Pärnu in Estonia 58º23.22 N 24º29.44 E

 

The city of Pärnu is Estonia's favourite summer playground. During the months of June, July and August the activity level here rivals that of Estonia's capital, Tallinn. So when's the best time to visit? Take a glance at our entertainment schedule on p.18 and you'll see that you really can't go wrong. Pick nearly any date and there's sure to be a concert, a festival or some other special event - from folk to opera to major pop stars Paul McCartney and Bobby McFerrin. And Pärnu's biggest draw - the white sand beach - is open 24-7, all summer long.

While Pärnu is known for its non-stop party atmosphere, the island of Saaremaa is known for something else altogether: peace and quiet. Saaremaa holds a sacred place in the heart of every Estonian, a people known for their love of tranquility and solitude. In the island's pine forests, endless stretches of shoreline and medieval churches time may not actually stop, but it certainly doesn't matter much anymore.

 

Facilities
Company	Contact	Address	Information
Lodgings
Hotels
Alex Maja		Kuninga 20, tel. 30 800, fax 30 801.	With only six rooms, divided between two elegantly-restored buildings, Alex Maja has a very private, exclusive feel. A roaring fire will warm you after your sauna (300EEK/hr). The classy conference room (100EEK/hr) accommodates 12. Prices are given as week/weekend rates. 6 rooms (3 doubles 900/1100EEK, 600/800EEK for one person, junior suite 1200/1500EEK, suite 1500/1700EEK, apart-ment 1800/2000EEK, extra bed 200/250EEK).
Best Western Hotel Pärnu		Rüütli 44, tel. 78 911, fax 78 905, epost	The Best Western Hotel Pärnu has two stamps of approval to recommend it: the Best Western name and three stars from the Estonian Tourism Board. The proud proprietors provide a level of service unique in Pärnu, including individually-controlled heat in some rooms, free use of the sauna and gym in the mornings. 80 rooms (24 standard doubles 1100EEK/900EEK for one person, 42 business class doubles 1300EEK/1100EEK for one person, 14 deluxe suites 1600EEK/for one person 1400EEK, extra bed 300EEK).
Bristol		Rüütli 45, tel. 31 450, fax 43 415.	Classically decorated but perhaps just this side of stuffy, the Bristol feels like an old English townhouse. Genuinely friendly service will make you feel at home. 17 rooms (1 single 860EEK, 16 doubles 1150EEK, extra bed 270EEK).
Rannahotell		Rannapuiestee 5, tel. 38 950/42 955, fax 44 533.	Not just a three-star establishment, the Rannahotell is also an architectural treasure. A prime example of Functionalism in Estonia, it dates to 1937, but was renovated in 1994 to match the original design down to the last detail - even the balcony railings. Each impeccable room looks out over the beach. 62 rooms (13 singles 1130EEK, 44 doubles 1430 - 1500EEK, 2 junior suites 1700EEK, 3 suites 2000 - 3400EEK).
Strand		Tammsaare 27d, tel. 39 333/39 502, fax 39 211  epost	This beachfront leviathan located southeast of the centre has earned three stars for its full array of services. The off-beat design has created some odd-shaped indoor spaces, but assures that every room enjoys a sea view. Suites and family rooms have bedrooms upstairs. 60 rooms (12 singles 840EEK, 28 doubles 1050EEK, 10 family rooms 1450EEK, 10 suites 1750EEK, extra bed 300EEK).
Victoria		Kuninga 25, tel. 43 412, fax 43 415.	A professional staff and classic furnishings make this 1925 hotel eminently recommendable. Fine dining in the lobby restaurant and a free morning sauna are two additional perks. 23 rooms (10 singles 860EEK, 11 doubles 1150EEK, mini suites 1400EEK).
Aisa		Aisa 39, tel. 38 044, fax 25 866.	This modern establishment may have gone a little over the top in redecorating. If the newer rooms aren’t to your taste, try the dowdier older ones. The family room and suites have a kitchenette, and suites have a Jacuzzi. Sauna 250EEK/hr or 300EEK/2hrs. 35 rooms (singles 600EEK, doubles 800EEK, suites 1000EEK, apartment 1600EEK, apartment with sauna 2000EEK).
Heli		Riia 30, tel. 38 827, fax 31 108.	The top floor of a brand-new business complex on a busy highway just a few minutes from the centre. Although you’re up high and surrounded by glass, the view is nothing to write home about. (doubles 760EEK, 390EEK for one person, extra bed 200EEK).
