{"id":5074777,"date":"2026-03-20T11:41:58","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T09:41:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitparnu.com\/parnu-roheliselt-eriline-sihtkoht-2\/"},"modified":"2026-03-28T14:26:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T12:26:12","slug":"parnu-a-distinctive-green-destination","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/visitparnu.com\/en\/parnu-a-distinctive-green-destination\/","title":{"rendered":"P\u00e4rnu \u2013 A Distinctive Green Destination"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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One of Estonia\u2019s greenest regions, where forests, parks, and coastal and riverside areas create a pleasant living environment and holiday destination. Nature conservation and local traditions, food, and community are valued. The diverse attractions stretch from Kihnu to Soomaa and from Kabli to Matsalu. P\u00e4rnu also holds the Green Destination title, reflecting the region\u2019s commitment to sustainable development.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\"P\u00e4rnu<\/figure><\/div>
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Sea- and River-Green P\u00e4rnu<\/h2>

The Gem of P\u00e4rnu County \u2013 No Matter How You Look at It \u2013 Is Still Its White Sandy Beach and the Sea. The sea is the main attraction, drawing visitors even from the farthest corners of the globe. The beach\u2019s appeal and easy accessibility reflect an environmentally friendly lifestyle and give the area a strong visual identity, according to locals.<\/p>

P\u00e4rnu\u2019s main city beach<\/a> features a seaside promenade<\/a>, the renovated Rannapark<\/a>, an extensive network of paths for easy walking and cycling, and a variety of service providers. Beyond the resort town\u2019s beach, P\u00e4rnu County offers numerous hidden coastal gems<\/a> where visitors can enjoy the beautiful sea in any season, with the added bonus of stargazing at night.<\/p>

P\u00e4rnu County is also crossed by Estonia\u2019s second-longest river, the P\u00e4rnu River, whose mouth is located in the center of the resort town. The river provides a range of water-based activities and remains an attractive destination for anglers year-round. Other well-known rivers in P\u00e4rnu County include the Sauga, Audru, Reiu, and V\u00e4ndra Rivers.<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\"soomaacom-giidiga-raatsamatk-soomaal-014-visit-estonia\"<\/figure><\/div>
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Forest- and Bog-Green P\u00e4rnu<\/h2>

P\u00e4rnu is literally a very green city \u2013 around one fifth of its area is covered by various green spaces, including wooded areas, tree-lined alleys, parks, and private gardens. Among the most inviting for walks is Rannapark<\/a>, a protected area over 100 years old, and a well-known site is Vallik\u00e4\u00e4r<\/a>, located on the old city ramparts and surrounding embankments. The beach promenade, with its modest vegetation, and a riverside path through a small forested area also add to the city\u2019s greenery.<\/p>

The entire P\u00e4rnu County is equally green, with nearly half of its territory covered by forests featuring diverse and species-rich woodland areas, mainly pines, birches, and spruces.<\/p>

About 24% of P\u00e4rnu County consists of bogs and wetlands. Many of these can be visited independently, with Tolkuse Bog<\/a> being the most accessible in Estonia. Other safe options include Riisa Bog<\/a> and Nigula Bog<\/a>, where adventurous visitors can even swim in bog lakes. Some areas are harder to explore alone but can provide memorable experiences with an experienced guide.<\/p>

At the county\u2019s edge lies Soomaa National Park<\/a>, the second-largest in Estonia. Its unique landscapes, scenic bogs, river floodplains, and dunes make it a particularly remarkable destination during spring, when the floodplains submerge and the \u201cfifth season\u201d begins.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Meadow- and Bird-Green P\u00e4rnu<\/h2>

In the city districts of Kesklinn, Mai, Raek\u00fcla, and Vana-P\u00e4rnu lies the 375-hectare P\u00e4rnu Coastal Meadow Nature Reserve, which includes about 250 hectares of semi-natural habitats requiring maintenance, mostly coastal meadows.<\/p>

From spring to autumn, the area is managed with the help of Highland cattle. Locally known as \u201ccity cows,\u201d these animals help preserve the species richness, uniqueness, and scenic beauty of the rare coastal meadows.<\/p>

To better introduce local flora and fauna to both residents and visitors and provide close-up viewing opportunities, the meadows have been equipped with visitor facilities, including birdwatching towers at Mai and Raek\u00fcla beaches<\/a>, information boards, and a hiking trail with a viewing platform<\/a> near Tervise Paradiis.<\/p>

