SECTION DESCRIPTION:
Wake up to the cheerful melody of birdsong, enjoy a delightful breakfast at one of Karklė’s charming cafés, and set off on your adventure through the breathtaking Seaside Regional Park. The Health Trails will lead you to one of the seaside’s most breathtaking landmarks – the majestic Dutchman's Cap. This hill, a parabolic dune rising 24.4 m above the sea level, is constantly shaped by wave erosion, gradually descending to the coast at a slope of 16-18 meters. The Dutchman’s Cap has long guided sailors and fishermen, and today, it offers the perfect spot to witness the sun melting into the sea.
Be sure to also visit Memel Nord, a World War II-era defensive fortification along the Baltic Sea, constructed after the Klaipėda region was annexed by Germany. However, please note that access to the interior of the battery is only available on weekends or by prior arrangement.
If you're passing through Klaipėda, we highly recommend exploring some of the most stunning stretches of the northern Klaipėda coastline: Giruliai and Melnragė II beaches. You can stroll along the sandy shores and sand plains or follow a paved path weaving through the lush undergrowth.
As you arrive in Melnragė, the road curves, guiding you towards the city centre and the Old Town, passing through the City Park with its outdoor amusement park and the impressive Klaipėda University complex. The complex once served as a barracks, complete with storerooms, dining halls, and even a chapel for Prussian soldiers. All the buildings showcase the elegant neo-Gothic style.
As you journey through the city, the lush green spaces become fewer, so we recommend turning left at Mažvydas Avenue to take a well-deserved break. Here, you can admire the beautifully decorated memorial benches and explore the sculpture park lining the avenue. Today, the sculpture park is home to 116 unique stone sculptures.
As you cross the Biržos Bridge over the Dangė River towards Klaipėda Old Town, you'll spot one of the city’s symbols on your left – the sailing ship Meridianas, which has long been a beloved and iconic landmark. It's now a seafood restaurant, offering the perfect stop to relax, refresh, and enjoy a delicious meal.
The Old Town was once encircled by several layers of defensive ramparts. Some of these historic structures still stand, including Castle Island, the Geldern and Purmark bastions, and the Island of John’s Hill. The reconstructed remnants of these fortifications are a unique part of the city’s historical heritage, dating back to the era of the fortress city. The 18th-century fortifications once encircled the town on the eastern and southern sides, while the New Dangė River provided protection to the north. The only entry points into the town were through the Tilto, Kūlių, and Malūnų gates. Visiting is now effortless, as the embankments and surrounding area have been thoughtfully adapted for modern use, featuring pedestrian and cycling paths, ramps, benches, functional lighting, and more.
The city is home to many more fascinating historical sites, but we invite you to continue your journey along the city’s green pathways, through its charming parks and squares: Mill Park and Pond, Oak Grove Park, Žardė Park, Reykjavik Park, and onwards to Jūrininkų Avenue in the southern part of the city.
USEFUL LINKS:
- Klaipėda District Tourism Information Centre www.klaipedosrajonas.lt
- Seaside Regional Park www.pajuris.info
- Klaipėda Tourism and Culture Information Centre www.klaipedatravel.lt
- A map of Klaipėda’s city centre highlighting the must-see attractions https://klaipedatravel.lt/zemelapis/
PILIGRIM ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
Note: The table only lists the locations accommodating pilgrims.
Reviews