Zelenogradsk is a small resort town located on the Baltic Sea coast, 32 kilometers from the center of Kaliningrad.
The Curonian Spit National Park originates from the eastern outskirts of the city, the villages of which belong to the Zelenograd region.
Currently, Zelenogradsk is one of the most popular short-term vacation spots for residents of Kaliningrad and guests of the region.
Zelenogradsk city (Russia)
Zelenogradsk is a resort town on the Baltic Sea in the Kaliningrad region. Until 1946, it was called Kranz and belonged to Germany, being one of the most popular resorts in the German Baltic. Zelenogradsk is a charming green city with a German character, a picturesque coastline and endless sandy beaches.
In Zelenogradsk you can see many old German mansions, built mainly in the style of German Art Nouveau or Art Nouveau architecture. Its modern historical center was formed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was practically not damaged during the Second World War. Zelenogradsk still remains a very popular resort and an excellent place for a quiet family holiday.
How to get there
The best way to get to the resort Zelenogradsk is through the regional center of the Kaliningrad region. 32 km from it . We will describe the most basic methods used by guests and tourists of the Russian Baltic resort .
How to arrive to Kaliningrad:
- Airplane. There are non-stop flights in Moscow and St. Petersburg. You can fly from the capital in 2 hours if you use Utair, S7, Aeroflot airlines. But you can fly faster - in 1.5 hours if you buy tickets from Ural Airlines and Aeroflot super-fast flights. Based on the price of tickets, such a flight will cost 3000-4000 rubles . There are also more expensive tickets - it all depends on the comfort of the seats and the model of the board itself.
- Train. Direct communication is provided in the following cities: two capitals of the Russian Federation (Moscow, St. Petersburg), Smolensk, Adler, Chelyabinsk. If you travel from Moscow, then the train journey will take about 20-23 hours, if it is fast. At the border you will need to apply for a transit visa.
- Bus. If you come by bus, this can only be done from cities located closer to the northwestern borders of the Russian Federation. For example, you can travel from Pskov through Belarus (Minsk) and Lithuania (Vilnius). Travel time: 1 day, 7 hours. Ticket price is about 3000-4500 rubles. At the border you will need a Schengen or transit visa.
- Other vehicles. The easiest way is to drive your own car, first take a road map and fill out the documents (Schengen visa or transit visa, as well as an international driver’s liability insurance policy “Green card”).
For those who arrive by plane, it will be most convenient to get to the resort without coming to the Kaliningrad bus station. Route No. 243-E runs from Khrabrovo to Zelenogradsk There are three routes in total. The first departure is 10:45 in the morning, the second is at 14:30 and the third is at 19:30. Travel time is about 40 minutes. Ticket price – 36 rubles.
Popular excursions:
- Excursion from Zelenogradsk “War and Peace”
- Excursion from Zelenogradsk - Svetlogorsk and Schaaken Castle
Electric train
There is a train from Kaliningrad to Zelenogradsk. Duration: 30-40 minutes. Departure to the Zelenogradsk-novy station is carried out from the following stations:
- South Station (Kaliningrad, Zheleznodorozhnaya str. 29) – 53 rubles ;
- Northern Station (Kaliningrad, Sovetsky Prospekt 2) – 46 rubles .
For lovers of the beach and sea, this is a very convenient way, since Vokzalnaya Street and the Zelenogradsk railway station itself are located in close proximity to the coast. If you intend to visit the Curonian Spit, then there are quite a lot of buses going there from the Zelenogradsk bus station.
Bus
If you came by bus to the center of Kaliningrad , then the easiest way for you to get to Zelenogradsk is also by bus from the central bus station. The drive takes from 40 minutes to more than an hour. Much depends on what route the bus takes.
Bus numbers:
- 114;
- 140
- 141.
South Station address:
Kaliningrad, st. Zheleznodorozhnaya, 29
If you order a transfer , it will cost approximately several thousand rubles ( from 1500 rubles and above ). But using a regular taxi will be even more expensive.
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Beach
The beach area stretches along the entire Zelenograd coast. The part belonging to the city is equipped with sun loungers, showers, and changing cabins during the official swimming season. Rescuers are on duty.
Read more about all Zelenograd beaches, including surrounding ones
In warm weather it is very crowded here. And the beach strip is not wide, as it has only just begun to be restored after the renovation of the breakwaters. If you want to get a good seat, you will have to arrive almost at 9 am.
At the end of the promenade, near the park and the Barn cafe, there is a beach equipped with slopes and wooden boardwalks for people in wheelchairs.
