KLAIPĖDA BY FOOT EN
KLAIPĖDA BY FOOT Klaipėda is a Lithuanian seaside city, where the beauty of the nature and unique architecture blends together, creating a harmonious and peaceful scenery. The best way to explore the city and its beauty is to try one of our four walking tours in and around Klaipėda city: 1. Klaipėda old town. 2. Historic seaside resorts Melnragė and Giruliai. 3. Exploring the North of Klaipėda: from suburban to royal. 4. The Curonian Spit and Smiltynė village. Klaipėda by foot 3
Route no. 1 Klaipėda old town Length 4.5 km Duration 2 h For those who: are interested in history want to feel the atmosphere of the city We recommend to start a walking tour in the heart of the city Theater square (1) (Teatro aikštė). Back in 17th century the rocks and stones of the square were underwater here lied the defence waters that surrounded the historical Memel (Klaipėda) castle. The east corner of the Theater sq. at the time was part of the Dangė old riverbed. The square as it is rose up only in 19th century, when part of the castle moats were covered and removed. Up to the middle of 20th century, the square was used as an active market place, and since 19th century one of the main features of the square was the Theater (Dramos teatras), which quickly gained importance in the city s cultural life. Many famous artists performed here, for example, in 1837 Richard Wagner conducted the Köningsberg opera musicians. Klaipėda by foot 5
In the middle of the Theater sq. stands the city icon monument of a tender girl Ann from Tharau (Lithuanian Taravos Anikė, German Ännchen von Tharau), in 1912 dedicated to a famous Prussian poet Simon Dach (1605 1659), who was born in Klaipėda. Ann from Tharau was a central figure in a love poem, written by S. Dach. The poem later turned into a popular song, widely known in German speaking countries. Cross the Theater sq. (leaving the Ann from Tharau statue on your right). Cross the road behind the square (Pilies str.) and go straight until you reach a small bridge. The swing bridge (2), called Chain Bridge, was built in 1855 and works until this day as a unique monument of technology. Every hour it is rotated manually by a couple of dock workers, allowing sailing yachts and small fishing boats to leave or enter the Castle Marina (Pilies Uostas). It is the only bridge with this kind of mechanism in Lithuania, and not many of them are found in the whole world. Cross the bridge and go along the riverside until you reach the Cruise Ship Terminal (3) (Kruizinių laivų terminalas). The cruise and navy ship terminal was opened in 2003. Not only it is a terminal for majestic cruise ships, it is also a common gathering place as well as a favourite city spot for many people. At the far-east end of the terminal you can find a sculptural composition, called The Childhood Dream (Vaikystės svajonė): a small boy and his dog, waving goodbye to the departing ships, and greeting the ones that are coming. The statue represents the remarkable dreamworld of a childhood (sculptor S. Jurkus). Leave the Cruise Ship Terminal the other way go back to the old town by passing through Castle Court (piliavietė). Leave the river on your left, with the Cruise Ship Terminal behind you, and go straight about 200 m until you reach a huge industrial shipyard (4) on your right. The shipyard for building and renovating ships was built in between Curonian Lagoon and castle moats in 19th century. Initially owned by a German company from Hamburg, it later belonged to a ship engineer Paulius Lindenau. Various ships, from passenger vessels to tankers, iceboats, tows or steamboats were built in Klaipėda s shipyard. Now the buildings and structures of Lindenau shipyard belong to industrial culture heritage. A huge metal rig (Didysis elingas) seen from afar worked as a ship lift with a slipway into the water, and is the most distinctive object which has survived until these days. Leave the shipyard behind and turn to the right. Follow the road until you reach the Castle Court and Castle Museum (5). In the yard of the Castle you can find the Klaipėda Castle Museum, which offers the opportunity to learn the history of the fortress from establishment to destruction. The castle was named after the old German city name Memelburg. After visiting the Castle Court and Castle Museum, follow the road to Pilies street and cross it to reach a cobblestone road, called Daržų street. Follow this street for around 200 m and then turn to the left (Aukštoji str.). Here in Aukštoji street (6) you can find the