Sun, Sand, and Stories: A Day Exploring Pärnu

The following blog was written by a student intern on a 2026 CIEE high school summer abroad program. Read on for a first-hand account of what an excursion is like on program in Tallin. 

A short bus ride from Tallinn brought CIEE students to one of Estonia's most beloved summer destinations: Pärnu. Known as Estonia's "Summer Capital," Pärnu is famous for its sandy beaches, colorful parks, lively cafés, and relaxed atmosphere. Every summer, both locals and visitors flock to the city to enjoy the sunshine along the Baltic Sea. For our students, it was the perfect opportunity to slow down, spend time with friends, and experience a different side of Estonia.

While the beach is Pärnu's biggest attraction, the city also has an important place in Estonia's history. During the Estonian War of Independence, the Endla Theatre in Pärnu became the site where Estonia's Declaration of Independence was first publicly read on February 23, 1918. Although the original theater no longer stands, a monument now marks the location and serves as a reminder of the city's role in the birth of the Estonian Republic. Visiting Pärnu gave students the chance to connect a peaceful seaside town with one of the nation's most significant moments.

The city was especially vibrant during our visit because it coincided with Pärnu Hanseatic Days, an annual festival celebrating the region's medieval trading heritage. Streets throughout the city came alive with musicians, artisans, traditional performances, and local vendors. Students wandered through market stalls featuring handmade crafts, sampled regional treats, and watched performers bring history to life. The festival offered a fun glimpse into the traditions of the Hanseatic League, a network of trading cities that helped shape Northern Europe for centuries.

One of Pärnu's most recognizable landmarks surprised many students: a family of playful elephant statues scattered throughout the city. While they may seem unexpected in a Baltic beach town, the elephants have become one of Pärnu's most beloved symbols. According to local folklore, an elephant once escaped from a traveling circus and made its way to Pärnu's beach, where it happily bathed in the sea. Whether the story is fact or fiction depends on who you ask, but the legend has become part of the city's identity. Today, visitors enjoy finding the elephant sculptures, each offering a fun photo opportunity and a reminder that every place has stories that become part of its charm.

As the day came to an end, students returned to Tallinn with sandy shoes, full camera rolls, and a deeper appreciation for Estonia beyond its capital city. Pärnu showed that history can be found in unexpected places, culture can be celebrated through festivals and traditions, and sometimes the best memories are made while relaxing by the sea with new friends. It was the perfect way to experience another side of Estonia and another reminder that every destination has its own unique story waiting to be discovered.

Do exciting international excursions call to you? Learn more about CIEE High School Summer Abroad!