Road Trip Tartu to Parnu 1-Day
In June 2022 we made a 2-week road trip in the Baltic States. We started in Vilnius (Lithuania), rented a car, and explored as much as we could on the way to Tallinn (Estonia) while stopping by Latvia.
On our 11th day we went from Tartu to Parnu. Along the way we made a stop at the Soomaa National Park, one of the nicest places in Estonia. There we made 3 little hikes around the bog and took some time to enjoy a hot sunny day in a unique environment.
Then we drove to Parnu, one of Estonia’s most known beach town.
If you too are planning a trip to the Baltic states, you will most probably do such a road trip. Anyway, we recommend it. Let ‘s dive in this Road Trip Tartu to Parnu
Table of Contents
Mapping the day
The road trip
Once again, it is super easy to drive Estonia. The road is nice and not crowded. Most of the road regulation are the same as the rest of EU. Only, once you are in Soomaa national park, you are on a dirt road. We had a regular car, and it was really fine as you are driving at 30km/h. Along the way, you pass a huge lake. We didn’t see where to stop but it could be a cool additional thing to do.
- Tartu to Soomaa information center/Beaver Trail: 1h38, 126km
- Information center to Ingatsi Trail : 12min, 7.7km
- Ingastsi Trail to Riisa Trail: 9min, 6.6km
- Riisa Trail to Parnu: 37min, 38.4km
Where to Stay in Parnu
We stayed 2 nights in Parnu which was really great. But if you want to have more time and enjoy the beach longer, adding a 3rd night would be great
- (€): Villa Ene
- (€€): Austri Villa
- (€€€): Villa Ammende Restaurant and Hotel
We stayed at Austri Villa and it was really great. The villa was super nice, the studio spacious and the location perfect. Plus, the price is really great for what you get.
What to Eat
During this road trip, we ate before hiking the beaver trail on the open field next to the information center. We had brought picnic 😊
Road Trip Tartu to Parnu 1-Day
Tartu to Soomaa information center
Let start the day by heading toward Soomaa National Park. The road is pretty nice, especially that you pass along a huge lake. We would have liked to stop by it but didn’t really see any place where to.
Once at the entrance of the national park, the road became a dirt road and the speed limit was 30km/h. We drove all the way to the information center where we asked about the park.
There they recommended us to do the Ingastsi and Riisa Trail which are the nicest in the park. We also added the Beaver trail as it was right there.
And before that, we made a picnic on the open field there. It was noon already, and that’s was a nice place (only for the huge flies there are in the parc)
It is a nice little hike in the forest but unfortunately, we didn’t see any beaver. We filled our water and then kept on.
Information center to Ingatsi Trail
Then hop on your car and drive until you pass a bridge, turn right and then drive until the end of the road where there is a parking, WC…
Hike the Ingatsi Trail, be aware of the mosquitoes in the forest on your way to the bog. Once in the bog it is amazing. There is a watch tower than then some pool where you can even swim 😉
On the way back, follow the other trail to make a loop until the road and then follow the road all the way to your car (beware of the huge flies on the road, they normally don’t bite but there are oppressing) or use the same way in.
Ingastsi Trail to Riisa Trail
Hop on the car and drive to Riisa Trail. Bring a hat there if its sunny. There is only a small portion of the trail in the forest. Most of it being in the bog under the sun. There also, there are some pools where you can swim and an observation tower.
Riisa Trail to Parnu
And finally, drive all the way out of the national park. Once on the regular road follow Parnu. Check-in your accommodation and if you feel like it, go visit Parnu city center for dinner or go to the beach.
“Jumal hoiab lolle ja joodikuid – God cares for idiots and drunks”
1 thought on “Road Trip Tartu to Parnu 1-Day”
Great article ! Estonia is very beautiful.
I went on a road trip a few months ago !
A good tip , if you are traveling by camper van it is worth buying a few things.
You can take a look at this site : https://www.parrotias.com/search-results?q=camping
I have bought a few things , they are very useful and they are really great quality