EDEN-ESTONIA: Health and wellness tourism”

Pärnu is one of the most versatile travel destinations in Europe. In Pärnu you can find functionalist resort architecture masterpieces, romantic wooden villas, 9 excellent spas and wellness centres, high-class golf tracks, surf centres and a racetrack, two National Parks, and a truly unique Kihnu island a couple of hours by ferry from Pärnu. The latter’s cultural space was accorded UNESCO’s title of Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Pärnu´s attractions are plentiful and diverse, catering to every taste.

*Spa Heaven – Pärnu

Visiting a spa in Pärnu is a must – this is something Pärnu has been well-known and appreciated for almost two centuries. Come and relax: Pärnu Spas are waiting for visitors!

*Rural „SPAs“ – the saunas

Enjoy authentic stove-heated sauna with unforgettable whisking seance and dipping to cold water. Ancient Estonians knew that sweating, whisking and going to a steam sauna energize the healthy and cure the sick.

*Nature experience

Spending time in nature is a soothing experience. Take some time off and enjoy the peaceful sceneries in national parks!

*World class leisure activities and cuisine

First and foremost, Pärnu’s restaurants and cafes stand out for their talented chefs. Besides the fancy a la carte restaurants, reommended by White Guide, you will find many lovely cafes and good pubs all over Pärnumaa. 

Being active is also a significant part of wellbeing. Pärnu has the best place for surfing in Scandinavia for beginners. There are two excellent golf courses. Our race track Auto24ring is considered one of the best in Northern Europe, attracting car enthusiasts all around the world. Pärnu has the best and safest bicycle roads in Estonia. Combine your spa holiday with recreation and we guarantee your well-being!

*Visit cultural and natural sights

The most iconic and extraordinary nature and cultural experiences in Pärnu are Kihnu Island, Soomaa National Park and Matsalu National Park. There are many star examples of functionalist resort architecture in Pärnu when it comes to naming Estonian architectural landmarks – Pärnu Rannahoone, Rannahotell and several other edifices of seafront architecture from the 1930. Ammende Villa is one of the country’s finest examples of early Art Nouveau architecture. The Tallinn Gate is the only 17th century moat gate still extant in the Baltic States.

Soomaa is well-known for having five seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter and high water. Soomaa’s numerous hiking trails can be visited at any time, but it is the flooding period that offers the most indelible impressions. During the flooding period, canoe and kayak enthusiasts can paddle beyond the river channels, right through the forest. There are five large swamps in Soomaa, also known as the capital of Estonian primeval nature. Traditional cultivation of land has turned the banks of the meandering river into diverse river flood-meadows and wooded meadows. It is due to these untouched areas that Soomaa is part of the network of European wilderness.

Matsalu National Park is one of the main destinations among bird watchers travelling in Europe. Tens of thousands of birds stop there annually every sprig and autumn. Altogether, over 270 different species of birds have been spotted in the park, making Matsalu with its numerous species one of Europe’s largest migratory bird parks.

Kihnu cultural space was accorded UNESCO title of Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity for its traditional way of life, customs, folk culture and the island’s natural heritage.

See for more www.visitparnu.com.

Haapsalu is an idyllic seaside resort town, 100 km from Tallinn, a town with historical sites and stories, fun activities, rich event calendar and delicious cuisine. Historically it is known for its healing sea mud, warm sea water and fresh and healing sea air. Because of all that, all of the czars who ruled Russia in the 19th century visited Haapsalu.

*Relax your mind while walking on the seaside.

For centuries doctors in Haapsalu have prescribed breathing fresh sea air to patients. Sea air is good for your lungs, relaxing, and has benefits for mental health. Walk on a promenade and other seaside paths (Haapsalu is surrounded by the sea on three sides). Walking there makes you feel more relaxed, helps you to clear your thoughts and while breathing fresh sea air enjoy the view of Haapsalu Bay. TIP: best time for walks are the sunsets, and you can finish your walk with local food from seaside restaurants! 

*Relax in spas

Spa treatments help to relax mind and body. Iconic treatment for spas in Haapsalu is mud therapy which cures some chronic inflammations and relieves pain, has a biostimulating effect (accelerates metabolism and cell renewal) and removes excess liquids from your body. Haapsalu has two spa hotels. Both offer variety of treatments for your health and wellness.

Come and experience healing effects of the therapeutic mud from Haapsalu bay or just enjoy saunas, massages and other health and beauty treatments!

*Visit events

Come and experience cultural events in Haapsalu. Haapsalu hosts a lot of different events. There is something for everybody! Some offer amazing musical experiences but others, like Yogafestival, offer overall wellbeing with nice workout, best spiritual teachers, healthy food and harmony of destination. You can choose between Italian Wine Party, Haapsalu Tchaikovsky Festival, Haapsalu Early Music Festival, American Beauty Car Show, Rock In Haapsalu, Yogafestival, August Blues Festival, White Lady Festival, Street Food Festival – Haapsalu’s Promenade of Flavours, Nostalgia Days and other fun events.

See for more www.visithaapsalu.com

Saaremaa is a UNESCO Biosphere area where traditions meet innovation and sustainable lifestyle is honoured. Discover cultural heritage of islanders or take a day tour to diverse and preserved nature. Top quality restaurants serving local food and a big variety of spa treatments is a bonus.  But the best thing to do in Saaremaa is to do nothing, just rest. Unpolluted air and water, the smell of junipers and the sounds of the sea are the best stress reducers.

