The history of the Kaliningrad region begins in July 1946. After the defeat of the fascist troops, the region became part of the RSFSR under this name. As a result of bombing by British aircraft and bloody battles for the capture of Königsberg (the former name of the capital of Prussia) in April 1945, the city was in ruins. Despite this, it was possible to restore many monuments to the centuries-old history of the westernmost region of Russia.
Museums in the region contain artifacts indicating the presence of Prussian tribes in this territory back in the 5th century. Order castles are scattered throughout the region. The Duchy of Prussia left a great historical legacy. There was a period in the history of this place when East Prussia was part of the Russian Empire - 1758-1762.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Koenigsberg became a cultural, scientific and commercial center. The world famous philosopher I. Kant taught at the University of Königsberg. The Koenigsberg Sea Shipping Canal was opened, and the trading exchange operated. Königsberg became the capital of East Prussia.
Today, guests of the Kaliningrad region have the opportunity to visit Europe without leaving Russia. The architecture and history of the region is radically different from the rest of the country.
A great guide to all the resorts in the Kaliningrad region: where you should go on vacation, and where there isn’t even a beach anymore
For ease of route planning, we have marked all mentioned cities and attractions on the map of the region:
Cape Taran
Cape Taran is the northwestern protrusion of the Kaliningrad Peninsula. The cape has high, steep shores, from which beautiful views of the Baltic Sea and sandy beach open. On the cape there is the Taran lighthouse, illuminating the approaches to two ports: Kaliningrad and Baltiysk. The thirty-meter lighthouse was built in 1846 according to the design of A. Weitmeyer and is one of the oldest.
You can go down to the sea to the beach from a steep cape using installed stairs. Going down without a ladder is quite dangerous. Cape Taran is located near the village of Donskoye.
quiet lake
In the resort town of Svetlogorsk there is a picturesque place - Quiet Lake, where ducks and swans live. The lake is surrounded by forest. On the embankment there are benches, a bicycle path, and exercise equipment. You can rent a boat or catamaran and ride around the lake; there is a bicycle rental service.
Zelenogradsk
The old name of the royal resort is Kranz. This is one of the most beautiful cities in the Kaliningrad region. Here you will see sights that few people know about. You will also admire the Baltic Sea and truly relax.
Where to stay and eat
In Zelenogradsk we lived in the Hercules Hotel 3*. Small, cozy, with very tasty breakfasts. The rooms are not spacious, but comfortable. For a couple of nights - that's it. I liked the view from the window of the Transfiguration Cathedral. Among other hotels, I can recommend the spa hotel “Zelenogradsk” 4* (very cool, located right on the shore) and “Eliza Inn” 3*.
I can recommend 3 options for restaurants:
- Hercules . It is located at the hotel of the same name. Just where we lived in Zelenogradsk. Everything was delicious, prices were good. Try their pizza!
- Sambia . Restaurant serving local and Baltic cuisine with panoramic views. Try fish (take any - all are good), smoked ribs, soups, pies. The presentation of the dishes is very beautiful. The desserts are especially good.
- Neptune's . Another panoramic restaurant in Zelenogradsk. They cook here using products from local farms. The menu is huge – it’s dizzying. I recommend dishes cooked over an open fire. Everything is delicious. Prices are above average.
You can eat relatively inexpensively in Zelenogradsk at the Papa Beppe pizzeria. For coffee and desserts, go to Port-o-coffee, Konigsbaker or Croissant. There are also many amazing bakeries and bakeries in the city.
Day 4
Kurortnaya Street is the first thing you need to see in Zelenogradsk. Look for cats: real, drawn, in the form of sculptures. On the same day it is worth visiting the Water Tower. Inside there is the Murarium Museum. Cat lovers will be delighted! There is an observation deck at the top. There is also an unusual museum of skeletons. If you are not tired of walking, go to the Zelenograd promenade.
Day 5
Dedicate it to the sea. Zelenogradsk has stunning sandy beaches. In summer you can swim, and the rest of the time you can just admire the Baltic Sea and feed funny seagulls. Take a walk along the boardwalk. There are exercise equipment, swings, benches, and observation decks. Walk to the Queen Louise pump room. Bring a bottle with you to fill up with water.
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