Take an adventure and discover Pärnu !
Jüri von Kaufmann (in German “merchant”) was a medieval merchant. He came from Lübeck, but lived in Reval (Tallinn) and travelled a lot, especially in the Hanseatic cities of Estonia. He was not too rich nor poor. But Jüri was special – he was able to see the future. He left us with tasks to figure out and messages to solve them.
Solve challenges by looking for details in your surroundings to discover new places and very fun bits of history !
TAKE A WALK IN THE OLD TOWN
The heart of Pärnu’s Old Town is Rüütli street. Rüütli Street is considered to be the main street in Pärnu because it has been a historically important trade street. The pedestrian-only street fascinates with its façades, cobblestone road, floral decorations and outdoor cafés in the side streets.
DISCOVER PÄRNU BY BIKE
There are over 70 kilometers of light traffic roads in Pärnu. Therefore, the bicycle can be considered one of the best ways of transport to discover Pärnu. In a few hours you can make a big tour in the city, seeing areas that the average visitor often does not get to. There are several bicycle rental companies operating in Pärnu. Some companies rent their bikes all year round. Additionally, in the summertime it is possible to rent electric scooters.
ENJOY THE BEACH OF PÄRNU
The famous Sandy Beach of Pärnu is only a 15-minute walk from the City Centre. Thanks to the shallow and rapidly warming water of Pärnu Bay, Pärnu Beach is an excellent place for bathing. The coastline of Pärnu is nearly 2 kilometres long, which means that there is room for everyone. The favorite place for romantics in all four seasons is the Pärnu beach promenade with its stylish lightning and colored fountains.
MOLE OF PÄRNU
Constructed once to deepen the port and boost trade, the mole of Pärnu (often also referred to as the Jetty of Pärnu) is one of the city’s most interesting sights. At the beginning of 2019, a new illuminated boardwalk to the mole was completed. There are seating benches and bicycle racks on the trail. Legend: According to an ancient legend, young lovers have to walk to the end of the mole and seal their love with a kiss there. When you reach the mole, be careful because the stones can be slippery!
PÄRNU MOAT
Pärnu moat is full of charm, from the well-lit promenade that winds its way around it to the romantic footbridge that spans it and the fountain that spurts up in the middle of it (which happens to be the highest in Estonia). The amphitheatre-style concert venue here is the perfect place to soak up a bit of culture. You can explore the passageways between fortresses made of compacted soil and admire the restored Tallinn Gate, the starting point of an old postal route. A special playground will keep the little ones entertained.
COASTAL MEADOW HIKING TRAIL AND URBAN COWS
Explore the unique ecosystem of the city on 600 m hiking trail with a viewing platform, which stands right by the sea in the middle of the Pärnu beach. In May, cows are brought here to maintain the meadows as they eat the reed and look adorable doing so. They are kept here until October. The trail that rises gradually is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.
RESTAURANT EDELWEISS
Warm and cosy restaurant in the centre of Pärnu. Guests can enjoy a soup buffet or a nice meal of a main course and drink at lunch time. The fireplace and flickering candles make it a perfect place for a cosy dinner.
PASTORAAT CAFE
Stylish and innovative café-restaurant in the heart of Pärnu, in a house built as the main building of the pastorate in the 17th century. Probably the best selection of pies/pastries in town. In the cafe menu you can find exciting options from small local producers.
VOVA
Pleasant interior and exciting tastes where the legendary cafe Georg used to be. Here you will find live plants and food made by live fire. The menu includes 40+ different foods, as well as a street food menu.