Pärnu is anything but boring in winter

Text Susanna Poikela
Photo Visit Pärnu / Elen Juurma

At Pärnu ice rink, you can skate with your own skates or rent a pair on-site.

As autumn fades, visitors to Pärnu shift their focus from the long sandy beaches to the warmth of spa hotels, the inviting restaurants, museums, and outdoor trails in the city.

The spa hotels offer relaxation and wellness experiences year-round, catering to all ages. Some are designed for adults, offering tranquillity, luxurious treatments, and health services, while others provide a fun and lively atmosphere for families. Adults might enjoy the sophisticated Hedon Spa or Hestia Hotel Strand, while Viiking Spa and ESTONIA Medical Spa & Hotel provide a range of health services. For families, Tervise Paradiis remains a firm favourite.

Food and Culture

Pärnu boasts a wealth of top-tier restaurants offering delicious food and an inviting atmosphere, with options to suit all tastes. Beyond the fine dining options, the city is home to excellent cafés and pubs. Gourmet restaurants include Villa Ammende and Mon Ami, while the trendy Kohvik Kastrul by the Pärnu River appeals to hipster tastes. The long-standing Italian family favourite, Steffani, continues to delight, and Asian food lovers will enjoy Asian Village and Mt Everest. While Pärnu doesn’t have fully vegan restaurants, places like Pastoraat and VoVa are praised for their diverse vegetarian-friendly menus.

Theatre, music and art

Culture enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy. The Pärnu City Orchestra will hold a major concert at the Pärnu Concert Hall before the year’s end on December 8, with a festive performance of Mozart’s masterpieces.

For contemporary art lovers, the Museum of New Art offers a varied exhibition programme. Until early December, visitors can explore the Estonian Watercolour Society’s annual exhibition alongside Christi Kütt’s tapestry exhibition.

Winter Sports and Outdoor Activities

Winter in Pärnu brings fantastic opportunities to enjoy the fresh air and nature. The city’s parks and beach promenade provide peaceful spaces, while the central ice-skating rink adds a touch of seasonal fun. Skaters can bring their own skates or hire them on-site.

For cross-country skiing, a well-lit and maintained trail is just a 15-minute drive away in the Raeküla Forest, near Lottemaa. If the winter turns cold and snowy, additional activities like ice fishing, sledding, and kite or wing surfing lessons on Pärnu Bay become available.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Best Estonian Winter Destinations Pärnu Restaurants Pärnu Spas Pärnu Winter Activities Spa and Wellness in Estonia Things to do in Pärnu Winter Travel Estonia