Estonian Adventure

Leg 5: Muhu to Pärnu

Distance: 52 mi/84 km
Climb: 879 ft/268 m

Ridewithgps.com course legs located here and here.

Logging is a main industry in Pärnu

After waking up from a very warm night, we had a delicious country breakfast served in the garden. When we loaded up and said goodbye to our gracious guests, we embarked on the last leg of our Estonian Tour. The ferry terminal on Muhu Island was a short nine miles away and we rode slowly, knowing that soon our ride would be complete. When we departed the ferry on the Estonian mainland at Virtsu, we followed Bike Route 1 through a long series of dirt roads before joining the main highway. Unlike previous dirt roads, which were quite enjoyable, these roads were marked by deep gravel and hard ruts. It took quite a bit of technique to keep our thin-tired bikes progressing without awkwardness. The wind also found a way to clock around to our nose and strengthen, further slowing our progress.

Houses in Pärnu

As we approached Pärnu, it became clear why it's called Estonia's summer city. The beaches looked quite inviting and there were lots of summer houses surrounding the downtown. As we closed in on the city's yacht club (our lodging), our hearts were heavy. This short tour of Estonia was so very nice and we hated to see it come to an end.

The yacht club is a very nice place to stay and the restaurant is really good. Bikes are kept in their large storehouse where yacht owners keep all sorts of sailing paraphernalia. The rooms were well sized and outfitted with the basics.

Fishing is a favorite pastime in Pärnu

Following a nice night's rest, we had breakfast and set off to the bus station to get a ride back to Tallinn. It is important to note that each bus driver maintains approval authority over whether bikes can go onboard the bus. We found better luck with the Lux Express busses than with the Simple Express busses (though they are owned by the same company).

In all, we travelled 268 mi/431 km and climbed 1,942 ft/592 m in five days. When we were done, we wished that we could ride longer. We would have loved to continue onto the college town of Tartu, but alas, we will have to come back some day to do that as we were out of time.

Estonia is a very bikable country and you should consider making it part of your next cycling adventure.