oldest and tallest warehouse made in a specific fachwerk style, brought to Klaipėda from Germany (Aukštoji 3). The height of the warehouse is 16 m, it was used for storing and exporting linseed. Fachwerk, as architecture style, became very popular in 19th century. A big part of the Klaipėda old town was decorated in this style. Most of the buildings are now destroyed or redecorated. However, some of the old fachwerk constructions can be found in between Didžioji Vandens street and Market Sq. (Turgaus aikštė). From Aukštoji street turn to the right and come to Didžioji Vandens street (7). The name of the Didžioji Vandens street can be translated as Big Water street. The name reflects the historical changes in the development of the city Didžioji Vandens street used to be the riverbed for the distributory branch of Dangė river. The street as it is was established in 17th 18th century, when the city expanded and the decision to cover the riverbed was made. Now in this street, in the old house of merchant from 1774, you can find the Museum of History of Lithuania Minor (Mažosios Lietuvos istorijos muziejus). The museum is known for vast archeological collections from various burial grounds, exhibits of historical documents, photographs or everyday items from the 19th and 20th centuries. Leave the Museum of History of Lithuania Minor and turn to right at the first intersection. Walk for around 50 m until you reach a small yard (8). Here, surrounded by old and pretty fachwerk warehouses, lies the Culture Communication Centre (Kultūrų komunikacijų centras), Ethnoculture Centre (Etnokultūros centras) and Arts and Crafts Courtyard (Meno kiemas). During the summer here you can find art and craft workshops, as well as see the craftsmen and their work step by step in ceramics, textile, wood carving and others. Cross the yard and turn to the left. Walk for around 50 m until you see the Blacksmith s Museum (9)(Kalvystės muziejus) on your right (Šaltkalvų str. 2, 2a). 1974 marked the year of beginning of the deliberate destruction of various cultural and historical monuments, including cemeteries in Klaipėda. Metal crosses, expensive and decorative fences as well as other items were taken down and demolished. A blacksmith named Dionyzas Varkalys at the time succeeded in saving some of these cemetery monuments metal fences, gates, crosses. Later D. Varkalys also successfully discovered an old blacksmith store in the Old Town of Klaipėda the one that previously belonged to a famous blacksmith from Klaipėda, Gustav Katzke. The shop still had a lot of authentic equipment and works of the old master. In 1992, the store turned into the Blacksmith s Museum with an exhibition of beautiful cemetery crosses and fences, and the successful re-establishment of the blacksmith s craft. After leaving the Blacksmith s Museum, continue to follow the road (Daržų str.) and turn to the left at the first intersection (Vežėjų str.). On your left you will see the Klaipėda s Puppet Theatre (10) (Klaipėdos Lėlių teatras). 6 Klaipėda by foot Klaipėda by foot 7
One of the most recent and creative puppet theatres in Lithuania can be found in a small fachwerk style house with a garden. In its small theater hall with only 70 seats you will find new means of theatrical expression with a repertoire of contemporary and conventional art of puppetry for both children and adults. Leave the Puppet Theatre behind you and go down the road of Vežėjų str. until you reach Turgaus street. Here turn to the right and follow the road. Go straight through the intersection and walk for around 100 m to reach a small square (11) on your right. In 1706 the square at the end of Turgaus street was appointed to build St. John Evangelical Lutheran church (šv. Jono evangelikų liuteronų bažnyčia). The church, which was thought to be the most beautiful in the whole region of East Prussia, was demolished after the WWII. Green hedge plant patterns in the square now shows the original foundation of the church. In 2012, new cornerstone was placed in a square and it is planned to rebuild the church in the near future. Follow the road for around 100 m until you reach the hill on you right. Jonas Hill (12) (Jono kalnelis) is a part of historical fortification system. The fortification complex consists of three main sections: ramparts (defensive boundaries formed of banks), external ditches filled with water (moats) and ravelins (inner banks, intended for bastion protection from the sides). The history of the hill fort starts in the beginning of 17th