Pärnu Stole Mirca’s Heart
Text Mirca Mäensivu-Puukko, Susanna Poikela Photos Mirca Mäensivu-Puukko
Head to the beach at sunset. Bring a picnic blanket and something to eat, then enjoy the magical moment when the sun disappears beyond the sea and the entire beach is bathed in soft pink light.
Mirca Mäensivu-Puukko has been spending time in Pärnu for the past 25 years, and the city has become her second home. In this article, she takes readers through the streets of Pärnu, and shares some of her favourite places.
“I was holding my baby in my arms the first time I stood on the balcony of the Rannahotell and looked out over the sea. I remember thinking that I had arrived in paradise.”
Over the years, the city became much more than just a holiday destination for Mirca and her family.
“We bought a home in Pärnu, and I still find it deeply moving to think that our children were able to spend their childhood and teenage years at the foot of Pärnu’s beach lifeguard tower. The very same beach where I once stood with my baby in my arms, gazing out at the sea.”
Her love of Pärnu also inspired her to create the Finnish-language Facebook page “Pärnu ja minä”, or “Pärnu and Me”.
“So much is always happening in Pärnu. New restaurants and hotels are opening, while services and events are constantly being developed. “Pärnu ja minä” is one of the few Finnish Facebook communities dedicated to Pärnu all year round. For many people, it’s a place to find tips, ideas and up-to-date information for their own trip to Pärnu. These days, I also run the Facebook group “Pärnu—Ask and Share” with Visit Pärnu,” says Mirca.
Pärnu Is a Cyclist’s Dream
Over the years, Mirca has been asked countless times what visitors should do in Pärnu. Her answer is almost always the same: don’t plan everything in advance. Let Pärnu guide you.
One of the best ways to explore the city is by bicycle. Mirca recommends hiring a bike as soon as you arrive. Bicycles can be rented from several hotels, as well as from the park next to the Rannahotell. Tõrukese Rent delivers bicycles to accommodation in the town centre and collects them afterwards by arrangement. The Bolt app is also available in Pärnu.
“I encourage people to cycle through the quieter side streets as well. The area between Riia Road and the river is especially interesting and has changed enormously in recent years. There you’ll find decaying old buildings standing alongside beautifully restored wooden houses and renovated properties. It’s a wonderful illustration of both the old and the new Pärnu.”
Another of Mirca’s favourite cycling routes follows the beach all the way to Papiniidu. From there, she recommends crossing the bridge and returning to the town centre along the opposite riverbank. Along the way, Pärnu reveals itself from a completely different perspective.
Mirca also recommends stopping at Sõõrikubaar on Pühavaimu Street, which she considers one of Pärnu’s most atmospheric cafés.
“There’s something wonderfully authentic and traditionally Estonian about it—something that’s becoming increasingly rare. That’s why it has become one of those places I return to time and time again.”
Everyone Finds Their Own Pärnu
“The best thing about Pärnu is that everyone discovers their own version of the city. Some people come for the beach, others for the spas. Some are interested in culture and history, while others are looking for new culinary experiences. Few cities offer so much within such a compact area.”
Mirca encourages visitors to experience Pärnu’s spa culture. One of the city’s strengths is its wide variety of options for different kinds of travellers. Some are looking for a water park, others for treatments, while some simply want peace and relaxation.
“My most memorable recent experience was the newly renovated quiet spa at Hedon Spa. It’s luxurious, peaceful and genuinely indulgent—perfect for adults.”
Over the years, Mirca has built a loyal following. Many people turn to her social media channels for practical travel advice, while others simply enjoy following her photographs, stories and impressions of Pärnu from the comfort of their own homes.
“I sometimes think that not everyone is able to travel themselves. But perhaps they can travel for a little while through my experiences. I think that’s rather a beautiful thought.”
Even today, whenever Mirca stands on Pärnu Beach and looks out over the sea, she understands exactly how that young mother felt all those years ago as she stood on the balcony of the Rannahotell with her baby in her arms, convinced she had found paradise.
Mirca’s Top Recommendations in Pärnu and Pärnu County
- Hedon Spa, Ranna puiestee 1
- Aeglane Hetk Bee Farm, Kalli mnt 9, Pärnu County
- Kaubamajakas Shopping Centre, Papiniidu 8
- Red Tower, Hommiku 11
- Pärnu Museum, Aida 3
- Pärnu Museum of New Art (Uue Kunsti Muuseum), Rüütli 40a
- Tõstamaa Manor, Kalli mnt 13, Tõstamaa
- Tõstamaa Handicraft Centre, Varbla mnt 24, Tõstamaa
Mirca’s Restaurant Recommendations
- COMO, Rüütli 41
- Jannseni Pizza, Rüütli 23
- Kastrul, Lai 10
- Sõõrikubaar, Pühavaimu 15
- Statka, Ranna pst 2
Many visitors specifically ask about lactose-free and gluten-free options when dining in Pärnu. These are not always listed on restaurant menus, but Mirca encourages guests to ask the staff, who are often able to accommodate dietary requirements.
To learn more about this and similar topicsbicycle rental Facebook Hedon Spa Mirca Mäensivu-Puukko Papiniidu profile Pärnu side streets
