Are you planning a vacation? Going on a trip to the Kaliningrad region? On what and how you can get there, what interesting and picturesque to see, what excursions and interesting places to choose, what to buy as a souvenir, what to bring with you, what documents to draw up - find out here all the nuances and interesting information for the trip.
Some general information
Kaliningrad region is the smallest and most western region of the Russian Federation, located on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The land border passes with Lithuania and Poland, while with Russia - only by sea.
The region appeared in 1945 after the end of World War II.
It has a moderately warm climate, picturesque nature, interesting and varied flora and fauna. In the Kaliningrad region, excellent sanatoriums, good places for excursions, many attractions. If you are not a fan of the southern heat and lazy relaxation on the beach, a vacation in the Kaliningrad region will be the most informative and memorable.
In the Kaliningrad region, gourmet travelers will also like it. They offer a huge variety of fish dishes according to Russian and Western European recipes - you will definitely find something new and loved for yourself.
What to see when traveling to Kaliningrad
In Kaliningrad, there are a lot of attractions that may interest:
- The Kaliningrad region is famous for the largest amber reserves in the world (more than 90% of the world's reserves). Here is the world's only enterprise for the industrial production of this semiprecious stone and the only amber museum in Russia. The exposition is located on a huge area. Excursions, events for children, museum classes, lectures and much more are organized for visitors. In addition, there is a souvenir area where everyone can buy for themselves a piece of jewelry or a souvenir from the amber collection or information brochures.
- One of the most unique places in Europe is the Curonian Spit (protected by UNESCO) - a natural nature reserve with very diverse landscapes: from deciduous forests to deserts. The Curonian Spit is nothing more than a long (98 km) narrow strip of land (from 400 meters in the narrowest place to 3.8 kilometers in the widest). Mandatory places to visit include the Museum Center Visit Center, the Fringilla Bird Garden, Mueller High, Dancing Forest Park, High Efa.
- Konigsberg Cathedral - an old building, is a symbol of Kaliningrad, built more than 700 years ago! It contains the grave of the philosopher Kant, the Kant Museum, an organ hall and a picturesque park around the cathedral.
- Fish Village - it used to be a shopping street, now there is a magnificent tourist quarter, among the buildings of which are hotels, cafes and a lighthouse. Here you can visit the tasting of various wines, exhibitions of paintings. Be sure to visit the observation deck of the lighthouse.
- Museum of the World Ocean - opened in Kaliningrad relatively recently, in 1990. The museum is a science center with the world's only space communications ship. The museum holds exhibitions dedicated to major events in the development of the ocean, and you can also board aboard research ships, submarines, and study the species of rare fish in the aquarium.
- The Brandenburg Gate in Kaliningrad is an ancient monument protected by the state, which still performs its direct function.
- Monument to Peter I as the founder of the regular Russian Navy. The monument was erected at the headquarters of the Baltic Fleet on July 26, 2003.
Embark on a trip to Kaliningrad and discover the Russian expanses in a new image of ancient narrow streets and ancient monuments. Do not fly on vacation outside of Russia to see Europe!
How can one get to the Kaliningrad region from Russia?
There are several possible options:
- A trip to Kaliningrad will not cause much trouble if you go to the city by plane. This is the easiest and fastest way. Almost all airlines carry out air transportation from the main part of Russia to Kaliningrad. You can choose and purchase a cheap ticket yourself, for this you can use the help of ticket search engines on the Internet. Ticket prices during the tourist season and the rest of the time vary greatly, this must be taken into account when choosing departure dates. From the airport to the center of Kaliningrad can be reached by bus or taxi.
- A trip to Kaliningrad by ferry can be arranged from the port village of Ust-Luga, in the Kingisepp district of the Leningrad region, which is located near the border with Estonia. With this method of transportation, you can carry additional cargo or a personal car.
- A trip to Kaliningrad by train and bus passes already across the state border. In this case, it will be a bit more difficult to get than in the first two options. After all, you will need additional documents for a trip to Kaliningrad. Especially if you decide to travel with children or pets. Arrival of the train in Kaliningrad is carried out at the Kaliningrad-Yuzhny station - this is the symbolic gate of Kaliningrad through which both Russian and foreign guests can arrive by rail to the Amber region of Russia. From here you can easily get to any part of the city using a taxi or public transport.
- A trip to Kaliningrad by car is for lovers to independently organize trips, even if they have to pave the way through foreign countries. With this method, you can ride with a breeze along one of the freeways through Belarus and Lithuania, either through Latvia and Lithuania, or, if time permits and additional excursions are planned, you can get to Kaliningrad through Poland. You can also choose a route through the Baltic republics if the starting point of the route is the Leningrad or Pskov regions.
Difference in time
When purchasing tickets for a trip to Kaliningrad, be sure to consider the time difference. In the westernmost region of Russia, the difference with the capital is +1 hour. Do not be late for landing!
Documents required for travel
What documents are needed for a trip to Kaliningrad when crossing the border? If you travel to the Kaliningrad region by train, then you need a passport, in addition, you need a Schengen visa, since the train goes through the territory of Lithuania. It is also possible to issue a Lithuanian transit visa when buying a ticket, which can be purchased at the ticket offices of railway stations or online. Buying online is very convenient for busy travelers - you do not need to spend time traveling to the station and waiting in lines. In addition, an electronic ticket can be downloaded to your phone.
Then with a ticket and a passport you can catch a train. In the absence of a Schengen visa, on the way to the Lithuanian border, it is necessary to fill out a form, the form of which can be obtained free of charge from the conductors in the car. A questionnaire will be required when crossing the Belarusian-Lithuanian border, where they will pick it up and issue a simplified transit visa form.
With ethics and documents, you can easily take the train to Kaliningrad.
What if on the bus?
The same situation with the bus - you need a passport and a Lithuanian transit visa, which you will get a cashier when buying a ticket. As you can see, the package of documents is the same and does not depend on the type of vehicle.
And if by car?
The question of what documents are needed to travel to Kaliningrad by car is important if you want to easily get to the right place. If you have chosen to travel by car, then at the border crossing you will need additional documents: a passport, a Schengen visa (or a transit visa, if you do not plan to stop in Lithuania), an international health insurance policy, a green card for the car. Your car must be in good condition, as you have to pass through the territory of European countries. In the European Union, a car must have a reflective vest. We also recommend stocking up with gas in order not to overpay for fuel in Lithuania.
Is there anything else you need to know for a comfortable trip?
A visa when traveling to Kaliningrad is necessary if you want to stay in Lithuania for several days for planned excursions or visiting friends. To do this, in addition to all of the above documents, you will have to obtain in advance a category “C” visa, which is issued upon contacting the Lithuanian Embassy. Requirements for the necessary documents are standard, as is the case when applying for a Schengen visa.
Traveling is easy!
As you can see, getting to the most remote western corner of Russia is not difficult. The main thing is to go on a trip with a great mood and in a great company! Come to the Kaliningrad region to see the wonderful world with your own eyes, explore all the castles of the region, visit all the beaches, go to ancient cities, plunge into the fascinating interesting world, try the culinary delights of Russian and European cuisines! Do not forget to buy souvenirs from jewelry or figurines made of beautiful amber.