century, when engineer Charles Rose started city s fortification with the Dutch technology constructions. Ramparts as tall as 3.5 m and bastions with external ditches because of their size are now classified amongst the category of great royal fortresses. Leave the Jonas Hill and go left until you reach riverside and the sailing vessel Meridianas (13). One of the main symbols of the city, sailing vessel Meridianas was built in 1948 in Finland. For long years it was the property of the Lithuanian Maritime Academy and operated as a training ship for trainees, sea navigators and captains. Now permanently docked vessel was renovated in 2014, with a luxurious sea food restaurant set up inside. The bridge behind a sailing vessel is called Biržos bridge (14) (Biržos tiltas). As the oldest and one of the main bridges in the city, Biržos bridge had a strategic significance until the end of 18th century and was surrounded by fortifications on the right bank. The bridge also had a great economical value each passing ship was charged with a bridge lift fee: a small entry space in a wooden bridge was opened for the masts of the sailing vessels. During the WWII bridge was destroyed, but rebuilt in 1948. Cross the bridge and immediately turn to the left. Follow the road (Danės str.) for a couple of hundred meters. The first building you will see is the City Hall (15) (Rotušė). Built in classicism style, for the long time City Hall was and still is one of the most elegant buildings in Klaipėda. It also has a deep connection with region s historical royal families King of Prussia Frederick William III and Tsar of Russian Empire Alexander I stayed here in 1802. Later, in 1807, when the capital of Prussia was shortly relocated from Berlin to Klaipėda, the royal family of Prussia King Frederick and Queen Louisa lived in this building, which became the Royal Residency. Now the city mayor has his offices in the City Hall. Leave the City Hall behind you and cross the square at the back of the City Hall building (Atgimimo aikštė). At the far-end of the square in the intersection turn to the right to Liepų street (16). The street started forming in the 16th 17th century together with the expansion of the city. The street got its name from a linden tree (Lithuanian Liepa), which grew at the end of the street and formed a nice avenue. During the years street was given many different names Goose str. (Žąsų g.), Alexander str. (Aleksandro g.), Linden str. (Liepų g.), Smetona Avenue (Smetonos alėja), Adolf Hitler str. (Adolfo Hitlerio g.), Maxim Gorky str. (Maksimo Gorkio g.). In 1988 the street was finally once again named after beautiful trees Linden str. (Liepų g.). One of the most elegant streets in the city, it has buildings of various architectural styles and former villas from 19th century, most of which has now turned into a number of museums, banks, restaurants. Go down the street for around 250 m until you reach a tall red brick building the Old Post Office (17) (Senasis paštas). The Old Post Office building complex emerged at 1893. The complex can be characterized as a blend of three different architecture styles various elements of classicism, neogothic and Art Nouveau. The complex is composed of two floor post building together with one floor buildings from both sides, which used to be warehouses and stables. Every Saturday and Sunday the 42 m height Post Tower revives with music sounds from one of the biggest carillon in Lithuania, which is housed in the tower. Go down the Linden str. (Liepų g.) for another 450 m until you see park on you left. This is where we recommend to finish the old town walking route. The park has a name of a Sculpture Park (18) (Skulptūrų parkas), and used to be an old cemetery. However, in 1977 Soviet Government ordered the cemetery to be destroyed and converted into a park. Over the years park has been filled with various sculptures, created mostly in small Smiltynė village during summers. Now the park has an area of over 10 hectares and is an exhibition ground for 116 artworks of 61 sculptors. 8 Klaipėda by foot Klaipėda by foot 9
