Klaipeda

Like so many other Baltic cities, Klaipeda (Memel) has a long and eventful history. The origins of the present-day city date back to the 13th century. The Teutonic Order, Poland, Prussia, Sweden and, most recently, Russia ruled this city with its ice-free Baltic Sea port. The Prussian king fled here in 1806 to escape Napoleon’s troops. During the ("Our little Dämel is in Memel"). During Lithuania’s first period of independence, from 1920, the Memel Territory, including the city of Memel, had a special status, with the German population wielding considerable influence. Memel was heavily damaged during the Second World War. After Lithuania regained full independence, Klaipeda was declared a free economic zone and benefited greatly from this status. The Port of Klaipeda is the starting point for several ferry routes across the Baltic Sea, although some were discontinued after a short time.

Numerous half-timbered houses dating from the 17th to the 19th century have been preserved in the Old Town, making for a charming sight. The city’s landmark points to its German cultural history: the so-called Simon Dach Fountain in the Old Town features the figure of Ännchen von Tharau, a character from an old German folk song. However, the fountain is a replica, as the original was lost at the end of the war. The modern artwork “Arka” (the Arch), erected in 2003, symbolises a united Lithuania. Today, Klaipeda’s character is strongly shaped by its maritime industries, and the port itself is always worth a visit.
Opposite the city of Klaipeda lies the northern end of the Curonian Spit, a narrow peninsula about 100 kilometres long whose southern end is in the Russian region of Kaliningrad.

You can book hotels in Klaipeda directly.