Klaipeda, Lithuania
ABOUT
Klaipėda is a port city in Lithuania, where the Baltic Sea meets the Danė River. The city was founded in 1252 by the Livonian Order which was a branch of the Teutonic Knights. At that time the city became known as Memelburg.
Klaipeda and Lithuania have seen many changes over the years. In the early 1800’s it became the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia. In the mid 1800’s it was destroyed by fire. During WW2 it was invaded by Germany before coming under the control of the USSR after the War. Lithuania became independent in 1991.
The old town features German-style, 18th-century wood-framed buildings. There is certainly plenty of architectural interests to see.
The port was, and still is, significant in that it is ice-free enabling year round trade. Regular ferries, cargo and passenger ships connect the city to many other Baltic and European cities.
Population is approximately 160,000
Currency is the Euro.
THINGS TO DO
Like many other cities, Klaipeda has opened up to tourists in recent years.
Much of what can be seen through the town dates back many centuries or was re-built following the city fire in the mid-1800’s. The history makes for an interesting walking tour.
Visitor attractions include Klaipeda Castle which dates back to the mid-1200’s, the Castle Museum, the Museum of Clocks, the Lithuanian Sea Museum, Theatre Square and see the many sculptures around the old town.
Amber is important in the area and there is a museum that can be visited by arrangement and shops selling amber products.
The are many restaurants and bars to enjoy, particularly adjacent to the Dange River.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO
We have been lucky enough to visit Klaipeda on two occasions. The first, a few years ago when we decided to take a tour out of the city. Its nice to get a sense of a country when you have not been there before and we thought this would be a good opportunity. The guide we had lived locally.
Our first stop was a Franciscan Monestery in the town of Kretinga. Its full title is the Bernardine Monastery and Church of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary Here we met the Friar and were told more about the monestry, the local residents and the somewhat tumultuous – much of which was within living history.
A brief tour took us through the church and into a small chapel, then into the refectory and finally the crypt area.
The rest of the tour to a living museum then a coffee stop seemed to pale into insignificance following visit to the monastry.
Quayside Welcome and Land Train
Our most recent visit started with a local folk group welcoming us on the quayside.
We had already decided to `do our own thing` that day. It was lovely weather so a great time to try this or ourselves.
On getting off of the ship, we found a `little train’ waiting on the quayside. This promised to enable us to see more of the city and so for a small fee (cash only) we hopped on.
Whilst the tour took us through the town – it did not take us past anything of any particular interest. It was decidedly uncomfortable and we were glad when it dropped us at Theatre Square. It’s not something we would repeat and we wouldn’t recommend it. Shame.
A Walk Along the River
After a brief look at the market stalls in the Square, we headed towards the riverside where we found some points of interest.
I have to say that many of the small park areas were looking very nice. The city obviously takes a pride in keeping flower beds colourful throughout the summer – indeed some of these were being updated with new bright blooms during our visit.
However we headed through the gardens to our first point of interest along the river.
Built in 1957 as a minesweeper for the German Navy, she was donated to the Lithuanian Navy in 1999.
She was decomissioned in 2021 and handed to the Lithuanian Sea Museum.
Whilst adjusted for public viewing she is now open for visitors to see.
Along our route we saw much of the cafe and bar culture within the city.
This is just one of the boats or barges that have been converted to restaurants and serves local cuisine. Some are extensions of bars and restaurants on the quayside.
Our walk took us along the river (past the restaurants and bars, honest). We reached a bridge, which on our last visit was undergoing repair work.
Further investigation finds this is known as Birza Bridge or Exchange Bridge and was named after the adjacent stock exchange. First completed in 1879 it has undergone some changes over the years. It is still a working bridge but also affords good views of the riverbank on either side.
Exploring a little further took us again along the riverside to a small park area. There were a couple of sculptures to see together with a model of the old city. A very nice water feature, a sculpture commemorating the millenium of the city and even reminders in the paths of the city’s maritime history.
By far the most picturesque find along the waterside was this ship, the Meridianas.
She was built in 1948 at the Turku Shipyard in Finland as a reparation to the Soviet Union after the Second World War. A number of these ships were built but few survive.
She served as a training ship until 1967 and was then moored in Klaipeda where it started to operate as a bar/restaurant.
She underwent a major refit in 2012 before moving to her current, permanent berth in 2013. She now serves as a museum, bar and restaurant.
Unfortunately she was not open at the time of our visit but staff were busy getting ready for the evening `rush’.
She is much loved by the local community has become a true symbol of Klaipeda. We would love to be able to see the inside – and perhaps taste some of that local cuisine there.
Refreshments
As previously mentioned there is a large cafe culture here. There are lots of different cafes, restaurants and bars to choose from and differing cuisines.
Having met up with friends en route we decided to have a coffee and a local beer. As the walk had made us all a little peckish, we also had a bite to eat – well it would have been rude not to.
All were presented well and good value.
Chain Bridge and Sculptures
Our return to the ship took us along the pathway through the small dock area. It is the general way to walk in and out of the town if you don’t take a shuttle, tour or little train. So pleased we did as this route takes you across the Swing (chain) Bridge.
This hand wound metal bridge over the Castle Canal is the only one of its kind in Lithuania and dates back to 1855. It takes two people to operate manually. It has been designated as a maritime heritage site.
On the dock side of the bridge there are a number of sculptures which are fascinating to look at and photograph.
There is a walking tour that highlights the main sculptures in Klaipeda – available either on line or through the Tourist Information Centre. Below are a few that we found.
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