Emmi		Laine 2, tel. 76 444, fax 76 445.	New owners spent the better part of a year bringing this old structure up to snuff. The modern interior now suits the building’s space-age structure. Too bad the neighbourhood southeast of the centre is a bit drab. Two rooms have their own separate entrances. 32 rooms (6 singles 590EEK, 24 doubles 880EEK, 2 suites 1090EEK, extra bed 200EEK).
Inge Villa		Kaarli 20, tel. 38 510, fax 38 556.	Built in 1938 at a stone’s throw from the beach, this beautifully-renovated villa still retains a touch of antebellum Pärnu. Conference facilities available in the hotel’s café. Relax on their outdoor terrace or with a massage (180EEK). 10 rooms (5 doubles 980EEK/780EEK for one person, 1 single suite 1080EEK/880EEK, 3 double suites 1280EEK/1080EEK, 1 triple suite 1480EEK/1280EEK).
Jahisadama Võõrastemaja		Lootsi 6, tel. 77 877, fax 30 670,  epost	The descendant of the 1906 Pernauer Yachtsklub hosts boaters from across northern Europe, but even casual sightseers are welcome in the club’s polished hotel. Each room is named after a famous yacht. 8 rooms (4 singles 360EEK, 3 doubles 640EEK, 1 suite 1100EEK). Breakfast 30EEK.
Kanali		Kanali 8f, tel./fax 25 846.	As the proprietors gradually renovate the rooms, more and more of the top-class, modern rooms will be available and fewer of the shabby-but-comfortable variety. Families travelling together will appreciate the availability of a kitchen for guests’ use. Tiptop conference rooms, 600EEK/day, 100/hr. 19 rooms (doubles 420 - 640EEK, suite 990EEK). Breakfast 65EEK.
Legend		Lehe 3, tel./fax 44 100.	This year’s renovation budget was apparently spent on the interior, not the exterior of this small, modern hotel near the beach. Inside you’ll be surprised to find comfortable, tastefully-decorated rooms. 11 rooms (10 doubles 790EEK/590EEK for one person, family room 1400EEK, extra bed 200EEK).
Leharu		Pärna 12, 4th floor, tel. 45 895, fax 40 064.	One floor of a Soviet-era high-rise that also houses the Monate hotel and accommodation for the Mudaravila spa. Rooms are spare, but each has a balcony and satellite TV. Mudbaths can also be arranged here (240EEK/day). Rent the sauna for 100EEK/hr. 27 rooms (4 singles 400EEK, 23 doubles 560EEK).
Lootos		Muru 1, tel. 31 030, fax 43 963.	Renovated just one year ago, this modern guesthouse still has a brand-new feel. Pastel-lovers will find the decor soothing. For further relaxation, turn to the in-house masseuse. 24 rooms (5 singles 600EEK, 13 doubles 1000EEK, 3 triples 1400EEK, 3 suites 1600EEK, extra bed 135EEK).
Maritime		Seedri 4, tel. 78 910, fax 78 909,  epost	Renovations and new owners with a totally new outlook have taken this old guesthouse out of the stone age and into the third millennium: rooms that once lacked individual showers now have direct-dial phones, modem ports, satellite TV, individually-controlled heating and card locks. And even beach bums who left their laptops at home will appreciate the location: set in the seaside park, practically in view of the beach.  40 rooms (10 singles 600EEK, 30 doubles 800EEK, extra bed 200EEK).
Monate		Pärna 12, 5th floor, tel. 41 472, fax 41 047.	A carbon copy of the Leharu downstairs in this Soviet-era blockhouse, the Monate has the same floor plan and old-fashioned furnishings. The hotels also share sauna and conference facilities and both offer to arrange mudbaths for you via the Mudaravila spa, also in the same building. Those who didn’t come to Pärnu to enjoy the sun and the sea can spend their days indoors playing billiards. 25 rooms (4 singles 400EEK, 19 doubles 560EEK, 2 suites 800EEK).
Valli		Õhtu põik 4, tel./fax 43 054.	If you’ve set your sights just a step above the basics, check out this floor of renovated flats in a quiet corner of downtown. Rooms are small but not cramped, and comfortably furnished. The biggest perk is satellite TV in every room. 9 rooms (9 doubles 720EEK/600EEK for one, extra bed 250EEK).
Vesiroos		Esplanaadi 42a, tel. 43 350, fax 43 963.	One of a handful of hotels that spent the winter sprucing up for the summer season, the Water Lily reopened its kitschy pink doors just in time for the arrival of the sun-worshippers. Anyone who ever played with Barbie’s Dreamhouse will recognize the interior design and floor plan, including ground-floor rooms that open directly onto the swimming pool.  13 beds (doubles 500EEK, triples 700EK).