We recommend to start to the route in Melnragė you can reach the resort from the city center by taking the bus number 6 to Molo bus stop (find the schedules here: http://www.klaipedatransport.lt/en). Melnragė village (1) got its name from a language of a Curonian tribe, living in this area at around 13th century. It is possible that the seaside looked dark from the sea and the local fishermen named it The Black Horn melns means black and ragas means horn. The main occupation in the village was, of course, fishing. In 1933 the state assigned Melnragė resort rights and in time the village was filled with expensive summer houses. After leaving the bus, turn to the left and go straight for around 100 m. Then turn to the right and follow the street (Vėtros str.) until you reach the parking lot. Behind the parking lot you can see the sandy dunes and the seaside. On your left side is the pier (2) our next destination. You can reach it either by the beach or by taking a small pathway to the left from the parking lot. Route no. 2 Historic Seaside Resorts Melnragė and Giruliai Length 7 km Duration 2.5 h For those who: like long beach and forest walks The construction of the Northern Pier started in 1834 by the society of merchants in the city. The pier is designed as two separate parts 940 m length quay, secured with massive stones, and 460 m length (in the sea) pier. The pier itself is around 2.5 m wide and 2 m height above sea level. Klaipėda Port has two parallel piers, both more than 1 km in length. While standing on the Northern pier, you can see the other pier right in front of you on the other side. Together these piers make the Sea Gates (Jūros vartai) the beginning and the end Klaipėda by foot 11
lighthouse was demolished, so the only authentic, more than two hundred years old part of the lighthouse is 4 m height ground level construction. The lighthouse was rebuilt right after the war in 1945. Now the height of the lighthouse is 44 m, its signal can be seen from 33 km. 19th 20th centuries). The road will cross a couple of parking lots and end in the third parking lot Giruliai. Turn to the right and go straight for around 200 m. Here cross the street. On your right you will see the Children s Sanatorium of Tuberculosis Complex (6). regular musical evenings and several dancing floors. It was also popular to come to the resort for SPA and health procedures in the 20th century, Giruliai had hot water baths, which were especially liked by those who had heart, lung or nervous system problems. of journey for each and every ship. The piers are constructed on piles, the part above water is made out of stones. The Northern Pier is a popular gathering place for citizens a beautiful scenery of the sea and ships, long beaches and the lighthouse attracts many to enjoy the view. We recommend that you walk along the pier until the end, feel the breeze of the sea and enjoy the wonderful blend of sea, beaches and cityscape. Located around 500 m away from the sea, the Klaipėda lighthouse (3) is one of the first on the shores of the whole Baltic Sea it was first built and lighted on September 1, 1796. During the WWII the Leave the pier and go down the beach towards Giruliai village. On your way, you will pass by an abandoned artillery battery (4). This kind of artillery batteries (fixed assemblies of guns and armours) were used by German navy since 1938. Three of them can be found on the beach in Lithuanian territories. Walk on the beach for around 600 m leaving the artillery battery behind you, until you see a wooden viewpoint. Here turn to the right and walk straight until you see a supermarket Maxima. Cross the street. You have reached a forest road, which you can follow to Giruliai village (both for walking and biking). The length of the road from Northern Pier to Giruliai in total is 5 km. Forestation of the beach became essential already in 18th century. Constanly moving sand interfered with the harbour works and shipping, destroyed many crop fields and pastures around the beach area. In 18 19th century the city was obliged to cover these sectors with plants in order to stop erosion and retain the land. The forest at first was called Plantation Forest, but nowadays is known as Giruliai Forest (5). On your way to Giruliai you will pass through the suburban areas of Melnragė I and II, old cemetery (which was open in The former medical centre for treating tuberculosis was first opened in 1911 as holiday house for those children who are constantly sick or from deprived families. The centre was built in the name of Queen of Prussia, Louisa, on 100 year anniversary of her death. It was known that the Queen Louisa was very fond of Giruliai village and liked to stay here. After opening, children from all over East of Prussia stayed in the sanatorium. In 1916 1917, the complex was expanded, and now is part of Cultural Heritage list. The main building facade is designed in the same architectural style as many old town buildings