Are you planning a summer holiday to Estonia? Well, what could be a better place for a perfect summer break than Pärnu in southwest Estonia near the Pärnu Bay along the Baltic Sea? It is considered the “Summer Capital” of Estonia because of its beautiful summer, wonderful beaches and lively bars and restaurants and most famously its mud baths. Pärnu is well known for its therapeutic spas, the Pärnu Mud Baths that are believed to cure a number of ailments.
The baths are located close to the beach with the city center at a walking distance. Although the original baths were built here in 1837, the present complex was rebuilt in 1926 after the former was razed to the ground by a fire during World War I. These world-renowned spas offer apart from mud baths several other therapies and treatments for various health problems. If you not keen on the spa, you can always hit the beaches with its white sands and inviting waters. Spend the day lazing out at the beach, sunbathing and swimming at leisure.
As for those interested in sightseeing, there is the 17th Century Tallinn Gate, the only medieval structure that has remained today. Besides, there are the 18th Century St Catherine’s Church and Elizabeth’s Church in Baroque architecture that can be explored. Pärnu offers a number of galleries and museums that tourists can visit such as the Pärnu Museum, the City Gallery, the Theatre Gallery, Pärnu Citizens Hall and several others.
Pärnu does not have historical sites to discover, but tourists can enjoy a walk down the streets and explore the numerous shops and restaurants lining the city and admire the colorful and attractive houses of the locals. The city also provides numerous adventure sports such as kayaking, fishing, nature walks, riding, hunting and taking canoe trips to the Soomaa National Park. There are a number of charming islands that one can explore such as the Kihnu Island.
Also, the city offers several concert halls, theatres and nightclubs where people can enjoy an entertaining evening. There is no end to the number of eating-places in Pärnu, which offers restaurants, bars and fast food joints to cater to all kinds of tourists visiting this lovely city. Whether you are traveling alone or with family, you can have a wonderful time at Pärnu either as a weekend trip or a longer summer vacation.
Photo by BiharyG provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
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Photo by Gunnar Pihl provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Jurgis Karnavicius provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Ricardo Colón provided courtesy of Panoramio.com