The only downside of the beach is people who don’t know how to carry trash to trash bins and how to carry themselves to toilets. Near the beach there are both paid (on the boardwalk) and free toilets (next to the Ambar cafe).
At the opposite end of the promenade from the cafe and park, the wild part of the beach begins. There are the famous “frying pans” - sandy areas on the dunes, surrounded by grass and low bushes. You can relax here even in windy weather - it will still be warm. By the way, in the wild part the beach strip is much wider, and there are much fewer people there. You can come here for a picnic.
I like coming here with children. The entrance to the water is flat everywhere, the bottom is sandy, and the depth begins after a few meters, where children do not climb. We don’t take sunbeds - the sand is soft, pebbles are rare, so you can easily lie on a blanket. There are no entertainments on the beach, only those on the boardwalk. That's why I always take toys for the sandbox for children. We try to appear on the beach in the morning, until 12 noon, when the sun is still not dangerous and there are not so many people.
Geography and climate
Zelenogradsk is located 30 km north of Kaliningrad on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The city is located on the northern shore of the Kaliningrad (Zemland) Peninsula, where the Curonian Spit begins. The climate here is temperate maritime. It is characterized by warm, often rainy summers and cool winters with slight frosts.
Streets of Zelenogradsk
Impressions from the resort
A small town 40 km from Kaliningrad has captivated the hearts of visitors for more than two centuries. According to reviews, Zelenogradsk is a place where you can relax both body and soul. The Baltic resort has pleasant architecture, a beautiful embankment, and the seagulls are so accustomed to people that they eat right out of your hand. Breathe fresh air, enjoy nature and the sound of the sea!
Elena: “I was simply delighted! A small, cozy town with a beautiful embankment and friendly seagulls. Each house amazes with its unique style, you feel like you’re in a fairy tale.”
Rinka: “We really liked the embankment. Here you can not only enjoy the beauty of the Baltic Sea, but also play sports. There is everything for children and adults to have fun - swings, sports equipment, large chess, labyrinths, hopscotch, trampolines, bike paths. Along the promenade there are cafes and restaurants with children's playgrounds. There are toilets, changing rooms, benches. You can go down to the beach. You can’t stop watching the sunsets.”
Water tower. Photo: Bars 23 / wikimedia.org / CC BY-SA 3.0.
Story
In the early Middle Ages, there was a Prussian settlement in the vicinity of Zelenogradsk. In the 9th - 10th centuries, a Viking settlement was founded here. It is believed that Kranz (the German name for Zelenogradsk) was founded in 1252 as a village of Prussian fishermen. At the end of the 13th century, a small Crusader castle was built here and a tavern was founded on the way from Königsberg to Klaipeda.
Zelenogradsk
In 1816 Kranz became a seaside resort. A few decades later the city received the status of a royal resort and by the end of the 19th century it was one of the most popular holiday destinations in Germany. On February 4, 1945, Kranz was occupied by Soviet troops and in 1946 it was renamed Zelenogradsk.
Where to eat?
Zelenogradsk has many different cafes with European and Russian cuisine. In almost every establishment you can find traditional German, Polish and Lithuanian dishes. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in tourists, so there is a lot of competition among cafes. Everyone tries to “keep their mark.” Below I will tell you about my favorite places.
Cafe "Ambar"
Address: st. Volodarskogo, 30 Phone: +7 (4012) 708-002 Website: https://ambar2010.ru/
This cafe has a very good location: on one side there is the sea, on the other there is a park. There are always visitors here. And on weekends (at any time of the year) and in the high season it is very busy, there may even be queues for free tables. But if the weather is good, then you can take a walk along the promenade while waiting. But it is better, of course, to book a table in advance.
Despite the large number of guests, the waiters cope well with the large influx, and service is short. True, once they mixed up the size of my coffee, but that doesn’t happen to anyone.
The menu has a wide selection of dishes from Russian, Ukrainian, Polish and Lithuanian cuisines. Dinner for two with beer will cost an average of 1,500 rubles.
For children there is a well-organized playroom with slides, a dry pool, and cartoons. An animator looks after them. Therefore, you can come to this cafe with children and not worry that they will get tired of waiting for their order.
My sister and I always set aside a couple of days a month to go to the “Garn”. Sometimes alone, sometimes with children. We try to choose tables with a sea view. There is a peaceful atmosphere here, very cozy - you can take a break from daily worries and recharge.
According to visitor reviews
Pros:
- There is a summer veranda overlooking the sea.
- Even when the restaurant is packed to capacity, food is prepared quickly.
- Very tasty fish dishes.
- There is a children's room.
