Pärnu

Pärnu and Siófok can be considered similar in several aspects. Pärnu, located on the Baltic Sea, joined the Hanseatic League in the 14th century, which greatly influenced the city's later development. Pärnu is known as the city of summer, sun, sea, health, beautiful parks, and a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere.

Pärnu is the fourth largest city in Estonia. Situated in the Pärnu Bay, in the southwestern part of Estonia, the city is located 128 kilometers south of the Estonian capital, Tallinn. Pärnu is one of the main tourist centers in the country, boasting numerous hotels, restaurants, and large beaches. The city was founded in 1251 and developed into a Hanseatic city in the 14th century. In 1918, after World War I and the Estonian War of Independence, Pärnu became part of independent Estonia. Following World War II, it was a member of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic until 1991 when Estonia restored its independence. Siófok and Pärnu established a cooperation agreement in 1993 and signed a sister city agreement in 2001.

Pärnu's reputation as a rehabilitation and resort destination dates back to the mid-19th century when the first spa was established in 1838. Since 1996, Pärnu has been known as the summer capital of Estonia. The city offers all the desirable features of a modern resort, including health spas and rehabilitation centers, hotels, conference and concert venues, golf courses, and tennis courts. Additionally, Pärnu is home to Estonia's largest water park. From 2015 to 2018, Pärnu hosted the annual Weekend Festival, the largest dance music festival in the Nordic and Baltic regions.

The approximately 1.5-kilometer-long pier is one of the city's most popular attractions. The promenade, consisting of accumulated rocks, provides a great view of the Baltic Sea coastline. The pier is also surrounded by a legend: according to the story, if young lovers walk hand in hand to the end of the pier and seal their love with a kiss, they will stay together forever.

The Pärnu Museum showcases the city's early history and its development from a medieval trading town to the present-day resort city. In addition to the permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions present local history, fashion, art, and much more.

Famous People:

• Gustav Fabergé: Jeweler