Did you know penguins collect stones?
One by one, each pair of penguins collects small stones and pebbles and uses them to line a small depression in the ground that they have chosen as a nesting site. The stones keep the eggs dry by allowing snow and water to drain around them. It is mostly Adelie and Gentoo penguins, but still.
And now you can collect them as well. But not any stones. These are wing-painted penguin stones.
Following me on Instagram, you know about the Penguin Stones already. For newbies, in short, there are penguin stones scattered around the world – which you can find, keep as a souvenir, take a picture of it and put it back, or put it in a new location (in case you do this, let me know so we can update the location for other to find them).
And let’s not forget that penguins collect stones themselves for their loved ones.
The mission is to inspire you to travel to different places and raise awareness about penguins and how endangered they are.
It’s a penguin treasure hunt.
We collect the stones in nature, paint them, give them numbers on the back, and off they go back into the world to spread happiness – did you ever see a sad person with a penguin?
Where are the penguin stones?
#0 – The Little Carpathians, Slovakia
The number #0, or the first stone we ever left somewhere, was during our hike in the Little Carpathians in Slovakia near Pezinok.
Last known location – 48.3113917N, 17.2240783E
#1 – Neptune’s Cave, Sardinia, Italy
Number #1 was left near the entrance to Neptune’s Grotto in Sardinia.
Last known location – 40.5630647N, 8.1620103E
#2 – Kubínska hoľa, Dolný Kubín, Slovakia
Kubínska hoľa (1,346.4 m above sea level) is a mountain in Oravská Magura. It lies above the town of Dolný Kubín, approximately 6 km north. You can get a beautiful view and many activities with just a short hike up. The penguin stone is hidden behind the sign.
Last known location – 49.27135N, 19.25053E
#3 – Bachledka, Ždiar, Slovakia
The Bachledka treetop trail is located on the ridge of Spišská Magura, on the border of the Pieniny and Tatra National Parks. A gentle climb will safely take you from the ground up to a height of 24 meters, directly to the treetops. The view is worth the waddle.
Last known location – 49.2847660N, 20.3140518E
#4 – Łapszanka, Poland
Łapszanka, is a village in the administrative district of Gmina Łapsze Niżne, within Nowy Targ County. It is a mere 3km waddle from the Slovak village Osturna and goes through a beautiful forest and, in the end, gives you a beautiful view over Belianske Tatras. We hid the stone in the small chapel.
Last known location – 49.3441555N, 20.1980245E
#5 – Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik, Croatia
For this one, you will have to take a boat and a little hike up the hill, but don’t worry, apart from the penguin stone, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view. Located on the cursed island Lokrum next to Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Last known location – 42.6299630N. 18.1163230E
#6 – Saint Martin Gardens, Monaco
You can find the Jardin St. Martin in the Monaco-Ville ward of Monaco. The gardens have a series of paths to waddle, and the views are lovely. The park is very tidy, and we find a perfect place for you to chill and find the penguin stone.
Note – you need smaller hands to reach it as it is in a “hole.” 😅
Last known location – 43.7297405N, 7.4224425E
#7 – Amager Strandpark, Copenhagen, Denmark
The penguin stone, located in Copenhagen, Denmark, will lead you to the beautiful Amager Beach. It’s located near one of the bridges that will lead you to the other side. You will have to find the stones to find the penguin stone.
Last known location – 55.6577397N, 12.6378243E
#8 – Kastellet, Stockholm, Sweden
To find this little fella, you have to go to the small island of Kastellet in the center of Stockholm. The views from here are amazing. To find the stone, look for a stone as we have hidden it underneath one.
Last known location – 59.3223761N, 18.0903459E
#9 – Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta, Colombia
This penguin stone has an exceptional place where it is hidden. It traveled all the way to Colombia with our friends, who left it in the National Park near Santa Marta.
Here is an even more specific description of reaching the penguin stone. It is no easy hike, but the end destination is worth the waddle.
#10 – Gellért Hill, Budapest, Hungary
We hid stone number 10 in beautiful Budapest. Once again, to find it, you will have to hike up Gellért Hill, which will give you a beautiful view over Budapest.
Last known location – 47.4864756N, 19.0494758E
#11 – Vydrica, The Little Carpathians, Slovakia
Yet, another penguin stone you can find in Slovakia, near the lovely observatory Vydrica.
