Klaipeda and Palanga are distinguished from other Lithuanian cities not only by their rich history, culture or diverse natural environment, but also by the fact that they are the cities that receive the most visitors in the summer, tempting with swimming in the waves of the Baltic Sea, quiet lazing in the dunes and a stormy night life.
Dane river bank and square
The bank of the Dangė River and the nearby square are a small oasis in the center of Klaipėda city. In the past, this square housed the old shipyards, the city stock exchange, and the post office. Until the 18th century In the mid-XNUMXth century, the buildings on the other side of the river entered the defensive zone of the castle, so there were no civilian buildings here. Later, this territory was divided into plots and leased to merchants - they built warehouses and other buildings here. A building with a unique location, widening shape and irregular construction area right next to the Danė River in the XNUMXth century. became a part of sea and river trade and the largest market in Klaipėda. It was used not only for storing and trading grain products, but also as a warehouse and store for iron products. After the wars that ravaged Klaipėda, the face of the city inevitably changed. At the same time, this place has changed. Now in the historical building on Žvejų st. "Michaelson boutique hotel" was established in XNUMXA, and there are no old buildings left in Dangė river square, but many valuable plants are green.
Klaipėda University Botanical Garden
From Klaipėda city center, you can go to the botanical garden of Klaipėda University, which was opened in 1993, along the Dangė River. was established on the territory of the former Great Tauralaukis manor. Manor life in this place has been boiling since the 2002th century, but after the Second World War, the history of Prussia is remembered here only by old cemeteries, hundred-year-old oak trees, and a fragment of the old road. Klaipėda University Botanical Garden in 250 granted dendrological park status. More than XNUMX plant species grow naturally on its territory. Visitors are invited to view the expositions of climbing plants and Baltic dune plants.
Birute Park
Just 20 km away, you will reach Palanga, which is worth starting with one of the most beautiful parks in Eastern Europe - Birutė Park. The project of the park, known as the pearl of Palanga, was created by the famous French architect Eduardas Fransua Andres at the end of the 21th century, commissioned by Counts Tiškevičius. The talentedly planned park is distinguished by a wide variety of views and moods, skillfully laid paths, and flower beds arranged on the grounds. During the creation of the park, the hundred-year-old pine forest of Birutė, considered sacred, was preserved and has not been destroyed to this day. This is the oldest pine forest in Lithuania, and its pine trees surround the legendary Birutė mountain, which rises XNUMX meters above sea level and offers an impressive view of the roaring Baltic Sea.
Bridge of Palanga
From Birutė Park, you can take the romantic pedestrian path - Meilės alėja - all the way to the square and sculpture with fountain "Jūratė and Kastytis" symbolizing the legend of the tragic love of a fisherman and a goddess. This square is located between the noisy, entertainment and bar-filled Jonas Basanavičius Street and the Palanga Bridge, which attracts every person who comes to the country's largest resort. It is a wonderful place to listen to the roar of the sea, and in the evening to sit comfortably on the benches and enjoy the last rays of the sun setting into the sea. The long-lasting, bright summer sunsets in Lithuania are among the most spectacular in the world.
Šventoji lighthouse
There is no shortage of bike rental points in Palanga, and you can ride a bicycle to Šventoji on a great trail. This quieter holiday resort has one facility that Palanga does not have. This is a lighthouse. The red four-sided lighthouse of Šventojis metal structures was built in 1957, 780 m from the sea. His height is 39 m. A beacon is a navigational sign with a signal visibility of just over 30 km. During the entire period of operation, the Šventoji lighthouse has not been extinguished for more than an hour. In 1964, it was equipped with a sound signal, and in 2000, the lighthouse underwent a capital reconstruction, new and modern equipment was put into use. The lighthouse is located near Šventosija Street, its territory is fenced and closed to visitors. For those who want to get inside and see the panorama of Šventoji from the lighthouse, the World Lighthouse Day is celebrated every year in August, during which visitors are given a unique opportunity to enter the lighthouse and its territory.
Want to travel more? Download the free mobile app from the website www.vakarukrantas.lt and plan your trip around the unified Klaipėda region.