On the western coast, Matsalu National Park<\/a> is a paradise for birdwatchers! It is one of the most bird-rich areas not only in Estonia but across Europe, with over 270 recorded bird species and more than two million migratory waterbirds passing through each year. Visitors can welcome the arriving birds in spring or wave goodbye to them in autumn.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Cycling and hiking green P\u00e4rnu<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The city of P\u00e4rnu is compact enough to explore on foot or by bicycle<\/a>. Being active outdoors offers a pleasant alternative to driving and allows access to places that cars cannot reach, such as P\u00e4rnu mole<\/a>, the Mai cycling path and observation tower<\/a>, or the Jaansoni Health Trail.<\/a><\/p>

Every year, new cycling and walking paths are constructed or renovated in P\u00e4rnu, and the city now boasts over 70 kilometers of routes. In spring 2018, three bike counters were installed across the city to collect data on cyclists. In 2023, these counters recorded over 800,000 cyclists, averaging 2,305 cyclists per day. The number of cyclists continues to grow, and city infrastructure is increasingly adapted to be bike-friendly.<\/p>

P\u00e4rnu County is also traversed by two EuroVelo routes<\/a>: Route 10 (Baltic Sea Cycle Route) and Route 13 (Iron Curtain Trail). Independent cycling tours are also available both within and outside the city, such as P\u00e4rnu\u2013Ikla<\/strong>, P\u00e4rnu\u2013Soomaa<\/strong>, and P\u00e4rnu\u2013Kihnu<\/strong>.<\/p>

The county offers numerous beautiful hiking trails<\/a> that take visitors through bogs and wetlands, lakes and rivers, the sea, and forests. Trails vary in length and difficulty, ensuring that everyone can find a route that suits them.<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Heritage-Green P\u00e4rnu<\/h2><\/div>

P\u00e4rnu County is home to two unique attractions listed as UNESCO heritage sites. The first is Kihnu Island and its cultural space<\/a>, included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. With a history spanning over 600 years, the island\u2019s culture is proudly passed down from generation to generation.<\/p>

The second is the construction and use of the Soomaa dugout canoe, known as the haabjas<\/em><\/strong>. This traditional watercraft has been used historically and continues to be used in Soomaa<\/a>, particularly during the spring floods, known as the \u201cfifth season.\u201d<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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International Recognitions<\/h2>

P\u00e4rnu\u2019s strengths as both a living environment and a travel destination have not gone unnoticed, as reflected in the various international awards received over the years:<\/p>

  • 2023:<\/strong> The international sustainable tourism organization Green Destinations<\/strong> included P\u00e4rnu\u2019s success story of developing the Sindi Rapids among the world\u2019s top 100 travel destinations and awarded the city a Silver level<\/strong>recognition for sustainable development. Read more about P\u00e4rnu\u2019s Green Destinations certificate.<\/em><\/li>
  • 2021:<\/strong> The construction and use of the Soomaa dugout canoe (haabjas<\/em>) was inscribed on UNESCO\u2019s Intangible Cultural Heritage list<\/strong>.<\/li>
  • 2021:<\/strong> The European Federation of Protected Areas (EUROPARC)<\/strong> awarded quality marks<\/strong> to Matsalu and Soomaa National Parks for sustainable nature tourism development.<\/li>
  • 2020\u20132021:<\/strong> Green Destinations recognized P\u00e4rnu\u2019s success story of coastal meadow \u201ccity cows\u201d among the world\u2019s top 100 sustainable destinations and awarded the city a Bronze level<\/strong> recognition for sustainable development in 2021.<\/li>
  • 2020:<\/strong> P\u00e4rnu won the Most Sustainable Tourism Destination in the Baltic Sea Region<\/strong> award.<\/li>
  • 2015, 2020:<\/strong> The EUROPARC Federation\u2019s sustainable tourism quality mark was awarded to Matsalu<\/strong> (2015, 2020) and Soomaa<\/strong> (2020) National Parks.<\/li>
  • 2019:<\/strong> P\u00e4rnu was named Estonia\u2019s best wellness and health tourism destination<\/strong> in the European Destinations of Excellence competition.<\/li>
  • 2018:<\/strong> Lonely Planet<\/strong> included P\u00e4rnu in the top 10 lesser-known beach towns worth visiting.<\/li>
  • 2009:<\/strong> Soomaa National Park<\/strong>, part of the European network of protected areas, won first place in Estonia\u2019s \u201cUndiscovered Treasures\u201d competition.<\/li>
  • UNESCO Recognition:<\/strong> Kihnu Island and its cultural space<\/strong> in P\u00e4rnu County are listed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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