Klaipeda was united with Lithuania only in 1923, and even then was closed to tourists during 50 years of Soviet rule following World War II. Today, as the only Lithuanian port, Klaipeda holds a position of great importance to Lithuania’s economics and its connection to the rest of the world.
Cruise ships coming to Klaipeda catch sight not only of the reconstructed port entrance but also of the Curonian Spit National park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entering the port itself, passengers see the Lithuanian Maritime Museum, the only museum of the kind in the Baltic States.
The cruise terminal (built in 2003) is situated by a medieval city castle in the historic city center. A rotating bridge, built in 1855 with reverted iron trusses, cast iron columns and manual rotation mechanism, permits entry into Klaipeda.
Lithuania’s oldest city, Klaipeda is situated at the mouth of the river Dane, in the country’s western part, a region famous for its summer resorts, sandy beaches and pine forests, especially along the Curonian Spit. The inland countryside is heavily wooded and green.
Excursions include Nida, a resort town in Neringa that features Europe’s highest sand dunes; Nerginga Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Juodkrante, a resort town featuring the Hill of Witches, a park of wooden sculptures depicting Lithuanian fairy-tales; Palanga, home of the famous Amber Museum housed in the 19th century mansion of Count Tishkevichius; and Village Life Lapiai, a preserved collective farm.
- Markets: Klaipeda’s central market features fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers and fish, Lithuanian specialties and varieties of smoked ham and salami.
- Parks: Klaipeda’s Curonian Spit is a nature preserve on a narrow peninsula stretching from Klaipeda to the Russian border and featuring Europe’s highest sand dunes (earning it the nickname, the Lithuanian Sahara). The nature preserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Castles and Kings: Klaipeda’s Castle Museum opened in 2002 in renovated underground corridors of an old castle. The museum features authentic 16th and 17th century exhibits.
Founded in 1252 on the coast of the Baltic Sea, Klaipeda boasts rich history, deeply rooted traditions, distinct culture and beautiful nature. Historically, the Livonian Order built a castle called Memelburg and a town grew around the castle close to where the waters of the Curonian Lagoon flow into the Baltic Sea. Formerly Memel, it is a wonderfully unique Lithuanian city by virtue of its colourful and turbulent history and also because of the Old Town‘s architectural style.
Walk the streets of the Old Town listening to carillon music from the tower of the old post-office building. Stop by a Museum of Clocks and Watches or The Blacksmith‘s museum. Visit the famous sculpture of Annchen von Tharau, the diffident girl posing in front of the Drama Teatre. Learn about ‘Baltic gold’ by visiting the famed Amber Museum in Palanga, which holds the largest collection of rare amber inclusions in the world.
Curonian Spit is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s charming and picturesque resorts, untouched dunes, white sandy beaches and pine forests will leave you breathless and make for unforgettable and long-lasting impressions for those who enjoy tranquility of nature. ‘It is so unique that, like Italy or Spain, it is necessary to be seen if one wants to delight one’s soul with wonderful scenery’, wrote the famous German scientist Humboldt. Here you will discover the ‘Hill of Witches’, with an ensemble of witches, devils and fairy-tale monsters, all carved from oak. Talk to the witch into whose ear whispered wishes are said to come true and sit on the bench, which is said to cure all diseases.
Those who wish to unveil yet another facet of Klaipeda, restaurants, night clubs, shopping centres and bars abound are sure to satisfy today’s traveller.
Proximity of the airport, wide motor and railway network enable visitors to travel conveniently from Klaipeda to other regions of Lithuania.
Klaipeda is famous for its fine maritime traditions and would like to welcome everyone to join the festivities celebrating the Sea Festival held in the town every July since 1934.
Avid Cruiser Posts, Photographs and Videos Featuring Klaipeda.