fachwerk, which, together wit wooden decoration and red roof tiles, not only blends in the green and natural forest environment, but also makes the building distinctive. After WWII in this building was a Children s Sanatorium for Tuberculosis, which was closed in 2005. Giruliai. In 1863 the merchants of Klaipėda came into the possession of Giruliai village area and built a peaceful seaside resort. They laid down the road to another resort Melnragė, set up expensive and good lookings summer houses here, planted rare species of trees in the forest. Since 1892, when the resort became popular amongst citizens. In the beginning of 20th century, Giruliai had a Kurhaus (cultural house with a restaurant), 3 different restaurants with Follow the road up the hill and further. On the left side of the road on the hill you will see several houses, built in the beginning of 20th century some of them are now empty, some are open to the public, while others are private (Šlaito street 6, 10, 12, 14). Summer houses (7) in 20th century Giruliai were built facing the sea. Most of them are Swiss-style wooden houses, often decorated by various ornaments on the facade of the house. In front of the house, downhill, was popular to built a level paved terrace with a set of luxurious stairs, sculptures and decorative fences. Go further down the street (Turistų str.) until you see a train station. Behind the railroads you will see a Radio and Television Tower (8). Built in 1961, Klaipėda radio and Television Tower reaches a height of 200 m. At first it was used to re-transmission, but later started broadcasting channels from Lithuanian television. A bus stop is just beside the train station. We recommend to end the walking route here. You can reach the Klaipėda city center by taking the bus number 4. 12 Klaipėda by foot Klaipėda by foot 13
Route no. 3 Exploring the North Klaipėda: from suburban to royal Length 4 km Duration 1 h For those who: like to explore and feel the suburban life want to visit botanical garden We recommend to start the walking route in the bus stop Panevėžio, which you can reach by taking busses 9, 14, 15A or 17 (find the schedules here: http://www. klaipedatransport.lt/en). After leaving the bus stop, turn to the right towards Panevėžio street. Turn to the left on Panevėžio street (towards the river). On your right you will see St. Casimir s church (1) (Šv. Kazimiero bažnyčia). The place for a church was purposely picked in this area here used to be the lands of residency for King of Prussia Frederick William III and his wife, Queen Louisa. The church was also dedicated to St. Casimir, who was the prince of the Kingdom of Poland and of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 15th century. Royal legacy was imprinted in architecture of the St. Casimir s church composition of the towers resembles a crown. The shape of the whole church can be interpreted as a ship figure, iconic for a seaside port city of Klaipėda. Continue to walk through the suburban area of the city. This borough is called Small Village (2) (Mažasis Kaimelis), and is mainly occupied by private houses. Private houses in this area started to appear after WWII. At the time this was a quite unconventional practice, because city mainly focused on building multi-storey houses (condominiums). However, in 1958, the Klaipėda city executive committee decided to allocate the plot of land to various companies, organisations and institutions, which in turn distributed the land to their employees. At the end of the street turn to the left and go down the hill. Turn to the left on the pedestrian pathway. You should now be heading to the north river on your right, residencies on your left. Residencies on your left side are part of the community garden, or allotment (3)(kolektyviniai sodai), private plots used for growing various food plants or gardening for non-commercial purposes. The first community gardens in Lithuania were established during Soviet occupation. Particular gardens were called after the names of rivers, plants, towns the community garden Klaipėda by foot 15