Villa Johanna		Suvituse 6, tel. 38 370, fax 38 371.K).	There is no place like home - except perhaps Villa Johanna, a cosy villa built four years ago according to a pre-war design. Your mothering hostess will welcome you with open arms, but smokers will have to satisfy their addiction in the yard.  5 rooms (3 doubles 980EEK, 2 doubles with balcony 880EE
Villa Kristiina		Suvituse 1, tel./fax 43 268./(8-255) 38 530.	Your hostess in this cosy family home is a doctor and can recommend treatments at neighbouring sanatoriums. The house itself was built and decorated with your health in mind and has been declared 100% hypoallergenic. 6 rooms (4 doubles 680EEK, 1 family suite 1100EEK, extra bed 200EEK).
Villa Marleen		Seedri 13/15, tel. 45 849, fax 43 546.	In contrast to the mammoth Tervis across the street (where you can arrange to use the spa facilities), Villa Marleen offers the same seaside location, but more privacy and personal service. Some rooms in the two tidy little white houses share a WC and shower. 5 rooms (singles 390/490EEK, doubles 750/550EEK, suites 900EEK, extra bed 200EEK).
Kajakas		Seedri 2, tel. 78 909, fax 78 903,  epost	A recent coat of paint has perked things up at the Seagull, but its biggest advantage is still location, location, location: a five-minute walk from the beach. Shell out a little more cash and you get a TV and private shower. 42 rooms (singles 180 - 300EEK, doubles 260 - 360EEK, triples 390EEK, quads 480EEK). Breakfast 30EEK.
Kalevi Pansionaat		Ranna 2, tel. 43 008	If you need nothing more than a place to stash your stuff and a bed to crash on, the Kalevi is for you, though you may not get much shut-eye if there happens to be a concert or other event in the stadium, where the rooms are located. Definitely pack your shower slippers. 18 rooms (one bed in a double or triple 100 - 200EEK, 1 half-lux 600EEK, 1 lux quad 1000EEK). Breakfast 30EEK
Karuselli		Karuselli 18, tel. 42 124, fax 641 17 32.	So modest that they don’t even bother to hang out a shingle, your hosts offer simple accommodation on a quiet side street. 25 beds (doubles 500EEK, suites 800EEK).
Laine		Laine 6a, tel./fax 39 111  epost	Currently undergoing a desperately-needed update, this red block house southeast of the centre has potential. Although the interior is shabby, all rooms have private showers and WCs with brand-new fixtures. Right in the building you’ll find a solarium and masseuse. 21 rooms (singles 350EEK, doubles 500EEK). Breakfast 30EEK.
Kaja		Häädemeeste, tel. 98 711.	A red brick building set right in the pine woods, Kaja is hardly luxurious, but a great homebase if you want to explore the small towns along Pärnu’s coast and the less crowded beaches.  31 beds (singles 110EEK, doubles 220EEK).
Lepanina		Kabli, tel. 98 477, (8-252) 56 344.	Built as a Soviet resort and never updated, the labyrinthine Lepanina still welcomes enormous groups (up to 200 – they can pitch tents in the yard). A full 55km from Pärnu and deep in the woods on the seaside. 70 beds (210EEK/person). Breakfast 35EEK.
Tahku Tare		Võiste, tel. 60 210.	Right on the highway, Tahku Tare doesn’t offer quite the same escape from civilisation, but it is a step ahead in comfort. Rooms, though tiny, definitely date to sometime this decade. Some rooms have private WCs, some are on the corridor. Sauna 170EEK/hr. 29 beds (singles 150EEK, doubles 400EEK, triples 450EEK, extra bed 100EEK).
Valge Hotell		Häädemeeste, tel. 37 368, fax 37 367.	The perfect mix of seclusion and comfort. The White Hotel in sleepy Häädemeeste, 40km from Pärnu, offers a slew of little luxuries, like satellite TV in the rooms and a sauna with a fireplace. Discounts for families. 17 rooms (doubles 550EEK/400EEK for one person, lux 750EEK, extra bed 150EEK).
Bed & Breakfast
Arbu		Rüütli 47  tel. 44 432	Prices from 250EEK. Long-term rentals, too. Open 10:00 - 21:00.
OÜ Tanni Vakoma Majutusbüroo		Hommiku 5  tel. 43 913/38 686, (8-252) 36 724.	(100 - 220EEK/person).
Camping
Jõekääru		Sauga district, 6km from Pärnu, tel. 30 034, fax 30 031.	More than just a campsite, the Riverbend is a paradise for sports buffs, with everything from an adventure trail to minigolf, tennis, volleyball, basketball and football. Stay in industrial-looking grey cabins, pitch a tent or park your caravan (RV). The sauna costs 150EEK/hr.
