🚢 Klaipeda: sea gate of Lithuania
In this city, time has not stopped, but lurks in the shadows of green streets and ancient buildings. It is all the more interesting for tourists to look for warm reminders of bygone days in Klaipeda and be surprised by new fashionable things.
” Klaipeda ” – for Soviet tourists this name sounded attractive in a foreign way. Relaxing there was considered a prestigious matter. Until 1919, the city belonged to Germany, which was reflected in the architectural appearance and added European charm. For citizens closed within the countries of the USSR, this was an opportunity to experience Western culture.
Today Klaipeda is the third largest city in Lithuania, a modern ice-free sea port and a good place for a leisurely and relaxing holiday.
How to get there?
The journey by bus or route from Vilnius to Klaipeda is 4 hours. A one-way ticket will cost approximately 25 euros. The landscapes outside the window are mostly monotonous – fields and deciduous forests, so the road seems boring.
The approach to the port city is indicated by numerous logistics centers and huge truck stops. But all the inconveniences of a long journey are forgotten when you finally see the sea!
Where to live?
During the high season, prices for hotels and apartments in Klaipeda rise significantly. For the price of a three-star hotel with breakfast in Vilnius, you will get a hotel room with self-check-in and without meals.
The solution may be to rent an apartment – from 35 euros/day. But it is advisable to study reviews from previous guests – sometimes apartments are located in old buildings and do not have air conditioning, and the owners do not always provide high-quality cleaning. However, apartments are also offered in modern skyscrapers (yes, there are such here), with an ultra-fashionable design. True, the price will be from 230 euros/day.
Tried it myself. In Klaipeda, I stayed at the Express Guest House hotel, where for 60 euros I got a large, spacious room with a private bathroom and two wide beds. Amenities: refrigerator, kettle, dishes and hairdryer. There was no air conditioning, but the hotel is located in an old building. Even at +30℃ outside, the room was comfortable. Such a hotel is more suitable for a vacation for a large youth group than for a respectable family vacation.
How to get around the city?
The most convenient and cheapest way is to use the Lithuanian Uber, which is called Bolt. After downloading the application, you get the opportunity to rent a scooter or call a car. The cost of traveling by car, in my experience, is two times lower than what local taxis charge.
The sea: broken hopes
Baltic is Baltic. At the beginning of summer, sea water is cold – only +16℃, and, according to local residents, it will not warm up above +18-20℃. In addition, a strong cool wind constantly blows. This is very pleasant in the heat, but if the air temperature drops to +25℃ and below, then it becomes uncomfortable on the beach. Therefore, experienced tourists sunbathe not next to the sea, but a little higher – where the trees and wild rose bushes begin.
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What to see?
It is pleasant to walk around the city in any weather: tall trees provide protection from the sun, and the cold wind does not penetrate into the narrow streets.
Usually tourists visit Theater Square, the oldest bridge in Klaipeda “Birzhevoy” – it separates the Old Town and the New Town. Here you can admire the unusual architecture of ancient houses and look at original sculptures like “The Cat with the Face of a Gentleman.”
You should definitely take a ferry to the Curonian Spit National Park. There are several museums here, including the Lithuanian Maritime Museum, natural attractions, small villages, hotels and campsites, and good beaches are available.
Modern “Not a classic”
If it seemed that Klaipeda lives in antiquity, then this is a mistaken impression. After a day of swimming and sunbathing, do you feel like socializing, aromatic tea or good wine? And, most importantly, a calm atmosphere and friendly conversation? If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of beach fast food and have had your fill of traditional Lithuanian cuisine, then be sure to check out ToLi nuo klasikos.
Everything here is original and unique : from the building itself, painted sky blue, to the cutlery and dishes themselves. The most unusual photos are created here. This is a mixture of Italian, Spanish and hot Mexican styles.
The prices are quite high, but the food here is so exquisite and unusual that you don’t mind spending your money. The Argentine beef tartare I ordered (22 euros) came with a side dish of two types of pickled mushrooms, a poached egg, soft cheese and an incomparable baked jacket potato in wedges.
Also included were freshly baked bread, high-quality olive oil, a blanket and a friendly attitude from the waiter. An ideal option to end a pleasant day!