The name of the borough Tauralaukis can be translated to Auchor s (extinct species of domestic cattle) field. In 20th century, Tauralaukis could be reached from the city by motor ship Tante Anna, where citizens liked to spend their time in a restaurant or traditional squares. Bird shooting, martial arts and gymnastics competitions were amongst popular activities. on your left is called Baltic (Baltijos sodų bendrija). Similar community gardens can be found in United Kingdom, Germany, Japan. Initially most of the allotments are located outside of the city, near forests, rivers or other water bodies, however, during city expansion, some of them like this one turn into suburban areas. Continue to walk along riverside. Danė river (4) (otherwise known as Dangė or Akmena) rises in Kretinga district (a small town outside Klaipėda), flows through Klaipėda city, drains into Curonian Lagoon (Kuršių Marios) and, consequently, into the Baltic Sea (Baltijos jūra). Danė was the home river for the port of the city for a very long time from 13th to 19th centuries. The harbour was situated in between two main bridges Biržos and Castle bridge (Pilies). Now the main harbour is too big and is therefore located in the Curonian Lagoon. Tauralaukis city borough, where you are now is known for its connections with the royal family of Prussia King Frederick William III, Queen Louisa and their children, who liked to spend their time here in a manor house. As a dedication to the Queen, city built the monument for the Queen (which, unsuccessfully, did not remain to these days), and planted oak tree for Louisa. A little bit closer to the city center it is possible to find a second historic site of Tauralaukis borough: a site where Frederick William III met with Tsar of the Russian Empire Alexander I in 1802. To acknowledge this occasion, the city community later planted a small Royal Forest (Karališkas miškelis), which was connected to a restaurant area by a 5 km length tree avenue, called the Vynerio promenade. Walk until you reach Klaipėda University Botanical Gardens (5) (Klaipėdos universiteto botanikos sodas). Botanical Gardens work everyday, and we definitely recommend to visit: follow the pathway and cross the bridge over Danė river. Go up the steps and turn to the left on Klaipėda street. Turn to the left again at the traffic circle and walk until you reach the gates to the Gardens on your left. Klaipėda University Botanical Gardens have an area of 9.3 hectares. The main botanical garden in the Western Lithuania exhibits 4 different plant collections coniferous woody, deciduous woody, herbaceous ornamental, and herbs as well as medicinal plant collection. Not only domestic Lithuanian species, but plants from all over the world can be found here. Altogether, the gardens have around 40 thousand plants. We recommend to finish the walking route here in the Botanical Garden. You can go back to the city center by taking busses 9, 14 or 17. 16 Klaipėda by foot Klaipėda by foot 17
Route no. 4 The Curonian Spit and Smiltynė village Length 7 km Duration 2 h For those who: enjoy long walks on the beach are interested in natural history of marine ecosystem are interested in dolphin and sea lion shows We recommend to start the walking tour at the Old Ferry Terminal (senoji perkėla), Danės str. 1. It is a short walk of around 10 minutes from the Old Town. Take the ferry across Curonian Lagoon to the Curonian Spit (find the schedules and prices here https://www.keltas.lt/en/ home/). The ferry trip across the lagoon will take 5 7 minutes.* Smiltynė village (1) is a part of Klaipėda city. It is stretched for 1.5 km along the side of the Curonian Lagoon. Until the 20th century Smiltynė was the name of the tavern. The recreational relevance of the area started increasing at the end of 19th century, when in 1900 the city of Klaipėda bought a part of tavern lands. Two groups of summer houses and the Kurhaus (cultural house with a restaurant) were built here in 1901. Until the end of 1930, from 10 to 15 traditional houses were designed and built in Smiltynė (you can see some of the original summer houses on your right) with a beautiful promenade, surrounded by summer cafes and restaurants. After leaving the ferry, turn to the left and pass by the café (on your right). Follow the road to the Kurhaus (2) (Smiltynės kurhauzas). The Kurhaus was funded by and established as an initiative of Klaipėda merchant association in 1899 1901. It is a typical Swiss-style two-storey building with an attic. Its exterior is decorated in Art Nouveau style, which was popular in 19 20th century Klaipėda. In 1936 the Kurhaus not only had 50 rooms, restaurant and a romantic promenade in its premises, but also a small outside concert hall with several pavilions. For some time in 20 s you could even find a casino here, which was later closed because of community complaints. After WWII the Kurhaus was turned into a residence. Later the building functioned as a hotel, now it is a private property. Leave the Kurhaus on your left and follow the pathway to the beach (caffe Nerija should be on your right). The walk through the peaceful forest should take around 10 15 minutes. Upon reach- Klaipėda by foot 19