*Saaremaa is a paradise for spa pleasures

The variety of treatments in our spas is truly wide, so there is something for everyone. In Saaremaa we have 8 bigger spas, offering different approach to our quests – enjoyable spa treatments, memorable beauty procedures, active days or relaxing sauna nights. The scenery and nature of Saaremaa is like a mind purifying spa as well.

Saaremaa has the longest resort traditions in Estonia. On the western coast of the island, the country`s first mud baths were opened in 1824. The healing properties of the mineral-rich mud that can be found in the shallow bays here proved to be immensely popular. In the rapidly developing world, the mud baths have also kept improving. Today, there are eight different spa hotels operating on Saaremaa. The healing mud is still here, but it is now accompanied by aromatic oils, various massage techniques and therapies -everything that could be expected from a modern spa hotel.

*Enjoy different types of saunas 

There are more than 25 different saunas in Saaremaa. Grand Rose Spa sauna centre with its oriental interior includes seven design-saunas, among others Saaremaa Juniper Sauna and Birch Sauna. And, of course, the popular aroma sauna and salt sauna are also available. The sauna masters do their best for you to benefit from different sauna rituals. Experience hot rooftop jacuzzi, watching over the old town of Kuressaare in the Johan Spa or experience treatments made with GoSpa’s local organic bodycare products KENA (which means NICE in local islanders’ dialect).

*Explore natural and cultural treasures of Saaremaa

Visit Kuressaare Episcopical Castle or wander around Kaali meteor crater with a lake. Enjoy sunset in Silurian cliff, hike on nature trails and explore the bird kingdom and seals in Vilsandi National Park. Walk trough the sea to small islets or sail with traditional sailing ships like Moonland and Hoppet. Climb to the top of the Sõrve lighthouse and find out, if it could be the edge of the whole world… or is it in Harilaiu peninsula?

*Taste our local top quality food

Local food is marked with quality mark “Ehtne” (it means “genuine local food” in Estonian). Almost all Saaremaa restaurants use local products in their menus. There are 8 restaurants in Saaremaa awarded with Silverspoon award. 

See for more www.visitsaaremaa.ee.

Narva and Narva-Jõesuu – the rich history, architectural monuments on one hand, the unique location on the border of the European Union and Russia on the other, the beautiful natural scenery, proximity to the sea and river, excellent wellness and spa facilities, high-level spa and wellness service, unique health and therapy opportunities.

Explore the gate between the EU and Russia

See it with your own eyes what it is like to live by the border in the easternmost city of the EU and feel the vibe of the city, which for centuries has been the historic border where East meets West.

Let the history of Narva Castle and Victoria bastion bring you centuries back.

Take a tour to Kreenholm Manufacture and listen to the stories of the 19th century.

Be active by joining the numerous unique trails set in the historic Narva river promenade and in reviving Recreation and Sports areas in Äkkeküla and Joaorg.

Relax on the sandy beach, listen to the sound of the sea and birds singing, and enjoy the spa, health and wellness procedures in Narva-Jõesuu. There are many excellent possibilities for health travellers: several spa&medical centres, a sanatorium, rehabilitation services, wellness centres and sauna complexes, recreation areas with sports and leisure facilities. 

See for more www.visitestonia.com/en/where-to-go/north-estonia/narva-narva-joesuu

Setomaa is an excellent destination for tourism because of its health and wellness services, its unique culture, and striking natural setting. This includes the innovative use of local freshwater therapeutic mud and mineral water, a culture that retains elements long lost elsewhere in Europe, everyday life and traditions from hundreds of years ago, and surroundings of low human impact.

Cleanse your body, fill your soul

Setomaa comprises just 1% of Estonian territory, but has a very distinct reputation and unique characteristics. During the visit a guest can enjoy different aspects of what Setomaa has to offer. While in Setomaa one can:

*Visit the Värska Resort Center and enjoy curative mud baths and mineral water treatments. Värska is the only place in the Baltic countries where one can have full body baths in special baths. Approximately 1 ton of mud is used daily. The natural mud it is returned into the lake.  Värska offers three kinds of mineral water, all obtained at a depth of between 470m and 600m. The latter is used for baths and is being tested as a medicine for congestion. 

*Take part in guiding tour around Setomaa‘s many interesting cultural sites, including the mysterious Orthodox chapels (called ‘tsässon’ in the local dialect), ancient sacrificial stones and get to know archaic singing traditions, clothes, cafes and eateries that serve local delicacies. It is also possible to use a Google-based platform and choose the destinations from the so-called Village Belt, a tourism route around Setomaa.

*Take a walk in the forests and bogs – in search of wild mushrooms, berries that everybody can pick in Estonia, or just peace and quiet. Estonia is one of the most densely forested countries in Europe, and the woods here are full of wonderful hiking trails that take you to most diverse landscapes. Setomaa is known for its chanterelle mushrooms especially, considered to be our gold of forests. Our trails for hikers and cyclists are good and not over-crowded, it is also possible to get the help of guides and enjoy an active holiday experience with bog shoes, canoes, bicycles or boats