Last known location – 48.2325039N, 17.1154739E
#12 – Bear Rock, Rakova, Slovakia
Bear Rock (Medvedia Skala) is a limestone rock formation that rises majestically from the forested hills of Rakova, Slovakia. Standing at a commanding height, it’s a striking sight that captures the imagination of all who encounter it. Its rugged façade and unique geological features tell a story that spans millennia, offering a glimpse into the ancient forces that shaped this extraordinary landscape.
Last known location – 60.1732278N, 24.9253643E
#14 – Changuu Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Changuu Island is a small island 5.6 km northwest of Stone Town, Unguja, Zanzibar, Tanzania. The island is around 800 m long and 230 m wide at its broadest point. Changuu Island earned its nickname “Prison Island” due to its historical use as a detention center for rebellious slaves in the 19th century. Later, it was used as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases. Today, Changuu Island is known for its natural beauty and clear waters, and now a penguin stone awaits you there, thanks to the collaboration of Honza and Petra, who took it on their adventure.
Last known location – 6.1199622S 39.1683189E
#15 – PR1 Vereda do Areeiro, Madeira, Portugal
If you’re in search of a hiking experience that combines awe-inspiring vistas with a touch of adventure, look no further than PR1 Vereda do Areeiro. This trail, located in the heart of Madeira, promises a journey through some of the island’s most dramatic and breathtaking landscapes. And there is only one penguin stone hidden there, but you have to waddle for it no matter which side you are coming from.
Last known location – 32.7412655N, 16.9383140W
#16 – Fajã da Quebrada Nova, Madeira, Portugal
Tucked away on the rugged north coast of Madeira lies a secret haven of natural beauty – Fajã da Quebrada Nova. This secluded fajã, or coastal plateau, offers a serene escape for those seeking tranquility amidst breathtaking landscapes. To find the penguin stone, you have to go down the steep cable car, so enjoy the ride!
Last known location – 32.8568670N, 17.2118426W
#17 – Somár, The Little Carpathians, Slovakia
Somár is one of the interesting peaks of the Lesser Carpathians. With its height of 649 m above sea level although he can’t compete with Zarubi, that doesn’t take away from his magic. It is also a nice waddle up there no matter the season. The stone is hidden underneath the nice stone “roof” you see on the picture. Enjoy your waddle up there and the views.
Last known location – 48.3099090N, 17.1536973E
#19 – Temppeliaukion Church, Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is a vast city, and one has to waddle a lot, but with this penguin stone hidden, you will visit a fascinating site. The Temppeliaukion Church is built directly into solid rock, also known as the Church of the Rock and Rock Church.
Last known location – 49.4999133N, 18.6900679E
#20 – Palmanova, Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is a famous vacation spot, and we decided to explore it a little as well, but mostly went for vacation. You can find countless beautiful places in Mallorca, but we decided to make it more chill and leave a penguin stone at Palmanova, a popular holiday destination. So chill, have a drink, and find a penguin stone.
Last known location – 39.5211124N, 2.5386101E
#21 – Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), Madeira, Portugal
Nestled on the eastern tip of Madeira, Ponta de São Lourenço, also known as PR8, offers a hiking experience that feels like stepping into a world apart. This rugged peninsula, with its dramatic cliffs, unique flora, and endless ocean views. At times it felt like being on Mars. Here you can find another penguin stone now.
Last known location – 32.7421522N, 16.6848559W
#22 – Mont Boron, Nice, France
In Nice, there are many places with beautiful views to explore, and one such is also Mont Boron. Rising above the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Mont Boron is a popular destination for locals and tourists seeking natural beauty and tranquility. We met a few locals waddling up here and understood why. You will love it up here when searching for the penguin stone.
Last known location – 43.6955021N, 7.2975079E
#23 – Castelo de Sao Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
Perched atop a hill overlooking the picturesque city of Lisbon, the Castelo de São Jorge stands as a sentinel to centuries of history, offering a glimpse into Portugal’s rich and storied past. Built in the 11th century by the Moors, the Castelo de São Jorge has witnessed countless chapters of Lisbon’s history. From Moorish stronghold to royal residence, its walls have borne witness to triumphs, conquests, and the ebb and flow of time. And now you can find a penguin stone here as well.
Last known location – 38.7138451N, 9.1341429W
#24 – Piiskopi Observation Platform, Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn offers many places to hide a penguin stone, and it took a lot of work to decide. Then we found a perfect place. The Piiskopi Observation Platform, will give you a nice view and peace as it is less visited than the other two platforms.
