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The Port of Klaipeda

Welcome to Klaipeda

Klaipeda, Lithuania's third-largest city, is a vibrant and historic port located on the Baltic Sea. Known for its half-timbered buildings and maritime traditions, Klaipeda offers visitors a charming mix of culture, history, and nature. As the gateway to Lithuania’s famous Curonian Spit, this port city is a popular stop for cruise passengers. With 6-10 hours to explore, visitors can enjoy strolling through the old town, exploring museums, and taking in the stunning coastal scenery of the nearby beaches.

Cruise Docking Information

Klaipeda is a docking port, with ships docking at the Cruise Terminal, located just a short walk from the city center. Each year, Klaipeda welcomes about 60,000 cruise passengers, mainly during the summer season when the weather is mild. The port is not overly crowded, making it easy for visitors to explore the city at a relaxed pace. Most tourists spend their time exploring the old town, visiting museums, or taking a ferry to the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its sand dunes and wildlife.

Transportation Options

The Klaipeda Cruise Terminal is conveniently located just 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) from the old town, making it easy to explore on foot. For those who prefer not to walk, taxis are readily available at the port and can take you to the city center in just 5 minutes. Public buses also serve the area, offering affordable transportation around the city. For travelers looking to visit the Curonian Spit, ferries depart regularly from the Old Ferry Terminal, which is located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Cruise Terminal.

Nearby Towns and Cities

Several nearby towns and attractions are easily accessible from Klaipeda:

  • Nida: 50 km (31 miles) away, about 1 hour by ferry and bus. This small resort town on the Curonian Spit is known for its sand dunes and traditional wooden houses.
  • Palanga: 30 km (18 miles) away, about 30 minutes by car or bus. A lively beach resort with sandy shores, beautiful parks, and the famous Palanga Amber Museum.
  • Juodkrante: 30 km (18 miles) away, about 45 minutes by ferry. A peaceful village on the Curonian Spit known for its art, nature, and the Hill of Witches sculpture park.

Local Foods

Lithuanian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with a strong focus on fresh, local ingredients. While visiting Klaipeda, be sure to try:

  • Šaltibaršciai: A refreshing cold beet soup served with sour cream and boiled eggs, perfect for a warm summer day.
  • Cepelinai: Lithuania’s national dish, these large potato dumplings are filled with minced meat or cottage cheese and served with sour cream and bacon.
  • Žemaiciu Blynai: Potato pancakes filled with minced meat and served with sour cream.
  • Skilandis: A traditional smoked sausage made from pork, garlic, and spices.
  • Rugpienis: A type of sour milk, often enjoyed as a drink or used in cooking.

Top 5 Attractions

Klaipeda and its surrounding areas offer a variety of attractions for visitors interested in history, culture, and nature. Here are the top five things to see:

  • Klaipeda Old Town: Known for its narrow, cobblestone streets and half-timbered buildings, this historic area is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Free to explore.
  • The Curonian Spit National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vast sand dunes and unique wildlife. The ferry ride costs around 1-2 EUR per person, and the park is free to explore.
  • Lithuanian Sea Museum and Dolphinarium: Learn about Lithuania’s maritime history and enjoy dolphin shows. Entry is around 12 EUR per person.
  • Meridianas Ship: A beautifully restored historic sailing ship docked in the city center, now home to a restaurant. Free to visit the exterior.
  • Palanga Amber Museum: Located in the nearby Palanga resort town, this museum showcases the history and beauty of Baltic amber. Entry is about 4 EUR per person.

Interesting Facts

Klaipeda has a fascinating history and some interesting facts that visitors may enjoy:

  • Klaipeda was once known as Memel and was part of the German Empire until it was ceded to Lithuania after World War I.
  • The Curonian Spit is one of the largest moving sand dunes in Europe, and it is home to several rare plant and animal species.
  • Klaipeda’s Old Town is the only part of Lithuania where you can see German-style half-timbered buildings, a nod to the city’s past.

Geographical Position and Surroundings

Klaipeda is located on Lithuania’s Baltic coast, at the mouth of the Curonian Lagoon. The city is surrounded by scenic beaches, pine forests, and the famous Curonian Spit, which stretches down to the border with Russia. Visitors to Klaipeda will enjoy the city’s blend of natural beauty and historical charm, with the sea always within view. The region is a haven for birdwatchers, with migratory species passing through the Curonian Spit, and nature lovers will appreciate the tranquil beauty of the area’s dunes and forests.

Local Customs and Culture

Lithuanians are known for their hospitality, and visitors to Klaipeda will find the locals warm and welcoming. It’s customary to greet people with a friendly “Labas” (Hello), and tipping in restaurants and for taxis is appreciated, generally around 10%. When visiting churches or historical sites, it’s important to dress modestly. Lithuanians are also proud of their cultural heritage, which includes traditional folk music, dances, and crafts that are often showcased during festivals and local events throughout the year.

Family-Friendly Activities

Klaipeda offers a variety of family-friendly activities that are perfect for children of all ages:

  • Children up to 6 years old: Visit the Lithuanian Sea Museum, where young children can enjoy watching dolphin and sea lion shows.
  • Children 7-12 years old: A trip to the Curonian Spit offers opportunities for sand dune climbing and spotting local wildlife like deer and foxes.
  • Teenagers 13-18 years old: Enjoy cycling along the scenic coastal paths or exploring the Hill of Witches in Juodkrante, an open-air sculpture park filled with wooden carvings of characters from Lithuanian folklore.

Google Maps

Klaipeda

*Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI, courtesy of ChatGPT. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure. Always familiarize yourself with safety aspects when visiting your destination. We have given some pointers under the information button in the main menu of this app.*