Lemme		Orajõe, Kabli, Häädemeeste district, 55km from Pärnu, tel. 98 458, fax 98 430.	Huge campground with passable cabins. Bed sheets are included in the price, but blankets are extra. Kitchen.
Linnakämping Green		Suure-Jõe 50b, tel. 43 776, fax 35 811.	3 km from the city centre, at the rowing centre on the river. Activities include basketball, ping-pong and boat rental (30EEK/hr). The sauna costs 100EEK/hr.
Eating
Cin Cin		Riia 30, tel. 44 550.
El Mare		Tammsaare 27d, tel. 39 502.	Despite the name, the Strand Hotel’s first-class restaurant serves a variety of fish and meat dishes for around 100EEK. Children are welcome.
Embecke		Rüütli 44, tel. 78 900 email	The Best Western Hotel Pärnu offers a warm welcome to anyone looking for a classy meal and international atmosphere. On the high end of the price scale.
Jahtklubi		Lootsi 6, tel. 30 658.	Enjoy a hearty meal - salmon and trout, alongside landlubber’s chicken and meat - at the yacht club. Encourage your friends to ring the bell - they’ll owe the whole bar a round of drinks.
Lahke Madjar		Kuninga 18, tel. 40 104.	The Generous Magyar, a playful and sincere Hungarian restaurant, has the biggest plates, the best paprika, and a mellow ambience.
Rannahotell		Ranna 5, tel. 40 945.	The Rannahotell restaurant offers a relaxed elegance that’s hard to find elsewhere in Pärnu. Whether you dine on the rooftop patio or inside, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the beach.
Tex-Mex Mõnus Margarita		Akadeemia 5, tel. 30 929.	With the experienced team from the Lahke Madjar behind it, Pärnu’s first Tex-Mex restaurant promises good things.
Victoria		Kuninga 25, tel. 43 412.	A touch of Victorian class in this straightlaced hotel restaurant, with tall windows, lace curtains, starched tablecloths and a fine reputation. Probably the most formal dining you’ll find in Pärnu.
Viiking		Sadama 15, tel. 31 256.	Live music on the weekends attracts visitors from town to join the spa’s guests in the hotel restaurant.
Cafés
Ada		Kuninga 40, tel. 45 390.	Intimate and old-fashioned, but not much in the way of a menu. Watch life go by in the front garden.
Alex Maja		Kuninga 20, tel. 30 808.	With the same understated elegance as the hotel of the same name, Alex Maja has a more varied menu and a more grown-up atmosphere than other cafés.
Briis		Supeluse 23a, tel. 44 966.	Not much from the outside, but inside you’ll find a sleek atmosphere and filling main dishes for 40 - 60EEK.
Bristol		Rüütli 45, tel. 44 700.	Those hankering after by-gone days and by-gone prices should stop by the Bristol Hotel.
Chaplini Söögituba		Esplanaadi 10, tel. 30 772, fax 30 774.	Coffe
Charlotta		Pühavaimu 15, tel./fax 45 735.	Tempting pastries and coffee for a quick sweet tooth fix.e and pastries in the Pärnu Contemporary Art Museum, a great place to spend a quiet afternoon.
Cibus		Vanapargi 2, tel. 77 857.	Buy bread, pastries and cookies direct from the bakery. There are a few tables for on-the-spot munching.
Lehe Kohvik		Lehe 5, tel./fax 44 567.	The bugs on the wall are just painted on, but don’t do much to increase your appetite. The prices are right, at about 30 – 80EEK for mains.
Munga Kohvik		Munga 9, tel. (8-251) 44 430.	Brand-new and already winning hearts, Munga Kohvik beats most of Pärnu’s other cafés hands down for atmosphere. Look for it on a quiet side street.
Sõõrikud stand.		Pühavaimu 15, tel. 45 334.	Pastries, including their signature greasy doughnut rings (sõõrikud). You may have to
Steffani Maja		Nikolai 24, tel. 43 905.	The lovely Steffani Maja Gallery is finally opening its long-awaited café early this summer.
Villa Sõprus		Suvituse 7, tel. 38 596.	The Sõprus Sanatorium’s café may be just as therapeutic as its health treatments, with a wide veranda, light, spacious interior and filling meals.
Viiburi		Papiniidu 42, tel. 39 614.	A surprisingly good café outside of the centre, attached to a department store. Cosy despite the modern interior.