ing the beach in front you will see a big sand dune so called protective dune ridge (3). The Smiltynė protective dune ridge (Spit) is a long, narrow, naturally-formed hill range, formed entirely from sand. Its main role is to control beach erosion and the movements of sand dunes towards the shore. The Spit is 98 km long and lies on the shores along the entire Curonian Spit since its design in 1881 1904. Behind the ridge you will finally see the beautiful white sand beach and the Baltic Sea. Go towards the Southern Pier (4) (Pietinis molas), which you can see in the distance on your right. You should reach the pier in about 20 minutes.** The Southern Pier, together with the pier on the other side Northern Pier, make the Sea Gates (Jūros Vartai) of the city harbour. It was built for protective reasons piers secure the fairway (navigable channel in the harbour area) from big sea waves, drifting ice and sediments. They also direct the current of Danė river into the Baltic Sea. The length of the Southern Pier is 1277 m (Northern Pier is a little bit shorter 1158 m). The piers are constructed on piles, the part above water is made out of stones. Leave the pier and turn towards the harbour (the city). After walking for around 200 m, you will reach Lithuanian Sea Museum and Dolphinarium (5) (Lietuvos jūrų muziejus ir delfinariumas). Lithuanian Sea Museum is situated in a former Nerija military fort, which was built in the period from 1865 to 1871. However, rapid development of naval forces resulted in fort becoming dispensable and unnecessary for the harbour defence at the end of 19th century. The fort then was given to the authorities of the Klaipėda city. As years passed by, fort was used for a number of different purposes it has functioned as a warehouse, residence for labourers, school for local children, division of Technical College for sailors and sea scouts. Finally, in 1975 1979 the fort was renovated and became the property of Lithuanian Sea Museum (architects P. Lapė, L. Šliogerienė, V. Šliogeris, constructor T. Tubis). The Dolphinarium was built in 1994 and renovated in 2010. You can find more information on the Sea Museum and Dolphinarium at http://muziejus.lt/en. By the side of the lagoon in front of the Museum you will see a monument called Albatross (6) (Albatrosas). The sculpture illustrates the bird, so familiar and dear to all the sailors the monument is dedicated to the ones who never came back. Go alongside the lagoon on your left you will see the harbour area, always busy with ships and cranes. Around 400 m away from the Sea Museum you will see the Etnographic Fisherman s Farmstead (7) (Etnografinė žvejo sodyba). It is a part of Sea Museum exhibition, illustrating the life of local fishermen in 19th century. A little further you will also see an exhibition of old fishing vessels (8). Some of the ships are open to the public. The whole area of the Museum and its outside exhibitions are called Kopgalis (9) (meaning the end of the dune). 20 Klaipėda by foot Klaipėda by foot 21
Leave the ships behind and follow the same road towards the Old Ferry Terminal, where the ferry will take you back to the city center. Upon reaching the shore, on your left you will see a stone monument (10). Each year the names of the winners of a famous and long-lasting running competition Amber seamile ( Gintarinė jūrmylė ) are carved into stone. The best place to cool down in summer or get warm in winter is to visit a café right here at the Old Ferry Terminal. We recommend you finish the walking tour by enjoying the peaceful moment and watching the ships sail by. Notes: * In autumn/winter the cafés / supermarkets in Smiltynė are usually closed, thus we recommend to take some hot beverages and snacks for the trip. ** In summer be careful while walking on the beach the beach towards Southern Pier is part of a women nudist beach. You can go around that part by taking a sidewalk just beside the protective dune ridge. Photographers: Andrius Pelakauskas, Daiva Drungulaitė, Romena Savickienė 22 Klaipėda by foot
Klaipėda Tourism and Culture Information Center Turgaus str. 7, LT-91247 Klaipeda Lithuania Tel.: +370 46 412186, +370 687 52051 E-mail: tic@klaipedainfo.lt www.klaipedainfo.lt Klaipėda Municipality Liepu str. 11, LT-91502 Klaipeda Lithuania E-mail: info@klaipeda.lt www.klaipeda.lt