Klaipeda is the third biggest city of Lithuania. Klaipeda was occupied by the Germans during the Second World War. They used Klaipeda as a base for their submarines. When you walk trough the Old Town you can see the German influences in the houses. Klaipeda’s port is an important player in the Lithuanian economy. The port is the most Northern ice-free port at the Baltic coast.
The river Dane flows trough Klaipeda; this river separates the old and the new part of Klaipeda.

Theater square

An old Classicist-style theater was constructed in 1819. Some time later the theater was destroyed by fire. In 1990 the new theater was finished, a larger building constructed on the old basement. The theater has 2 halls, the great hall (450 seats) and the small hall (150 seats). They play local plays and concerts.


In front of the theater you can see the sculpture of Ann from Tharau. This monument is dedicated to Simon Dach, a poet who was born in Klaipeda. Ann was the girl where he fell in love with, however she was engaged to another man. S. Dach dedicated a song to her called ‘Ann from Tharau’. During the Second World War the sculpture disappeared, it was reconstructed in 1990.

The birzos bridge

The Birzos Bridge separates the old and the new part of Klaipeda. It is the oldest bridge in the city, which although reconstructed many times, has remained in the same place since 17th century. Up to the 18th century this bridge was a good source of income for the city; every passing ship had to pay a fee for rising of the bridge. In 1879 the bridge was reconstructed with metal and stone piers. In 1904 it was again reconstructed. Nowadays you can see locks hanging on the both sides of the bridge; these locks are hung by lovers to seal their eternal love.

Sailing vessel “Meridianas”

This sailing vessel, built in 1948 is one of the most beautiful symbols of Klaipeda. Klaipeda navigation school used this vessel for training purposes. When the vessel was not suitable for sailing anymore, it was turned into a restaurant and placed near the Dane River Bank. Some ten years ago the owners who bought the vessel did not take much care of it. Afterwards the “Meridianas” was bought for one Litas by some lawyer, the entrepreneur gave new life to the vessel.  Today the restaurant in “Meridianas” is opened again.

The old town chimney-sweep

There is a belief – if you shall touch at least a button of the chimney-sweep on New-Year’s morning – luck will accompany you through the whole year. The 2,3 meter high bronze chimney-sweep found his place on the edge of the house hence, there is no change to reach him, nor his button. However, Klaipeda city men belief they shall be more fortunate from now on.

Old town

Do not forget to walk trough the old town of Klaipeda, here you can see the many German influences that Klaipeda kept.

Tip
At the top of Klaipeda hotel (the hotel in the shape of a K) there is a restaurant called Viva la Vita, from here you have a wonderful view over Klaipeda