Kaliningrad is an incredibly interesting and unusual city with a changing fate and an unusual history. It harmoniously combines Russian reality with the German past. The city has objects belonging to different eras, he absorbed the memories of completely different eras. Kaliningrad is a very unusual place. Its amazing atmosphere attracts many tourists who have the opportunity to see the sights of the city. In our article we want to talk about what you can visit in Kaliningrad. There are a lot of interesting places worthy of tourists' attention.
History of the city
Before talking about what to visit and see in Kaliningrad, it is necessary to say a few words about the history of the city. Previously, it had a different name. The knights of the Teutonic Order arrived on the bank of the Pregol River and founded the fortress on a hill. They called her Koenigsberg. In those days, the fortress was important because it was at the intersection of trade routes from east to west.
In 1697, Peter the Great visited the fortress. The city took an active part in the war with Napoleon, and later in World War I and World War II. In 1945, the Koenigsberg region was founded on the site of Koenigsberg. But already in the same year, the region was renamed Kaliningrad. And the city itself began to be called Kaliningrad.
Initially, the majority of the region’s population was Germans. After renaming the city, it became more and more Russian people. Despite such an unusual history, many historical objects have been preserved in Kaliningrad that recall the great past. The city is a favorite tourist destination. What to visit in Kaliningrad? The city has a lot of attractions and historical sites worthy of the attention of travelers.
Koenigsberg Castle
What to visit in Kaliningrad and the Kaliningrad region? Sightseeing is worth starting with a visit to Koenigsberg Castle.
It is worth noting that the city rightfully deserves the title of one of the most unusual in Russia. Until 1945, it was considered the center of East Prussia. But time passed and gradually the city gained new features. Nevertheless, many historical sites are perfectly preserved to this day. They are of most interest to guests of the city.
One of the main attractions is Koenigsberg Castle, which is now considered a real symbol of the city. Its ruins excite the imagination of not only historians, but also ordinary tourists. Despite the fact that the castle was badly damaged during the war, it is very popular. At one time, excavations were carried out on its territory, the purpose of which was to search for the famous Amber Room. Unfortunately, they never found her. From the ruins of the castle literally blows antiquity. They are open to the public. According to tourists, this is one of the most interesting places in the city.
The castle has a second name - Royal. It was erected by the knights of the Teutonic Order in the distant 1255. It became the basis for the further formation of Koenigsberg, which gradually turned from a small village into a respectable city. Later, the castle was ruled by Prussia. And the building itself was redone for the residence of the Prussian monarchs. It even crowned two kings. Once Peter the Great was here. Before the start of World War II, the building was used to organize celebrations. During the war, the castle was badly destroyed. And the remaining towers and walls were demolished in 1967.
During the period 1993-2007, excavations were carried out in the fortress. Archaeologists from the Russian Academy of Sciences took part in the work. According to historians, somewhere in the territory of the castle was supposed to be the famous Amber Room. Such an assumption of specialists is very justified, because before the start of the war the room was taken to Koenigsberg. Further, her traces disappeared. And to this day, the fate of the Amber Room is unknown, because it was not found during excavations. The opinions of experts were divided: some believe that it is still hidden somewhere in the city, while others suggest that it could be stolen and taken out. Since the excavations did not bring the desired result, they were gradually frozen. During the work, archaeologists found interesting ancient objects of the period of 14-19 centuries, decorative elements, treasure and even astronomical instruments.
Do not even think about what to visit in Kaliningrad, immediately go to Koenigsberg Castle, which is an observation deck organized at the excavation site. Tourists can look at the excavation of the West wing, as well as explore objects exhibited on an open area. All of them were found during archaeological work. In addition, an exhibition tells the story of its history in the castle. Experts note that Koenigsberg Castle is an amazing place worthy of attention. Buildings of such a respectable age have not survived in our country. That is why it is of genuine interest to guests. The complex is very interesting to visit during the holidays, when fairs and historical reconstructions are organized on its basis. It is at such a time that you can feel the true historical atmosphere.
Museum of the Ocean
What to visit in Kaliningrad in 3 days? There are so many attractive objects in the city that it is difficult to navigate. According to tourists, it is worth paying attention to the Museum of the World Ocean, especially if you are indifferent to historical places. A modern landmark is no less impressive. Many tourists wonder what can be visited with the whole family in Kaliningrad? The Museum of the World Ocean is a place that is of interest to people of all ages, including children. Experts note that the institution should be included in the list of required facilities for viewing by guests.
