Pärnu: Coastal Trails, Bogs and Maritime Culture

Pärnu between Coastal Trails and Bog Landscapes

Pärnu combines coastal landscapes, extensive bogs and cultural sites to create a diverse travel destination. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Trail runs through Pärnu County and is part of the European long-distance hiking trail E9. In addition, Pärnu offers more than 18 hiking and nature trails.

Bogs, Forests and Nature Trails

A compact route is the 2.2 km circular trail of the Rannametsa-Tolkuse Nature Trail through pine forest and the Tolkuse Bog. The trail leads to the largest bog lake in Tolkuse Bog, where visitors can swim. From the car park to the bog lake and back, this section is also accessible by wheelchair or pushchair. The 74 km RMK hiking route between Kopra and Ikla offers longer hiking experiences. The Riisa Nature Trail leads through bogs and forests along the Navesti River.

Soomaa National Park encompasses a 17,500-hectare landscape of flood meadows, bogs, forests and rivers. Kuresoo, Estonia’s largest remaining intact bog complex, is located there. Guided beaver-watching tours are offered along the rivers. The different trail lengths help you choose between a short nature trail and a longer hiking route.

Island Traditions, Museums and Horse Breeding

Kihnu is part of the region’s cultural heritage. Woollen handicrafts are a visible symbol of Kihnu culture; the cultural space also preserves songs, games, dances, wedding ceremonies and handicrafts. The Kihnu Museum offers guided tours and workshops on the island’s traditions. The Kabli Visitor Centre offers nature education programmes for children and adults on various topics. The permanent exhibition covers southern Pärnu County as well as the forests, bogs, coastal meadows, bird migration and forestry of North Livonia.

Lavassaare is home to Eesti Muuseumraudtee, Estonia’s only narrow-gauge railway museum; its collection also includes an operational steam locomotive. In summer, the museum railway is open daily, and at weekends a steam or diesel train runs along a 2 km route. Tõstamaa Manor was founded in the Middle Ages. The renewed exhibition at Häädemeeste Museum covers the history of the region, the development of sailing, fishing, and the history of churches, schools and culture. Discussion groups and events there focus on preserving and passing on local heritage and culture.

Tori in Pärnu County is home to Estonia’s oldest horse-breeding establishment. The Tori Horse Breeding Farm continues to breed and keep Estonian and Tori horses; the Tori Stud Farm also offers horseback rides at the stud and in the forest. An interactive exhibition tells the story of the most important events, places, people and heartfelt wishes in the life of C. R. Jakobson through themed rooms. The Pärnu Museum tells four unique stories from the region.

Subregions and Places in the Pärnu Region

The Pärnu region includes the subregions Varbla Vald Varbla Vald, Sauga Sauga, Häädemeeste Häädemeeste, Kihnu Vald Kihnu Vald, Tõstamaa Tõstamaa, Are Are, Saulepa Saulepa and Surju Surju. Other names associated with the region include Saarde Saarde, Reiu Reiu, Papsaare Papsaare, Kurgja Kurgja, Salu Salu, Vändra Vändra, Audru Audru and Lavassaare Lavassaare. Also included are Treimani Treimani, Kabli Kabli, Pärnu Pärnu, Pootsi Pootsi, Uulu Uulu, Leina Leina, Kuiaru Kuiaru and Paikuse Paikuse. In addition, there are Tori Tori, Sindi linn Sindi linn, Tahkuranna Tahkuranna, Tammiste Tammiste, Võiste Võiste and Koonga Parish Koonga Parish.