Cafeterias & Fast Food
Georg		Rüütli 43, tel. 40 906.	This popular cafeteria right in the centre is perfect for a quick bite without stretching your pocketbook. Smokers should head to the back.
Kadri		Nikolai 12, tel. 45 334.	Motherly-looking ladies in folk dress serve home-cooked meals for next to nothing.
Kännu Kohvik		Riia 215, tel. 22 111.	With all the atmosphere of a truck stop, Kännu Kohvik still offers a wide selection of fast food-style mains for just 20 - 40EEK.
Malmö		Hommiku 4, tel. 42 338.	Fill up your tray with inexpensive spaghetti, burgers and fries downstairs, or head upstairs to the suspiciously bar-like ‘café’ (open from 11:00). Right by the bus station.
Männi Kohvik-Grill		Riia 110b, tel. 37 088.	Hot dogs and fries and a variety of meats grilled outdoors. Well out of the centre.
Pappa Pizza		Kuninga 34, tel. 30 616.	A great alternative for a casual meal. Stake out a cosy nook for yourself.
Pizzabaar		Tammsaare 6, tel. 76 909.	Although health professionals are still debating the curative benefits of pizza, this chain pizza outlet is popular with the pensioners at the sanatorium in the same building. Meagre salad bar.
Pubs
Alexandri Pub		Väike-Tööstuse 8, tel. 45 635.	Cool, eclectic biker bar with hilarious paraphernalia, great vibes and Guinness on tap. North of the river.
Citi		Hommiku 8, tel. 41 847.	Choose delightfully dowdy on one side or more manly on the other. Eat and drink to German schlagers.
Country Pub		Karja 27, tel. 33 380.	A friendly pub with a down-home feel and a great outdoor grill.
Gambrinius Õllekelder		Pühavaimu 12, tel. 31 289.	Unless you’re already a regular, you may find the chilly reception here a bit disturbing. Dark and smoky.
Helios		Rüütli 21, tel. 41 344.	Dark, old-fashioned pub with a loyal following right on the main street.
Hermes		Riia 74, tel. 32 445, fax 41 310.	Slightly out of town, this popular watering hole only serves food if you make reservations in advance.
Jahisaal		Hospidali 6, tel. 41 591.	The Hunter’s Lodge has the worn-in feel of a beloved local pub. Inexpensive meals and a billiard table.
Kuld Lõvi Trahter		6km toward Haapsalu, tel. 33 182/(8-250) 66 746.	This 18th-century inn has been reincarnated as a modern pub. If you have your own transportation, the outdoor grill is enough reason to come enjoy the sun.
Kuningate Kelder		Kuninga 28, tel. (8-255) 16 234/(8-255) 36 394.	The Kings’ Cellar is a place where even royalty would let their hair down. The masks on the wall are movers and shakers on the Estonian cultural scene. Dartboard.
La Perra Vida		Mere puiestee 22, tel. 43 278.	The classic salon right on the beach has a grace that seems to belong to another era and attracts a slightly more bohemian crowd. A favourite.
Postipoiss		Vee 12, tel. 40 204.	A generous regard for nostalgia or a real craving for schnitzel and potatoes would make the glum pub in the historic post office worth visiting.
Sepa 7		Suur-Sepa 7, tel. 45 975.	Totally unique in Pärnu, Sepa 7 is a pub with personality and just a touch of attitude. The menu includes some surprises, like shark meat in cognac sauce.
Tallinna Värav		Kuninga 1, tel. 45 073.	The old Tallinn Gatehouse’s terrace is a great place for basking in the sunshine and enjoying the view.
Väike Klaus		Supeluse 3, tel. 42 130.	Little Klaus is a big-hearted host, serving spicy stews like goulash and tshahobili. Cosy booths, classic rock, billiards and darts make it a classic pub as well.
Väike Texas		Supeluse 14, tel/fax 31 404.	Little Texas’s proprietors toured the U.S., fell in love with American kitsch and decided to bring a bit of the Lone Star State to Estonia. The loyal following just proves that Pärnu was hankering for a honky-tonk. There’s sure to be a queue for the billiard table.
Other
Pärnu Jahtklubi	Contact on VHS channel 16, call sign "JAHTKLUBI"	Lootsi 6  EE3600 Pärnu Phe +372 4431420  Fax +372 4442950	Pärnu Yacht Club was founded on June 21, 1906. FINN-class world championship in sailing took place in Pärnu in August 1994. The BLUE FLAG, evidence of international recognition, has been given to Pärnu Yacht Club in 1994, 1995 and 1996. Today the Club has 120 full and 25 junior members. There are 30 crafts registered in Pärnu Yacht Club, of these, 24 are yachts and 6 are motorboats