The museum displays not only exhibits for viewing, but also those items that you can touch with your own hands. Real ships are displayed here, open for viewing outside and inside. Some of them are famous throughout the world. Among them, the Vityaz ship, a well-known research vessel, which was operated by specialists from different countries, deserves special attention.
The museum has several buildings. The main thing is located on the promenade named after Peter the Great. Within its walls you can see numerous aquariums with shellfish, corals and other representatives of marine fauna. The museum is engaged in educational activities, so seminars and scientific events are held in it. Above the building is a lighthouse equipped with an observation deck, from which you can admire beautiful views of the Cathedral of Pregol.
The museum also has two more buildings: the Warehouse and Marine Koenigsberg. They are slightly removed from the main body. Exhibition buildings are located in buildings dating from the nineteenth century. Their exposition is dedicated to the history of the city. A few more branches of the museum are located in the building of the royal gate.
Among the exhibits there are many unusual objects. Here you can see the Putti Fountain and Kant's Bench. Of course, the most interesting for visitors are sea vessels displayed along the coast, and their individual components: anti-aircraft mounts, bathyscaphes, diving vehicles. Museum visitors can also visit one of the ships located on the waterfront. Of particular interest is the ship "Cosmonaut Viktor Patsaev", which was the only one turned into a museum. The B-413 submarine and the Krasin icebreaker are also moored on the embankment. All vessels are open to view. On them you can see the exhibits, wheelhouse, engine room, sailor cabins and other office space.
Now the museum is erecting a new modern building "Planet Ocean" in the form of a ball. Within its walls plan to place multi-level galleries.
Royal gate
What you must visit in Kaliningrad? Historic sights remain the main property of the city. Among them, a special place is occupied by seven gates. We have already mentioned the Brandenburg Gate. But no less interesting are the Royal.
The building that we can admire at the moment was built in the nineteenth century instead of the previous Gumbinnen Gate. The building was laid in 1843 and was built for seven years. The gate did not serve as a defensive structure for long. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the building was decided to be sold to Koenigsberg, since it was very outdated. For some time the building was a local landmark, but gradually it was forgotten, and it lost a presentable appearance. Again they remembered him only for the celebration of the 750th anniversary of Kaliningrad. In 2004, after restoration, the building became part of the Museum of the World Ocean. The gate is nothing more than a driveway, on the sides of which rooms are preserved. They housed the historical and cultural center.
Amber Museum
Among the places that are worth visiting in Kaliningrad, it is worth highlighting the Amber Museum. Unique stones from time immemorial attracted people. It is with amber that numerous legends are associated. If earlier stones were endowed with magical properties, now scientists have long figured out the history of their origin. During a tour of the museum you will learn a lot of new and interesting things about amber. The institution has been operating since 1979 and was originally located within the walls of the fortress tower, which is located on the shores of Lake Superior. Of interest was not only the exposition, but also the building itself, built in 1853 as a defensive object. Now the museum funds are located within the walls of a spacious three-story building.
In total, the area of the institution reaches thousands of square meters. The building houses halls whose exhibits tell about the history of amber. Unusual stone has always attracted people. Masters made beautiful jewelry from it, the very first of them were made in the Neolithic era. And now, beautiful things are created from amber. The sun stone is a symbol of Kaliningrad. Amber industry is developed here. Since 1947, a plant has been operating in the city, which is engaged in the extraction of amber and its processing. What is worth visiting in Kaliningrad for sure is the Amber Museum. If you are interested in beautiful stones, then you can purchase products with them.
"Dugout"
What must visit in Kaliningrad, experienced tourists can say. Their advice will help to understand the variety of attractions. Among the must-see places is the Museum "Dugout". The bomb shelter is managed by the Museum of History and Art. Its exposition will appeal to those people who are interested in military history. The dugout appeared in preparation for the assault on Koenigsberg in 1945. After the arrival of Soviet troops, the German command was placed in a bomb shelter, built shortly before. The city was captured by Soviet troops, and parliamentarians were sent to the bunker with an offer to surrender.
The museum was opened in the bomb shelter in 1968. Exposition over the past years has changed significantly. In several rooms, the offices of the German headquarters are represented, in which the interiors of the surrender period are reproduced, and dioramas. Since the bunker was not stormed, it was perfectly preserved, and therefore it was quickly turned into a museum. Within its walls are collected exhibits telling about the events of the war period.