Last known location – 59.4373530N, 24.7377227E
#25 – Castle Hill, Nice, France
The Castle of Nice was a military citadel, but now if a frequented sport to enjoy the view of the bay. For this penguin stone, you will have to waddle up and back down a little.
Last known location – 43.6964320N, 7.2816852E
#26 – Seixal Beach, Madeira, Portugal
Nestled along the rugged northern coast of Madeira, Seixal Beach is a secluded paradise. It is among our favorite places in Madeira. With its unique black sand, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs, it is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist spots. A penguin stone felt just right to leave behind here.
Last known location – 32.8217708N, 17.1033345W
#27 – Špania Dolina, Slovakia
Špania Dolina is a village and municipality in central Slovakia, near the city of Banská Bystrica. Although its permanent population does not exceed 200 people, it is a picturesque historic village situated 728 m above sea level and now a penguin stone awaits there for you. You can find it in one of the legs of the information board.
Last known location – 48.8091215N, 19.1348279E
#28 – Kiwengwa, Unguja, Tanzania
Kiwengwa is a village on the Tanzanian island of Unguja, part of Zanzibar. It is located on the northeast coast between the villages of Pongwe and Pwani Mchangani. In Kiwengwa could be witnessed the most spectacular low tide on the island of Zanzibar. From early morning till about 2 pm the beach looks triple the size (and even more) because the ocean is “drying up”. All this water goes somewhere and hundreds of meters from the ocean bottom remain exposed for hours. And now another penguin stone awaits you there, thanks to the collaboration of Honza and Petra, who took it on their adventure.
Last known location – 5.9931022S 39.3804374E
#30 – Red Stone Castle, Slovakia
The most beautiful castle in the Malé Karpaty mountains, situated just several tens of kilometres from the Capital Bratislava is one of the best preserved Slovak Castles – Červený Kameň. In the 16th century, it was rebuilt into a bulky fortress with a fortification system that was then one of the top military-defensive systems. It is named after the red color of the quartzite on which it was built, is situated near the settlement called Pila. We visited the castle a few times, and now a penguin stone resides within its walls.
Last known location – 48.3914619N 17.3363670E
#32 – Lednice Castle, Czech Republic
Lednice Castle, located in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic, is a stunning architectural gem surrounded by a picturesque park you can waddle around, where you have to find the penguin stone hidden away. And once there we recommend visiting the inside of the castle as well as the palm house. Interesting to know, the castle is part of the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Last known location – 48.8092077N, 16.8082203E
#33 – Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal
Built in the 19th century, Pena Palace is a whimsical fusion of architectural styles, blending Moorish, Gothic, and Manueline influences. Its riot of pastel hues and intricate detailing make it an unparalleled gem of the Romantic era. Originally a monastery, King Ferdinand II transformed the ruins into his dream palace, filling it with treasures and mementos from his travels. Now, also a penguin “gemstone” is located near.
Last known location – 38.7874197N, 9.3901360W
#34 – Sauna Tower, Tallinn, Estonia
Because Tallinn has many beautiful towers, you should definitely explore them. For this penguin stone, you have to buy a 3 EUR ticket and waddle up the stairs to explore the three towers – Nunna, Sauna, and Kuldjala. And in the middle tower, Sauna, you can find a penguin stone. Though note, it is only for tall people to reach.
Last known location – 59.4395029N, 24.7425473E
#35 – Levadas das 25 Fontes (PR6), Madeira, Portugal
Nestled in the heart of Madeira, Portugal, the PR6 25 Fontes hike is a trail that promises an unforgettable adventure through lush forests, vibrant flora, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. This enchanting journey is a must for nature enthusiasts and hikers seeking a truly magical experience, and now a penguin stone awaits you on your waddle.
Last known location – 32.7680340N, 17.1271310W
#36 – Le Jardin Exotique d’Eze, Eze, France
Not far from Nice lies the beautiful medieval village of Eze. The village offers you a journey back in time, but the best part is the Le Jardin Exotique d’Eze, a botanical garden located at the top of the hill where the old castle used to be. For this penguin stone, you have to buy a ticket and find the waterfall underneath the castle.
Last known location – 43.7284704N, 7.3611671E
#37 – Kaivopuisto Park, Helsinki, Finland
Although one penguin stone was left in Helsinki on an exciting sight, we always try to leave one with a view you can enjoy. And that is what you will get at Kaivopuisto Park, a beautiful view and a very serene place to chill.
