The original monument was unveiled in 1936 by the King of Sweden, Gustaf V, as a gift to the city of Narva.
The statue was destroyed by Soviet authorities shortly after the occupation of Estonia in 1940.
The 2000 replica was funded by a public collection and private donations from both Swedish and Estonian sources.
The monument features an inscription in Latin: 'Svecia memor' which translates to 'Sweden remembers'.
The Battle of Narva, which the monument honors, is considered one of the most significant tactical victories in Swedish military history.
The Swedish Lion monument in Narva is a bronze memorial commemorating the Battle of Narva of 1700, where the Swedish army led by King Charles XII defeated Russian forces. It stands on the grounds of the Narva Castle, near the Narva River which forms the border between Estonia and Russia. The monument is a replica of a previous statue that stood in the same location from 1936 until it was destroyed during World War II. The current version was inaugurated in 2000 to mark the 300th anniversary of the battle. The statue depicts a lion with a Swedish coat of arms, signifying the historical Swedish influence in the region during the 17th century. It is located at the foot of the castle walls, overlooking the river and the Ivangorod Fortress across the water.
From the river promenade looking back at the lion with the medieval stone walls of Narva Castle in the background.
Combine your visit with a tour of the Narva Castle and the Narva Museum located on the same grounds.
Walk to the nearby river promenade for a clear view of the Russian Ivangorod Fortress across the border.
Visit during the daylight hours, as the monument is located in an open outdoor area without extensive night lighting.
Do not attempt to cross the border bridge near the castle without proper travel documentation and a pre-arranged crossing permit.
