Little Lithuania - Klaipeda

Trip to Little Lithuania

On the Baltic coast, in the part of the country called Little Lithuania, there is a city that is the main port of Lithuania. This is Klaipeda, which, as befits a seaside city, offers tourists beautiful sandy beaches. Nature lovers will also be delighted with the picturesque landscapes and the unique nature of the surrounding Regional Seaside Park. The city has a well-developed tourist infrastructure - there are many hotels and restaurants here, there are also night clubs. There are also two yacht clubs, one of which is located in the very center of Klaipeda. Right next to it, there is a cruise ship terminal offering cruises on the Baltic Sea.

Some guides consider the 19th-century theater to be the most interesting monument in Klaipeda, which became famous as Richard Wagner's favorite theater. Although, on the other hand, something else could have made him famous - in March 1939, Adolf Hitler delivered a speech from his balcony.

Klaipeda's culture and art

The eyes of tourists visiting the city are drawn to tenement houses with half-timbered facades. They stand in the historic part of Klaipeda. There are also some significant museums where you can learn about the culture and history of the region. Particularly noteworthy is the Museum of Little Lithuania with its rich collections illustrating the life of the inhabitants of Little Lithuania and Klaipeda in the 19th and 20th centuries. Interesting exhibits can be found in the Clock Museum, as well as in the Blacksmithing Museum, while painting lovers should definitely visit the Galeria im. Pranas Domšaitis. Another city attraction is the Contemporary Sculpture Park with extremely interesting exhibitions. When talking about art and culture, it's impossible not to mention music. It is very significant for the inhabitants of Klaipeda. In summer, numerous festivals are organized here, including the famous international jazz festival at the Castle. It takes place at the beginning of June, and every year world-class stars are invited to it. However, every weekend, at noon, a loud symphony of tower bells resounds from the tower of the Old Post Office.

Cat, mouse and dolphin

Apart from the monuments, you can see some interesting things in the old part of Klaipeda. One of them is a nice sculpture of a cat. The faces of passers-by are also smiled by the tiny sculpture of the "Miracle Mouse" with its mouth protruding upwards. It is said that the mouse fulfills wishes, so no one should be surprised to see a tourist whispering something in her ear.

But these are not all the animals that bring fame to the city. One of the biggest attractions of Klaipeda is the Lithuanian Sea Museum, located in the 19th-century Prussian fortress Kopgalis. We can see various species of fish, penguins, seals and sea lions, see a rich collection of corals and shells. Visitors can also learn about the history of shipping in the Baltic Sea while viewing the impressive exhibition.

Right next to the museum is the Dolphinarium where viewers can see dolphin performances. They dance, jump and sing, play basketball and paint - in short, they put on whole performances. Californian sea lions are not inferior to their agility and intelligence, and they also have their roles in a show that lasts about an hour. The aquarium, which is also the Maritime Museum, apart from training shows, also offers dolphin therapy for disabled children.

The city has always been associated with the sea. Its great attraction is the Sea Festival that takes place at the end of July. During the festival, you can admire artistic performances as well as craft shows.

Campsites nearby

What if someone decided to go to Klaipeda with a camper? He will find at least a few campsites where he can stay. One of the recommended places is Karklés Kopos (km Karklés, Placio str. 37), a camp site very close to the sea (less than 0.5 km). It is open from April 1 to October 1, and costs from 15 to 17 Euro / day, depending on the season. The price applies to the accommodation of two people. The campsite has a small playground for children, a table tennis table, and a laundry room.

Another nice place is Pajürio Kempingas (Slaito g.3, Klaipeda Giruliai), a campsite open all year round. You have to pay here from 17.40 to 20.30 euro per night (for two people). The campsite is wheelchair accessible, has a playground, a common room with TV and a sauna, you can play tennis here, and there are guided tours from May to September. There is also a laundry and drying room.

On four wheels

Caravanning enthusiasts (of course, not only them) can also visit other towns of the Curonian Spit - attractive seaside resorts. Pervalka and Preila are quiet fishing villages where you can forget about the busy reality. Juodkrante is the oldest settlement whose inhabitants used to collect amber. You can see a tourist curiosity here - the Mount of Witches, a place of pagan cult of the old Baltic peoples. When planning a trip, you should also think about Palanga. It used to belong to the Tyszkiewicz family, today it is a resort famous for its 19th-century Botanical Garden and the Amber Museum. During the tour, we will certainly not run out of impressions.