Why Pärnu?

Pärnu has 175 years of longstanding traditions in health resorts and hospitality. This small historical Estonian town is an internationally acclaimed health tourism destination and a member of the European Spa Association. Pärnu is a 1.5-hour-drive from Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, and a 2-hour drive from Riga, the capital of Latvia.

Pärnu is a beautiful and peaceful place to study and live, with plenty varied activities such as sports, entertainment and cultural events, set in a natural environment close to beaches and forests. In Pärnu region you can find Soomaa with its unique “fifth” season and Kihnu island, which belongs to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Facts about Pärnu

Population: 51,334 (as of 01.01.2021)
Density: 1,600 inhabitants/km²
Ethnic composition: Estonians 83%, Russians 12%, other 3%

City centre – Rüütli street and its side streets with the rich selection of cafés, restaurants, bars, clubs, etc.

Did you know..

• Pärnu Resort is considered to have been established in 1838 when the first swimming facility was opened here.
• The oldest settlement in Estonia, dating back 11,000 years, is located in Pärnu County.
• The coastline of Pärnu County is approximately 250 km long.
• Pärnu County includes more than 175 islets and 8 islands of which the two largest –  Kihnu and Manilaid – are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
• Pärnu County has about 700,000 foreign visitors each year.
• Since 1996 Pärnu has been known as Estonia’s Summer Capital.
• Pärnu is the largest city in Estonia by area. located in southwestern Estonia on the coast of Pärnu Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of Riga in the Baltic Sea.