Places to Visit in Klaipeda, Lithuania, Europe
Klaipeda is the 3rd largest city of Lithuania coming under the Klaipėda County. It is also the seat of the county renowned for its historical sites, beaches and festival celebrations.
Geography of Klaipeda:
Located at the gateway of the Danė River, Klaipeda is spread over an area of 110 sq. km and coordinates with 55°42′ N latitude and 21°08′ E longitude.
History of Klaipeda:
Memelburg is the original name of Klaipeda and is used to refer Klaipeda city now also and the name Memelburg comes from a castle, built by the Teutonic Knights. The shortened form of Memelburg, Memel is also in use. Klaipeda was initially settled in the 7th century by the Baltic tribes. Earlier, the Port of Klaipėda was a much disputed site between many kingdoms including the Kingdom of Prussi, the Teutonic Knights and the German Empire.
How to reach Klaipeda?
Klaipeda is situated about 215 km northwest of the Kaunas city and 310 km northwest of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.
Klaipeda is served by Palanga International Airport which is situated around 35 km north of Klaipeda and operates flights from and to Riga, Oslo, Copenhagen, Dublin, London and Moscow.
Kaunas Airport and Vilnius Airport are located about 225 km and 310 km away from Klaipeda respectively.
Klaipeda can be reached from Vilnius by both train and buses, and Klaipeda is also connected by buses to Kaliningrad, Rig, and Kaunas.
Buses are widely used for local travel in Klaipeda.
Culture, Food and Shopping in Klaipeda:
Here is list the some popular events take place in Klaipeda:
- Klaipėda Castle Jazz Festival
- the International Festival of Street Theatres
- Klaipėda Music Spring
- Klaipėda Sea Festival
The major shopping malls in Klaipeda are as follows:
- BIG
- Akropolis
- Herkaus Galerija
- Mega Plaza
List of the prime restaurants in Klaipeda include:
- Restaurant “Stora Antis”
- La Cle
- Fat Cat pub
- Friedrich passage
Things to do in Klaipeda:
- Explore beaches
- Shopping
- Cycling
Tourist Attractions in Klaipeda:
Klaipėda Castle:
The Klaipėda Castle was constructed by the Teutonic Order in the 13th century. Most parts of the castle were ruined and also there is a museum located in one part of the castle with some interesting collections.
Beaches in Klaipeda:
Klaipeda houses many world class beaches of which Smiltynė is most famous one belonging to UNESCO world heritage list.
Sailing ship Meridianas:
The old sailing ship Meridianas is one of the identities of Klaipeda holding a strong history to show tourists. Don’t miss.
Lithuanian Sea museum and Dolphinarium:
The Lithuanian Sea museum and Dolphinarium is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Klaipeda housing many typical Lithuanian fresh water fishes.
Other places of interest in Klaipeda include:
- The Žardė
- Klaipėda Musical theatre
- Castle museum
- Lithuania Minor Historical museum
- Blacksmiths museum
- Klaipėda Drama theatre
- Klaipėda Puppet theatre
- Curonian spit
- Smiltynė Beach
- Giruliai
- Melnragė
- Clocks museum
- Domsaitis’ Gallery
- Klaipeda old town
Best time to visit Klaipeda:
Generally the summer months are best to visit Klaipeda for beach exploration.
Accommodation options in Klaipeda:
Klaipeda has lots of accommodation options to serve tourists coming from the different regions of the globe. The most famous hotels with upgraded facilities and services in Klaipeda are listed below:
- Ararat All Suites Hotel
- Memel Hotel
- Radisson Blu Hotel
- Old Mill Hotel
- Vetra Hotel
- Pajuris Hotel
- Friedrich Guest House
- Hotel Vecekrug
- Hotel Morena
- Amberton Klaipeda
- Best Eastern Lugne Hotel
- Europa City Aurora Hotel
- Prusija Hotel
- Hotel Atlantas
- Fortuna Guest House