Heading for the Baltic: What to see and do in the Kaliningrad region in four days

Former Koenigsberg received the name Kaliningrad only in 1946, after the victory over Nazi Germany. Although the city was connected with Russia long before it joined the USSR. In 1758, its inhabitants swore allegiance to the Russian Empress Elizabeth II, but the city was later returned to East Prussia for political reasons. The complex and interesting historical fate has of course left its mark on the appearance of the region – there is a lot to see and learn. Let’s go!

The journey from Khrabrovo Airport to the center of Kaliningrad will take 40-45 minutes – it is worth noting that traffic jams are frequent in the city. It is worth settling in such a way that you are close to all the attractions and do not have to worry about organizing a transfer. Radisson Blu Hotel, Kaliningrad is located right on the main square. There are 178 rooms with excellent views, the interiors of which were created by Swedish designer Christian Lundvall. On the top floor of the hotel there is a fitness club with a sauna. It will help you recharge your batteries and relieve stress before the forced march of local history. In addition, Radisson Blu Kaliningrad has opened the Brasserie De Verres En Vers, a restaurant serving traditional European cuisine with local dishes, which will also save the traveler precious time on organizing lunch or dinner.

We warn you right away: you will not be able to see Kaliningrad in a few days, but this time, of course, it is enough to be enchanted and want to come back again and again. So, what is a short course to get to know the capital of the westernmost region of Russia? Of course, it is worth taking a walking tour, marking the main points.

We can wholeheartedly recommend a trip to the Altes House museum apartment. Here, with love of history and attention to detail, the life of the people of East Prussia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries is recreated. The Amalienau district, consisting of villas, some of which have been transformed into apartment buildings over time, also deserves special attention. It makes sense to go there with a professional guide: the expert will reveal many hidden secrets to you.

The Brandenburg and Royal Gates (a total of eight gates of the Königsberg fortress wall have survived) are the most picturesque and recognizable places for a souvenir photo. They are made in pseudo-Gothic style and restored. Today, the gates still fulfill their main functions (vehicle and pedestrian flows pass under them).

You should definitely go to the fishing village and take a boat to Kant Island, also known as Kneiphof. Here is the cathedral built by the Teutonic Order. The cathedral was carefully restored after World War II, and the burial place of perhaps the most famous native of these places, the philosopher Immanuel Kant, located on its territory, remains a place of pilgrimage not only for those who understand the basics of the categorical imperative.

Check out the organ concert schedule to enjoy the epic power of sound under the arches of the cathedral, and then head out for dinner somewhere nice. For example, pay attention to the new gastro-bar “Ugodniki”. It has a very interesting approach to the menu: it is completely updated every few months under the leadership of a new eminent chef.

Yantarny is the pearl of the Russian Baltic coast. Today it is an urban village, located on the site of the ancient cities of Palmniken and Krakspellen. It was here that industrial amber mining began: since the 19th century, it was carried out in the Walter quarry, on the site of which, after the end of development and flooding, the purest Sinyavinskoye Lake was formed. Today, the Kaliningrad Amber Factory extracts the sunstone in another quarry. If you wish, you can visit its observation deck, the spectacle is truly impressive. And of course, do not forget to choose a souvenir in one of the many workshops that process the amber extracted by the factory.

The pride of Yantarny is a beautiful beach, the first in Russia to be awarded the “Blue Flag”. At any time of the year, you can walk along the coast along the three-kilometer wooden promenade, enjoying the Baltic air and stunning sea views. Come here for at least a few hours – you will definitely want to come back and stay longer.

In Yantarny, we recommend booking a session at the Nordic Spa, a wellness center that has become a local reference and a hit on social networks. Vivid emotions and reboot guaranteed: spectacular Scandinavian saunas and stunning wood-fired cast-iron tubs. They are located right on the shore, and in the cold season it is especially pleasant to admire the tumultuous waves, relaxing in the warm and aromatic water (and if you are brave enough, you can even swim in the Baltic!)

Svetlogorsk and Zelenogradsk are mandatory points of the Kaliningrad region discovery program. These are classic resorts, full of the charm of old Europe: the buildings here are carefully preserved and restored, modern infrastructure, promenades and walking routes are organized for tourists. If you do not have much time, a visit to Svetlogorsk and Zelenogradsk can be “packed” into one day.

Svetlogorsk participates in the international association Cittaslow, which unites “slow cities”, so one of the symbols of the old Rauschen is a monument to a snail; And take an iconic photo against the backdrop of an old water tower, choosing a recognizable angle, where an unusual outbuilding with “eyes” enters the frame. In the park near Quiet Lake, find the storyteller’s house, next to it is an incredibly detailed model of old Koenigsberg, made of painted ceramics.

In Zelenogradsk, get carried away by the intricate maze of streets and admire the houses (find the facade with a stucco crab!), and when you go out to the sea, enjoy the wide paved promenade – it was built relatively recently, as part of the federal reconstruction program, but it fits perfectly into the appearance of the city. We recommend having dinner at the BALT restaurant – here traditions mix with the latest gastronomic trends. Do not forget to explore the local fish section of the menu and try the Baltic sour cream.

The main delicacy is baked marzipan with pistachios and marzipan with dark chocolate cherries. Marzipan tea is also very good.

The region has a wonderful tradition of dairy production – pay attention to the products of the Schaaken Dorf cheese dairy, where they make delicious fresh and mature cheeses with interesting additives.

Pay attention to the main trend of the season – light royal amber (from white to yellowish). And beware of fakes: take an ultraviolet flashlight with you on your trip. Natural amber glows with a bluish or greenish light from below.

Here the traveler is limited only by his tastes – the choice of raw materials from the Baltic and the lakes is huge!