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It´s only 130 kilometers from Tallinn to Pärnu, but we chose a longer route from West side of Estonia. Luckily in air-conditioned rental car, because it was such a warm day. To visit Pärnu during summertime is a must; this tiny town is the summer capital of Estonia and spa and beach resort! The sandy beach, warm Baltic sea water, quiet parks and fresh air - what more You need during a weekend trip from the northern land of reindeers.
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| Favourite spots: |
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The Health Spa is located near the beach, just walking distance from the city centre. This building dates back to 1926 even if it was originally built in 1880. Here You can have mud and other health treatments at reasonable prices.
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| What's really great: |
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Looming at the beach! At bright sunny days you can see boats floating in the air... ... or is it just my head which is making tricks to me? Seeing too many of these and you need to lie down at the beach or go to the nearest open air bar or café.
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| Sights: |
The one of the only medieval town fortifications that have survived till today, is Tallinn gate from 17th century.
At that time Pärnu was occupied by the Lithuanians, then by the Polish, the Swedes and the Russians.
The bastions were built at the end of the 17th century.
Have a walk also in town!
The main streets are walking streets as it is difficult to find a legal parking place for the car.
There are lots of shops and restaurants as well as colorfull houses.
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| Accommodations: |
The most splendid place to stay in Pärnu is
Ammende Villa, the jugend villa from 1905.
This was my main reason to stay here in order to be able to enjoy the beauty of this great house!
It was designed and built by the order of Herman Ammende, a merchant in Pärnu. The Villa is a marvellous example of the Russian Art Nouveau style and architecture and the closest to the Brussels trend in the Baltic area.
There are 13 rooms in the Villa including suites with original jugend furniture. But no air-conditioning. Less expensive rooms are in the Gardener´s House.
The function rooms are decorated as salons and halls. One can have a glass of *Bolly* (guess who just did that!?) and read the menu in the peaceful atmosphere of the stylish Red Salon, enjoy good music in the green Piano Salon or have a cup of coffee and a Havannan or play the genuine Russian billiards in the Cigar Salon.
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| Nightlife: |
Live music at the YachtClub!
It is also possible to dine here, but with lots of people, jazz music and on the wooden tables it might not be the right choice.
Try at the lunch time when you can sit on the terrace and enjoy the sun.
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| Hangouts: |
A cosy cellar bar at Kuninga street offers a good choice of estonian beers and of course A. le Coq or estonian 'lonkero'.
Right place to visit before heading to the dinner.
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| Restaurants: |
Ammende Villa own restaurant serves elegant French and Mediterranean dishes.
We had fish and lamb and a bottle of Bollinger champagne in the Green Wine Room - quite ok even if stylishly priced.
Breakfast was served in the Blue Dining Room.
Located in the the city centre, at Rüütli walking street, this cosy restaurant is easy to access.
During lunch time straight choises are chicken and fish and just about for half a price compared to Tallinn even during touristical season.
Don´t miss your local A. Le Coq beer or gin long drink (lonkero)!
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The most outstanding Baroque buildings from the 18th century are the St Catherine´s church (on the picture) and the Elisabeth´s church.
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Published on Monday October 27th, 2003 by lysdor
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