Last known location – 60.1550651N, 24.9552947E
#39 – Valley of Giants, Hermanovce nad Toplou, Slovakia
Slovakia has many beautiful places that are not well known, and the Valley of Giants is one such location. You can find it near the village Hermanovce na Toplou. Slanské vrchy is the most extensive volcanic mountain range in eastern Slovakia. They reach an altitude of over a thousand meters. The most extensive rock complex of the Slanské vrchy are precisely the Hermanovská skaly at the eastern foot of the mountain range, and here you can also find the penguin stone. But you will have to sweat for it to reach it.
Last known location – 48.9673049N, 21.4845994E
#45 – Vöcklabruck, Austria
Vöcklabruck is a town in north-central Austria, on the Vöckla River southwest of Wels. It has many popular attractions, including Die Stadttürme Vöcklabruck, Wallfahrtskirche Maria Schöndorf, Evangelische Friedenskirche Vöcklabruck, making it well worth a visit, and now a penguin stone is here as well.
Last known location – 48.0160698N, 13.6560065E
#46 – Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery, Buenos Aires, Argentina
This is the first penguin stone to be hidden at an airport. And not any airport, but the one you need to take when planning on seeing the penguins in the wild. Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires is its unique location within the city. Unlike many international airports, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery is situated right in the heart of Buenos Aires, along the shores of the Rio de la Plata. And now, thanks to surroundedbypenguins a penguin stone awaits.
Last known location – -34.5581916, -58.4120412
#48 – Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a testament to Madeira’s abundant natural beauty. Covering over 70,000 square meters, this magnificent garden showcases a diverse collection of plants, trees, and flowers from around the world. As you explore its winding paths and terraced landscapes, you’ll be transported to different corners of the globe without ever leaving Funchal. Our favorite part is the Japanese-inspired area, where the penguin stone rests now.
Last known location – 32.6748122N, 16.9013310W
#52 – Kaunas Castle, Kaunas, Lithuania
Kaunas Castle is a medieval castle in Kaunas, the second-largest city in Lithuania. This is not only one of the first stone castles in Lithuania but also the only one that has two rows of defensive walls. It is a beautiful waddle around it, and now a penguin stone awaits for you to discover in one of the windows.
Last known location – 54.8989200N, 23.8839450E
#54 – Panagia Chrisopolitissa, Larnaca, Cyprus
The church of Panagia Chrysopolitissa is stately and majestic with the colonnades of its galleries and its tall and impressive bell tower, which has been preserved over the centuries to keep the history of Larnaka, the famous ancient Kition, otherwise called “Chrysopolis”. The origin of the name “Chrysopolitissa” is due to the old notorious name of ancient Kition, which was preserved alive mainly in the tradition of the place and much less in the writings of the various historians. And now, close by, a penguin stone is hidden.
Last known location – 34.92199N, 33.62840E
#55 – Valletta, Malta
Golden stone buildings, ornate churches, colorful balconies, and sparkling seas Malta’s capital, Valletta, might be tiny, but it’s full of charm. It stretches just 1km by 600 meters and is surrounded by water on three sides, but it has so much historic architecture that UNESCO has designated the whole city a World Heritage Site. Of course, we had to hide a penguin stone here.
Last known location – 35.9000070N, 14.5189754E
#58 – Solnohrad, Presov, Slovakia
The remains of the ruins of Zbojnícký hrad or Soľnohrad are located in Slanské vrchy at the western foot of Tri chotáre hill in the cadastre of Ruská Nová Ves. The castle was probably built at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries and was accessible only from the east. The remains of the stone castle are on a rocky ridge measuring 45×35 m, which has steep slopes on the north, south, and west sides. Now, a penguin stone awaits for you here.
Last known location – 48.9749168N, 21.3467422E
#62 – Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Tierra del Fuego National Park is a national park on the Argentine part of the island of Tierra del Fuego, within Tierra del Fuego Province. It is a breathtaking natural reserve that offers a diverse range of landscapes, flora, and fauna. The park is a destination that not only captivates with its stunning landscapes but also offers a profound connection to the natural and cultural heritage of the region. And now, thanks to surroundedbypenguins a penguin stone awaits you there while you are on the way to see penguins.
