluted and varied scenery of the County of Pärnu is a true gem. The romantic coastal areas, woodlands, marshlands and rivers make most attractive of destinations, while one of the best known attractions for nature lovers is Soomaa National Park to the east of Pärnu. Picturesque villages, churches, manor houses, museums, farm zoos and adventure trails welcome visitors all year round. Boat or ferry trips to the nearby exotic islands of Kihnu or Manija guarantee thrilling experiences.

The town and county of Pärnu await and you can be assured of spending quality time here!