Little Lithuania - Klaipeda

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

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

Culture and art of Klaipėda

Tourists visiting the city are attracted by tenement houses with half-timbered facades. They are located in the historic part of Klaipėda. There are also several significant museums where you can learn about the culture and history of the region. Particularly noteworthy is the Museum of Little Lithuania with 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 and the Blacksmith Museum, while painting lovers should definitely visit the Gallery. Pranas Domšaitis. Another attraction of the city is the Contemporary Sculpture Park with extremely interesting exhibitions. When talking about art and culture, it is impossible to ignore music. It is very significant for the inhabitants of Klaipėda. In the 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 high noon, a loud symphony of tower bells resounds from the Old Post Office tower.

Cat, mouse and dolphin

In addition to the monuments, you can see some interesting things in the old part of Klaipėda. One of them is a nice cat sculpture. The tiny sculpture of the "Wonderful Mouse" with its muzzle sticking upwards also puts a smile on the faces of passers-by. Supposedly, the mouse grants wishes, so don't be surprised to see a tourist whispering something in its ear.

But these are not all the animals that bring fame to the city. One of the biggest attractions of Klaipėda 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, as well as a rich collection of corals and shells. Visitors can also learn about the history of shipping on the Baltic Sea while viewing an impressive exhibition.

Right next to the museum there is a Dolphinarium where viewers can see dolphins perform. They dance, jump and sing, play basketball and paint - in short, they act out entire performances. They are as agile and intelligent as California sea lions, which also play a role in the show that lasts about an hour. The aquarium, which is also a 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, which takes place at the end of July. During the holiday you can enjoy artistic performances and craft shows.

Campsites in the area

What if someone decided to go to Klaipeda in a camper? He will find at least a few campsites where he can stay. One of the recommended places is Karklés Kopos (Karklés km, Placio p. 37), a campsite located very close to the sea (less than 0.5 km). It is open from 01/04 to 01/10, and the stay costs from 15 to 17 euros/day, depending on the season. The price is for two people. The campsite has a small playground for children, a table tennis table, and a laundry room.

The second nice place is Pajürio campas (Slaito g.3, Klaipeda Giruliai), a campsite open all year round. You have to pay from 17.40 to 20.30 euros for a 24-hour stay (for two people). The campsite is adapted to the needs of the disabled, has a playground, a common room with TV and a sauna, you can play tennis here, and guided trips are organized 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 on 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 once engaged in amber collecting. You can see a tourist attraction here - the Witches' Mountain, a place of pagan cult of the ancient Baltic peoples. When planning a trip, it is also worth considering the town of Palanga. It once belonged to the Tyszkiewicz family, today it is a resort famous for the 19th-century Botanical Garden and the Amber Museum. We will certainly have plenty of experiences while visiting.

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