Last known location – -54.836463, -68.562186
#64 – Marollen, Brussels, Belgium
The Marolles or Marollen is a popular historic neighborhood of downtown Brussels, Belgium. It is home to hip techno clubs, trendy pubs and shops selling indie fashion, records and antiques. And, of course, in such a trendy neighborhood, a penguin stone cannot be missing. Thank you, Gul, for the collaboration.
Last known location – 50.8367184 4.3483818
#67 – Dwerja Bay, Gozo, Malta
Dwejra is a magical attraction with its dramatic coastal formations and sea spilling over the rocks. Here, you can swim in the spectacular deep sea of the bay, in the calm shallows of the inland sea, or the foamy waters around the Blue Hole – one of Gozo’s top dive sites. Dwejra is also home to the Fungus Rock or, as it is locally known, “Il-Ġebla tal-Ġeneral”, General’s Rock. There is so much to discover here and now also a penguin stone waits here on the way to see the cliffs.
Last known location – 36.0538661N, 14.1892210E
#69 – Žobrák, Hervartov, Slovakia
Hervartov is a small village in the east of Slovakia, known for the oldest and best-preserved wooden church in Slovakia. But we came for the waddle to the hill called Žobrák. Two lookout towers are on the Žobrak saddle, and on one of them, a penguin stone awaits.
Last known location – 49.2363713N, 21.1728054E
#70 – The Glass Palace, Madrid, Spain
Madrid is home to some wonderful examples of cast-iron architecture. It was originally built in 1887 as a greenhouse to showcase flora and fauna as part of an exhibition on the Philippines, then a Spanish colony. Today, it is owned by the Reina Sofía Museum, which uses it all year round as a venue for hosting temporary exhibitions. And close by you can find a penguin stone.
Last known location – 40.4134960N, 3.6813191W
#72 – Monument to Alfonso XII, Madrid, Spain
Located at the lake in El Retiro Park, one of the most visited places in the green space, this sculpture-cum-landmark pays tribute to King Alfonso XII. Inaugurated in 1922 by his son, Alfonso XIII, the monument is inspired by those designed by Victor Manuel II in Rome and William I in Berlin. Created by the Catalan architect José Grases Riera and now close by, it is also a penguin stone.
Last known location – 40.4170397N, 3.6830811W
73 – Záruby, Smolenice, Slovakia
Záruby is the highest hill of the Little Carpathians. It is located at an altitude of 768 m, near the village of Smolenice. The waddle-up is challenging, but you will be rewarded with beautiful views. And, of course, a penguin stone now waits there for you.
Last known location – 48.5236581N, 17.3919606E
#74 – Chmeľnica, Prešov Region, Slovakia
Chmeľnica is a village and municipality in Stará Ľubovňa District in the Prešov Region of northern Slovakia. Carpathian Germans traditionally inhabit the village. The village was established in 1315 by German settlers. Another 40 families of ethnic Germans from Silesia arrived here in 1787. The local German-speaking population was not expelled after World War II, but from 1946 until the end of the communist regime, speaking German was outlawed. It is surrounded by beautiful hills, and on one such hill, a penguin stone awaits.
Last known location – 49.3006040N, 20.7384013E
#76 – Ravinia Gardens, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Atlanta is the U.S. state of Georgia’s capital and most populous city. The city has much to offer, and not thanks to the collaboration with Gul, a penguin stone waits for you there.
Last known location – 33.9213900, -84.3367561
#87- Monumento al Doctor Benavente, Madrid, Spain
Jacinto Benavente y Martínez (12 August 1866 – 14 July 1954) was one of the foremost Spanish dramatists of the 20th century. He was awarded the 1922 Nobel Prize in Literature “for the happy manner in which he has continued the illustrious traditions of the Spanish drama”. Born in Madrid, the son of a celebrated pediatrician, he returned drama to reality by way of social criticism. His monument can be found in Madrid in el Retiro park, and close to it, a penguin stone awaits.
Last known location – 40.4157706N, 3.6868757W
#118 – Parco Sempione, Milan, Italy
Parco Sempione is a large city park in the historic center of Milan, region of Lombardy. It’s covered with large green spaces where tourists and locals come to rest and relax when it is sunny. In summer, the park does not offer as much shade as one would like, since the trees only provide shade in the landscaped areas.
Last known location – 45.4741915N, 9.1751059E
In case you are interested in also leaving a penguin stone behind your favorite location and being featured on the blog, write a request to lifeguin@gmail.com with the Subject “Penguin Stone Project”. Looking forward to sending you some over.