Parnu Estonia

Travelled:183km to Parnu Estonia
Stay: Parnu- free parking near beach, no services N58.3793 E24.4660
Thanks to Our Tour

Travel Hint: so far fuel has been more expensive in Estonia by €0.10c/litre

After a bit of shopping at the local Maxima trying to fill Bluey to capacity before entering Scandinavia,  we made our way to the Vidzeme Coast to join up with the A1, the main road between Riga and Tallinn. 

The black and white stripe poles are for the lights of the pedestrian crossing.

We stopped briefly to have a look out at the very calm waters of the Gulf of Riga.

Then it was through the unmanned border into Estonia. 

Unlike the other Baltic countries, Estonia had also been occupied by the Danes and the Swedes. It gained it's independence from Russia in 1991 after years of suffering and persecution.
Parnu is Estonia's premier seaside resort. Although severely damaged in 1944 as the Soviets drove out the Nazis,  many parts have been restored.   

We chose a free Park4Night spot a very close walking distance to the Old Town and easily found the tourist office located in the 1797 neoclassical townhall.  

We strolled along Ruutli, the main thoroughfare, lined with splendid buildings. 

There was also many lovely timber homes scattered around surrounding streets. 

Whilst enjoying a local beer we were lucky to see a parade of children presumably dressed in national costumes, who we later saw dancing to traditional songs. 

After looking at a couple of churches we went to Tallinn Gate,  which is the only part left of the 17th Swedish ramparts that defended the town.

Rather than drive to Tallinn we decided take it easy near the beach but headed out of town and away from the crowds to a spot Our Tour had stayed at.

Mark kept busy making a new shelf the the eggs!