Explore Pärnu according to these tips from the city's elephants

Discover Pärnu – admire beautiful places, climb high to take in the views, take a dip in the water, experience culture, and challenge yourself!

Visit Pärnu

Pärnu became a resort town in 1838, when the first seaside bathing facility began operations. In the summer, seawater baths and sea bathing were offered, while in the winter, you could enjoy a hot sauna.

Why have elephants become Pärnu's mascot?

A century later, elephants came to town as part of a traveling show. Perhaps inspired by these exotic visitors, large wooden elephants were built in the sea in the late 1950s, with slides running down their trunks into the water.

To mark the town's 175th anniversary, an elephant was once again installed in the sea as a symbol of the joy of resort life, and as a fun water slide for children. An elephant family made of artificial grass was later placed near the Beach Park, to keep the sea elephant company. After that, elephant sculptures popped up around the city.

There is another layer to the elephant story – around 80 years ago, in the area between the current theater building and the library, stood the gatehouse of a medieval order castle, which people called the Elephant Barn because of its appearance. This, in turn, gave its name to the street in front of the building.

Discover Pärnu and look for the elephants!

Elephants are among the most intelligent mammals and have excellent memories! Our Resort Elephants have a good memory – they know Pärnu well and know exactly what to do and where to go once you get to Estonia.

Follow this route for a lovely day.

What to expect along the way

Route highlights: The route is divided into five different themes: nature, culture, architecture, and spa. While getting to know Pärnu, you will certainly encounter an elephant or two!
Distance: Most places are located no more than 2 km from one another.
Duration: 1–3 days depending on the chosen sites.
Season: Year-round, though a few places are only open in the summer.
How to get around: Pärnu is less than 2 hours from Tallinn. Once there, you can explore on foot.
Recommendation: Create your own route based on the themes or individual sites.

Admire the beauty of these eye-catching places

Elephants are one of the few mammals that can recognize themselves in the mirror. Admire your own reflection, then take a look around you.

Pärnu River, which flows along the edge of the city center and under its bridges, offers picturesque views. Surrounding the river is the 8-km-long Jaansoni Track, where the right bank offers several naturally beautiful photo spots. On the left bank, you will find both historic houses and street art.

Visit Vallikääru Park, where the PÄRNU installation is located; it makes a great backdrop for photos. A walking path to the Pärnu Mole begins nearby.

In the city center, one of the most striking dining spots is the pancake café PanKaagid, while on the Supeluse summer promenade by the beach, you will find the romantically nostalgic Café Supelsaksad.

While walking along the beach promenade, visit the 600-meter-long Pärnu coastal meadow hiking trail. From the viewing platform, you can check whether the elephant slide is on the beach or not.

Photo author: Valdis Skudre

Climb higher!

Elephants are up to three meters tall and actually walk on their toes. If you would like to see Pärnu from a higher perspective, check out these recommendations.

A suitable place to start climbing higher is in Pärnu's Old Town. The medieval Red Tower has lost almost half of its height over the past six hundred years and no longer offers views, but the museum’s attic floor houses a unique circular panoramic cinema, where a 10-minute animated film tells the story of the last 15,000 years in this region.

In the beach area, the Romantic Bar on the 8th floor of Tervise Paradiis Spa Hotel is worth a visit, offering a captivating sea view. The building also houses Restaurant Purpur – what could be better than enjoying delicious food with a view of Pärnu’s shoreline?

Those seeking more adventure can challenge themselves in the summer by visiting Valgeranna Adventure Park, located outside Pärnu. An observation tower is also located there, and climbing to the top offers beautiful natural views all year round.

Photo author: Visit Pärnu

Take a dip!

An elephant drinks up to 200 liters of water a day, which is why they usually stay close to sources of water. Here is where to spend time by bodies of water.

Regardless of the season, you can visit Pärnu Beach and walk along the promenade. You will certainly encounter a Pärnu Resort Elephant there.

Elephants are said to be very good swimmers, but they cannot surf – that activity is meant for you. Pärnu Surf Center offers kitesurfing training both in the summer and winter.

Why not go on a fishing trip with Pärnu Kalatakso – by speedboat in the summer and amphibious vehicle in the winter. Pärnu Cruises organizes regular boat trips in Pärnu Bay and on the river during the summer season.

Of course, you can also swim and relax elsewhere, like in one of the city's many spas.

Photo author: Priidu Saart

Where to experience culture

Elephants are excellent judges of people – and you can get to know the life better by visiting Pärnu’s key cultural landmarks.

Pärnu is the birthplace of the Republic of Estonia; the Estonian Declaration of Independence was first read aloud here on 23 February 1918. This important event is commemorated by a monument on Rüütli Street to the declaration of the Republic of Estonia's independence. Nearby is the Museum of New Art, and not far away is Pärnu Museum, where you can explore the history of Pärnu.

Maarja-Magdaleena Guild is a center for applied arts and crafts, where you can make things yourself in workshops. Your walk may then take you to Tallinn Gate, part of the city's former defensive structures

Architecture enthusiasts can head towards the beach. You will pass one of our finest Art Nouveau buildings, the magnificent Villa Ammende. In the heart of the beach area stands the Pärnu Beach House, completed in a functionalist style for the resort’s 100th anniversary. The historic Beach Hotel is also worth admiring.

Nearby are Pärnu Kuursaal, long the center of resort life, and one of the most important symbols of Pärnu – the Pärnu Mud Baths, now home to a boutique spa. Legend has it that thanks to elephants trampling the sea mud, Pärnu’s therapeutic mud is among the healthiest on the planet.

Photo author: Viktor Tund

Exciting places for an adventure

An elephant gathers information about its surroundings using its trunk. How do you adapt to challenging surroundings?

At the exotic MiniZoo terrarium, you will meet finger-length baby snakes, large pythons, and boas.

If you are brave enough to climb, Ronimaa Climbing Center is waiting for you. You can experience adventure in an action-packed Pärnu Paintball battle.

Thrill-seekers will find suitable challenges at the Porsche Ring racetrack or in the Pärnu Escape Room.

New experiences can also be found in spa centers. At the Estonia Resort Hotel & Spa, you can float in a Dead Sea salt pool. The boutique spa at Hedon Spa & Hotel features a tepidarium with air salt concentration similar to the Dead Sea coast. At the “Viiking Saaga” water and sauna center, you will find a snow sauna, the only one of its kind in the Baltics.

Photo author: Visit Pärnu

Although Pärnu is known as a summer capital, these experiences can be enjoyed year-round because summer is a feeling, not just a season!

Once you have discovered Pärnu, we recommend heading outside the city to see what exciting things can be found nearby, like, for example, the hidden beach gems of Pärnu County or a Soomaa National Park.