Curonian Spit
What to visit in Kaliningrad and the region, according to tourists? The Curonian Spit is a must-see, because historical places are not all the attractions of the region. Natural beauties are no less good. Among them are world-famous objects. These include the Curonian Spit, which is a narrow and long piece of land that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. Its length is about 100 kilometers. It runs the border with Lithuania. It is worth noting that the Curonian Spit has been turned into a national park, which is the property of the entire Kaliningrad region.
Its territory is recognized as a natural monument. The importance and beauty of the region is evidenced by the fact that the spit is included in the lists of UNESCO sites. According to tourists, the beauty of the nature of the Curonian Spit will not leave anyone indifferent. Even from the photo you can judge the attractiveness of the territory. But live park leaves even more impressions. The Curonian Spit is a popular holiday destination. There are recreation centers on the territory of which you can rent a house or room. For relaxation, it is better to visit the spit from May to October. But the most attractive time is summer.
Dancing forest
What places to visit in Kaliningrad, if you want to enjoy the natural beauties? Going to the Curonian Spit, you should visit the Dancing Forest. It would seem, what could surprise the pine forest? An unusual area of the forest attracts with the shape of tree trunks. Every pine here is curiously curved. This interesting place is located 37 kilometers from the spit, near the village of Rybachy. Tourists will be interested to see unusual trees that are not found throughout the forest. But only in a certain area of it. The amazing place is mysterious, because to this day it is not clear why the pines are curved in such an unusual way. Experts have not come to a consensus on the causes of the anomaly. While they are looking for answers to questions, numerous legends have appeared in the people.
Experts themselves suggest that the cause of the curvature could be the climatic conditions. Indeed, regular winds blowing sand dunes blow on the spit. There is also an assumption that in this region the Germans once tested chemical weapons. In addition, the shape of the trees could change under the influence of caterpillars, which damage the upper buds of plants. Any of these hypotheses does not sound very believable, but the exact causes of the phenomenon have not yet been elucidated. However, an unusual place attracts many tourists.
What to visit in Kaliningrad in 2 days?
A stunningly interesting city worthy of close attention of tourists. However, not always at our disposal there is a lot of time for viewing attractions. What to visit in Kaliningrad in 2 days? Local guides recommend devoting time to attractions located within the city. On the first day, you can visit the Brandenburg Gate, the Ocean Museum and take a walk in the city center. For lunch, you can look into one of the city's cafes. On the second day, you can visit the Konigsberg Fortress, the Amber Museum and the zoo.
What to visit in Kaliningrad in 3 days? If you have three days at your disposal, you can expand the geography of your trip and see not only the sights of the city, but also go to the Curonian Spit. The natural landscapes of the park will leave the most pleasant experience. In principle, any attractions that you wish can be included in the list of excursion objects. You can select them based on your preferences and interests. If you came to Kaliningrad with children, then it hardly makes sense to plan a visit to historical places. A visit by the whole family to the zoo and the Museum of the Ocean will bring you much more positive emotions. And the Curonian Spit with children is also worth a visit.
When to visit the city?
If you plan your trip in advance, the question always arises when is it better to visit Kaliningrad? Since the region is located in temperate latitudes, relatively comfortable and mild weather for tourist trips reigns here at any time. In this sense, Kaliningrad can be recommended for trips at any time of the year. Nevertheless, in the summer the flow of tourists increases significantly. The reason for this is the opening of the swimming season, which lasts from June to the end of August.
When deciding on the timing of the trip, it is necessary to take into account the purpose of your trip. If you are interested in excursions, then you can visit Kaliningrad in spring and autumn, and even in winter. There are fewer tourists at such a time, and renting a hotel room will be cheaper. But you can swim in the Baltic Sea only in summer. The Curonian Spit can be visited from May to November. Of course, you can swim here only in the summer, but in the autumn you can observe the massive migration of birds. .
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In addition, a hike to the rink is relevant in winter. You can go to the "Ice Arena" or ride in the open air at the Golden Way or Lapland ice rink. You will definitely not be bored in the city. There are a lot of options for spending leisure time. Do not forget about walking along the winter streets to admire the historical places of the city. Readers now know what to visit in Kaliningrad. We hope our article will help tourists figure out the local attractions.