Pärnu – the summer capital of Estonia

Pärnu is a town whom the title of the summer capital has been bestowed upon both in people’s hearts as well as on a more official level; a town that is reigned by sun, fun and openness. Already in 1936, it was written: "Pärnu is the resort of joy, which all Estonia can be proud of, a place for the Baltic traveller, of whichever nationality to stop by. A stop in summertime Pärnu with its bright sun, salty sea, refreshing western breezes, charming promenades, excellent swimming conditions, modern treatment centres, music and friendly people, is capable of eliminating the shadows of tomorrow from the faces of today’s nervous generation, no matter what demands the latter may make."

All this is applies to modern Pärnu as well. Pärnu has become one of Estonia’s most important towns and one of the most beautiful summer resorts in the Baltic States. Pärnu’s first bathing establishment was founded already in 1838, the year now considered to be the birthday of the Pärnu resort. Until the Second World War, Pärnu was a very popular destination for holidaymakers from Scandinavia and Russia. Today, we can again say that every year, Pärnu with its beautiful sandy beach and numerous health spas, hotels, mud and water treatment centres, welcomes tens of thousands of tourists and people wishing to undergo treatments from many different countries.

Summertime Pärnu has unique advantages: in addition to warm seawater and hot sandy beaches, people are attracted to Pärnu by the friendliness and tolerance of the town. Pärnu radiates with openness and its carefree nature; at the same time, the beach town provides the solitary wanderer with the discreet opportunity to be by themselves. It is never boring in Pärnu in the summer. Not even when vacationing. The summer capital opens the secret door to the soul of every holidaymaker’s like a magic key. Some people prefer restaurants or nightclubs, some prefer theatres or film festivals, some prefer tennis courts, jazz or classical music instead... Everyone will undoubtedly find their own, but the paths of the holidaymakers will surely cross on the sandy beaches. It is hard to say what it is that enchants everyone – is it a summer night’s mad infatuation or a more serious feeling that brings tens of thousands of people to Pärnu every summer.

Pärnu is known as the summer capital, but actually it is also a pleasant place for a winter vacation, whereas here a vacation can be combined in a most pleasant way with caring for one’s health.