Pärnu Beach: The Summer Capital of Estonia

• HelloTere
  [teh-reh]
• GoodbyeHead aega
  [heh-d ah-eh-gah]
• YesJah
  [yah]
• NoEi
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomePalun
  [pah-loon]
• Thank youAitäh
  [eye-taah]
• Excuse me/SorryVabandust
  [vah-bahn-doost]
• How are you?Kuidas sul läheb?
  [kwee-dahs sool laa-heh]
• Fine. And you?Hästi. Ja sina?
  [hah-stee yah see-nah]
• Do you speak English?Kas sa räägid inglise keelt?
  [kahs saa raah-ee-geed een-glee-seh kehlt]
• I don't understandMa ei saa aru
  [mah ay saa ah-roo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMa tahaksin menüüd näha, palun
  [mah tah-hahk-seen meh-noo-d nah-hah, pah-loon]
• I don't eat meatMa ei söö liha
  [mah ay suh leeh-hah]
• Cheers!Terviseks!
  [tehr-vee-sehks]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMa tahaksin maksta, palun
  [mah tah-hahk-seen mahk-stah, pah-loon]

• Help!Appi!
  [ahp-pee]
• Go away!Mine minema!
  [mee-neh mee-neh-mah]
• Call the Police!Kutsu politsei!
  [koot-soo poh-lee-tsey]
• Call a doctor!Kutsu arst!
  [koot-soo ah-rst]
• I'm lostMa olen eksinud
  [mah oh-lehn ehk-see-nood]
• I'm illMa olen haige
  [mah oh-lehn hah-ee-geh]

• I'd like to buy...Ma tahaksin osta...
  [mah tah-hahk-seen oh-stah]
• I'm just lookingMa lihtsalt vaatan
  [mah leekh-tsalt vah-tahn]
• How much is it?Kui palju see maksab?
  [kwee pahl-yoo see mahk-sahb]
• That's too expensiveSee on liiga kallis
  [seh ohn lee-gah kahl-lees]
• Can you lower the price?Kas sa saaksid hinda alandada?
  [kahs saa saahk-seed heen-dah ah-lahn-dah-dah]

• What time is it?Mis kell on?
  [mees kehl ohn]
• It's one o'clockOn üks tund
  [ohn yks toond]
• Half past (10)Pool (10)
  [pool (dets-ees)]
• MorningHommik
  [hohm-meek]
• AfternoonPäev
  [pa-ehv]
• EveningÕhtu
  [ohkh-too]
• YesterdayEile
  [ay-leh]
• TodayTäna
  [tah-nah]
• TomorrowHomme
  [hohm-meh]
• 1Üks
  [ooks]
• 2Kaks
  [kahks]
• 3Kolm
  [kohlm]
• 4Neli
  [neh-lee]
• 5Viis
  [vees]
• 6Kuus
  [koos]
• 7Seitse
  [sayt-seh]
• 8Kaheksa
  [kah-hehk-sah]
• 9Üheksa
  [oo-hehk-sah]
• 10Kümme
  [koom-meh]

• Where's a/the...?Kus on ...?
  [koos ohn]
• What's the address?Mis on aadress?
  [mees ohn ah-ah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kas sa saad mulle näidata (kaardil)?
  [kahs sah saahd moo-leh nah-ee-tahdah kah-ahrd-eel]
• When's the next (bus)?Millal on järgmine (buss)?
  [meel-lahl ohn yairg-mee-neh booss]
• A ticket (to ....)Pilet (....)
  [pee-leht]

Pärnu, founded in 1251, started as a Hanseatic port town. Its strategic location on the Baltic Sea allowed it to flourish as a center of trade and commerce. The town was fortified with walls and towers to protect against invaders, remnants of which can still be seen today.

In the late 16th century, Pärnu came under Swedish rule. This period saw significant development in the town's infrastructure. However, the Great Northern War (1700-1721) brought destruction to Pärnu. The town was captured by Russian forces in 1710, marking the end of Swedish control.

During the 19th century, under the Russian Empire, Pärnu began to develop as a resort destination. In 1838, the first mud baths were established, attracting visitors seeking health benefits. This marked the beginning of Pärnu's reputation as a spa town, a status it maintains to this day.

After Estonia gained independence in 1918, Pärnu continued to grow as a popular resort destination. The town invested in modern facilities, including the iconic Rannahotell (Beach Hotel), built in 1937, which remains a symbol of Pärnu's golden age of tourism.

During the Soviet occupation (1944-1991), Pärnu's status as a resort was maintained, albeit with a focus on serving Soviet citizens. The town's infrastructure saw further development, including the construction of new sanatoriums and recreational facilities.

Since Estonia regained independence in 1991, Pärnu has reinvented itself as a modern tourist destination. The beach promenade was renovated, and new hotels and restaurants have opened, blending historical charm with contemporary amenities. Pärnu Beach now hosts numerous cultural events, including the annual Pärnu Film Festival.

Pärnu Beach is located in the city of Pärnu, Estonia. The closest major international airport is Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL), approximately 130 kilometers away. From Tallinn, you can take a bus or a train to Pärnu. The bus ride takes around 2 hours and offers several departures daily. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Pärnu, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via Route E67.

Pärnu is a compact city, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, local buses are available and are a convenient way to get around. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are also readily available. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the area. Car rentals are available for those wanting to venture further afield.

The official currency in Estonia is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in Pärnu's central areas. Contactless payments are common, so you can also use mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet.

Pärnu is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it’s always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which covers police, fire, and medical emergencies. Pärnu has a local police station and several medical facilities, including Pärnu Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many staff speak English.

Fashion: Do dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While Estonia is largely secular, respectful behavior in religious sites is appreciated. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket when boarding buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Tere' (hello). A handshake is common for formal introductions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to trying new foods. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Pärnu Beach like a local, visit the Pärnu Market for fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area. Don't miss the Pärnu Beach Promenade, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. For a unique experience, visit the Pärnu Mud Baths, a historic spa offering various treatments. Additionally, check out local events and festivals, such as the Pärnu Film Festival, to immerse yourself in the local culture.