Klaipeda

Klaipeda is an emerging economic center with wind in its sails. Deeply rooted in maritime tradition and home to the most profitable ice-free port in the EU, Klaipeda is growing and is the ideal business bridge between the East and West. As the third-largest city in the country, it is a regional center for business, education, culture, tourism and administration.

Klaipeda was founded in the 1250s by the Teutonic Knights on an empty shore. They named it Memel, which is the German name for the river Nemunas. The early settlers mistakenly believed that the strait connecting the Curonian Lagoon with the Baltic Sea was actually the mouth of this mighty river.

After Lithuania's independence, Klaipeda became the second-largest city in terms of foreign investment after the capital Vilnius. The country's first free economic zone quickly attracted industry from as far away as Japan, while the port continued to be a major stimulus to the economy.

55° 45′ 0″ N, 21° 10′ 0″ E 

Located in Lithuania, the city of Klaipeda is on the coast of the Baltic Sea in the western part of the country. The city is an ice-free port with a favorable geographical position and the third-largest city with the only seaport in Lithuania.

Klaipeda can be reached by car from Vilnius in 3 hours and by express bus in 4 hours. A four-lane expressway connects the city with Kaunas, Vilnius and Palanga.

Passenger trains run from Klaipeda station to Vilnius and Radviliškis. Both routes have stops in various towns, including Kretinga, Telšiai, Plungė and Šiauliai.

Klaipeda has no passenger airport. But Palanga Airport (about 30 kilometers to the north)  serves Klaipeda effectively. It is even marked as "Palanga/Klaipeda" on the flight schedules of some airlines. However, flight connections from Palanga are limited to a few destinations.

As Lithuania's only seaport, Klaipeda can also be reached by ferries from Germany and Sweden. The ferries run overnight and carry both cars and passengers. Cruise ships visit Klaipeda in the summer.

1. Klaipeda is a town in Lithuania on the coast of the Baltic Sea. 
2. The Teutonic Knights built a castle in the *Pilsāts land of the Kurons and called it Memelburg. Later the name was shortened to Memel. 
3. The place and the town were officially called Memel. Between 1923 and 1939 both names were in official use. Since 1945, the Lithuanian name Klaipeda has been used. 
4. Klaipeda is twinned with Cleveland (USA), Gdynia (Poland), Kaliningrad (Russia), Karlskrona (Sweden) and many other cities. 
5. Klaipeda has an additional cooperation agreement with Porto, Portugal. 
6. The population of Klaipeda was 152,818 as of 2016. 
7. Klaipeda is the third-largest city in Lithuania and the capital of Klaipeda County. 
8. The port of Klaipeda is the most important ice-free port on the east coast of the Baltic Sea. It is the most important transport hub in Lithuania, connecting sea, land and railway routes from east to west. 
9. Every two years, Klaipeda hosts the Parbėg laivelis folk festival. 
10. The city generates about 12 percent of the country's GDP and about 80 percent in Western Lithuania.  

Electric catamarans "Popa Boat" offer visitors the opportunity to relax in the mysterious Dane River, admire undiscovered shores, see the old town of Klaipeda from a different angle or rediscover the city of Klaipeda.

A fun activity for the whole family, in all types of weather, the shooting range in an original air-raid shelter located 4 meters underground is a one-of-a-kind experience. You can shoot with a selection of 25 combat weapons. You’ll aim at automatic targets at a maximum distance of 35 meters.

The first Melnrage Beach is a great place for power kite surfers! The North Pier is an ideal place to watch the passing ships, the sunsets, and take Instagram photos. There are changing cabins, a toilet, lifeguards, and cafes. For those who dream of surfing, they can try their hand at surfing school.

The second Melnrage Beach is mostly chosen by active recreation lovers. On the beach, holidaymakers will find equipped playgrounds, volleyball, handball, sand basketball courts, exercise machines, changing cabins and showers. Lifeguards take care of the safety and a medical point is installed in the lifeguard’s station.

Smiltyne beaches are exceptional beaches in Klaipeda because they can be accessed only by water. There are two places where you can reach Smiltyne: Old Ferry (Danės St. 1) – for pedestrians and cyclists – and Naujoji Ferry (Nemuno St. 8).

Just a few minutes by ferry and you will find yourself in a real corner of paradise – the Curonian Spit. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the part of Klaipeda called Smiltyne.

Giruliai is located in the north of Klaipėda City – a small settlement surrounded by green forests and lapped by the Baltic Sea. It is one of the most popular beaches in Klaipeda and is mostly chosen by families on vacation.

You can visit Klaipeda all year round, but for the best experience, we recommend visiting Klaipeda during good weather. The best months for good weather in Klaipeda are June, July, August and September. During these months you can enjoy the beach and the cool Baltic Sea. On average, the warmest months are July and August, while January is the coldest month of the year.

Located on the 21st floor of the Amberton Hotel – a skyscraper built in the form of the letter “K” letter in the center of Klaipeda – the terrace boasts a 360-degree panoramic view of nearly the whole of Klaipeda City, the port, the sea gate and even Neringa.

Momo Grill is one of the best restaurants in the port city and has been ranked among the top 30 restaurants in the country for three years in a row! Although Momo Grill is a restaurant renowned for its grilled meats prepared by Chef Vytautas Samavičius, fish lovers will find delicious dishes here as well.

Stora Antis (Fat Duck) is one of the best-rated restaurants in the heart of the Old Town of Klaipėda. The Stora Antis gourmet restaurant, which serves Eastern European cuisine dishes, operates in a 19th-century building located just 50 meters away from the suites.

Monai is a place for a quick but refined lunch, a classy dinner, a special celebration or simply to discover new flavors. It is the top restaurant in the port city both in Lithuania and in the Baltics. Dishes are seasonal and experimentation with flavors, textures and colors is common.

The modern 4-star hotel Amberton Klaipeda Hotel is located in the city center, a 10-minute walk from the Klaipeda Castle and other local attractions. It offers free Wi-Fi in all areas, stylish interiors, a bowling and entertainment center, and an indoor pool.

This modern hotel is located on the banks of the Dane River in the Old Town of Klaipeda. Old Port Hotel offers spacious and cozy rooms with air conditioning, including two rooms for disabled guests. The hotel restaurant serves a wide range of international gourmet dishes, while the Rice Mill Restaurant offers classic Italian dishes combined with beautiful panoramic views.

Located in Klaipeda City Center, National Hotel is a perfect starting point from which to explore Klaipeda. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, express check-in/check-out, and luggage storage are just some of the facilities on offer.

This business class hotel is located in the heart of Klaipeda Old Town. Guests will be surprised by the perfect blend of architecture from different eras. The luxurious single and double rooms are stylish, elegant and cozy. There is also a modern conference hall, a restaurant and a wide range of services.