Klaipeda: Port City, Art and the Curonian Spit

Klaipėda can be explored through a variety of themes: Smiltynė offers relaxation and access to the Curonian Spit, museums focus on maritime and regional history, and sculptures create a distinctive art experience.

Smiltynė and the Curonian Spit

Smiltynė is the part of the Curonian Spit located within the city limits of Klaipėda. This recreational area belongs to the Curonian Spit National Park and the Curonian Spit UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking trails and water sports facilities are among the options available there. If you would like to include nature and outdoor activities in your trip, Smiltynė offers a distinct focus within Klaipėda.

In Smiltynė, the Lithuanian Sea Museum includes an aquarium, exhibitions on the history of seafaring, a dolphinarium, a rehabilitation centre for Baltic Sea animals and a dolphin-assisted therapy centre. Maritime history and a range of topics related to marine animals therefore come together in one museum. Ferries connect the mainland of Klaipėda to Smiltynė from the Old and New Ferry Terminals. If you plan to visit this part of the city, take the ferry connection into account and check the timetable before travelling.

Sculptures and the character of a port city

Klaipėda Sculpture Park is an open-air gallery of modern Lithuanian sculpture. It features 116 works by 67 Lithuanian artists. Another way to explore art in the city is the sculpture route, where visitors can discover the city through its sculptures. The park and the route thus offer different ways to experience modern Lithuanian sculpture.

The sailing ship Meridianas is also part of the port city’s image. It is moored at Biržos Bridge on the River Danė and is a defining part of Klaipėda’s identity as a port city. Along with the exhibitions on the history of seafaring, this place shows how closely maritime themes are connected to the city’s character.

Museums and city history

The Klaipėda Castle Museum is located in the old part of Klaipėda. It displays archaeological finds, documents and city seals, including reconstructed seals from the 17th century as well as archaeological objects from the castle and the Old Town. These collections offer a tangible insight into the history of the city and its castle complex.

The castle complex is considered the origin of Klaipėda; the idea to build it dates back to 1252. It also represents the city’s centuries-old maritime history. Theatre Square is another historical stop: its history began in 1819, after part of the castle moat had been filled in to create the New Market. Today, Theatre Square hosts concerts, events and the Sea Festival. If a particular event is important to your trip, check the dates in advance.

The History Museum of Lithuania Minor presents the pagan and Christian cultures of the coastal region, as well as the history of East Prussia and the Klaipėda region. It is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Klaipėda’s Old Town, dating from the late 18th century. Museum 39/45 offers a different historical focus: it explores the Second World War in four exhibition halls and with 13 interactive stations. When choosing which museums to visit, you can therefore distinguish between city and regional history, the maritime past and the history of war.

When planning your trip, you can first decide whether Smiltynė, art in public spaces or the museums are your main priority.

Discover more destinations: Vilimiškė, Šilutė, Žemaičių Naumiesčio Seniūnija, Juodkrante, Neringa, Gargždai, Dauparai, Pervalka.

For the broader travel overview: Klaipėda County.