- Attentive administrators.
- It's cozy inside.
- Reasonable prices.
Minuses:
- Sometimes there are no free tables.
I was very pleased with everything: the food is delicious, the staff is pleasant, it’s very beautiful inside.
We had to wait for a table, but it was worth it! I especially liked the Polish cuisine.
We had a table overlooking the sea! Moreover, there was a small storm, but this only made it warmer and more comfortable in the kaya.
Pizzeria "Papa Beppe"
Address: st. Volodarsky, 16B Phone: , Website: https://www.pabeppe.ru
The pizzeria opened in Zelenogradsk in 2021 and belongs to the regional Papa Beppe chain. Located next to the promenade, on the “Wind Rose” site.
The establishment specializes in pizza, but also offers European dishes. Although, to be honest, it’s better to come here only for pizza and snacks. Various roasts and chops, regardless of the location of the cafe of this chain, do not turn out very well.
Dishes from the menu can be ordered delivered to your home. There is a good children's menu.
For a family of two adults and two children, lunch costs about 2 thousand rubles.
What I especially like about the Zelenograd pizzeria is that it follows the European traditions of self-respecting establishments. While your order is being prepared, guests are offered delicious homemade buns. And at the end of lunch - a shot of some kind of alcohol-containing liqueur, similar to limoncello.
According to visitor reviews
Pros:
- Delicious variety of pizza.
- Convenient location near the sea.
- Spacious, bright room.
- The pizza is prepared in plain sight.
- Polite, helpful staff.
Minuses:
- If the load is heavy, it will take a long time to wait for an order.
It seems to me that this is the only decent pizza in Zelenogradsk.
I really liked the desserts and pizza, but the pike perch in the fish dish was a little dry.
I was very pleased with “Papa Beppe” in Zelenogradsk with the service, general atmosphere, and food. It’s a pity that this is not the case in all establishments of this chain.
Pizzeria "Skovorodka"
Address: Kurortny Prospekt, 3 Telephone: 8-401-50-3-19-66; 8-911861-70-92; 8-900-352-51-46 Website: https://vk.com/club47349281?w=address-47349281
One of the oldest establishments in Zelenogradsk, pizzeria “Skovorodka” is famous for its unusual interior and pies.
About five years ago, this place was not very tasty, but very expensive. But there was always excellent baked goods from their own kitchen, but they were and are still being sold on the street. In the last year and a half, apparently due to the large influx of tourists, Skovorodka has reconsidered its direction in the restaurant business.
The room here, as it was, is very small, with only 7-8 tables. But full load is rare. The interior is striking with a mixture of original design and Russian folk paintings. The walls are covered with gratitude from those who have been here over the years, there are old photographs of Krantz, and there is also an art area painted with crayons of folk floral patterns. Even the menu is partially created by hand.
From the beginning of 2021, you can order delivery of dishes from the menu at Skovorodka.
My favorite dish here is Curonian pies. Quite large, similar to a closed pizza. With potatoes, cheese, mushrooms. They cost about 200 rubles. I like coming here with children: they are given coloring books while they wait, and the bright interior can keep them occupied for a long time.
According to visitor reviews
Pros:
- Bright interior design.
- Delicious pastries.
- Nice staff.
- There is no fuss and it feels like home.
Minuses:
- The quality of some dishes does not match the price.
Reminiscent of a family Spanish cafe - bright colors, chaotic design, but tasty and soulful.
There is always a free place here. The food is delicious.
We took pizza, it was delicious, but it seemed to me overpriced.
Shops and markets
In Zelenogradsk there are two large chain supermarkets, many shops in courtyards and one small market.
It cannot be said that the market sells fruits and vegetables fresher and cheaper than in supermarkets. Especially during the season, it is more profitable to buy such products in stores. But if you want homemade: berries and vegetables straight from the garden, pickles, jam - just go to the market for that. Foreign tourists often buy from housewives - for them it is exotic.
Approximate prices for products depending on the season:
- potatoes - 9-30 rubles/kg;
- tomatoes - 70-200 rubles/kg;
- cucumbers - 35-200 rubles/kg;
- apples - 50-150 rubles/kg;
- milk - 43 rubles;
- bread - up to 60 rub.
Supermarkets often have discounts and promotions. You can also ask locals where they get cheaper or fresher food.
Personally, I buy basic products in supermarkets, but at the market the prices are higher and often there are unripe fruits. But for nuts or sweets I go to the market - these goods are fresh and inexpensive, and there is a large selection. I try to buy meat in butcher shops from producers.
Attractions
Promenade
Promenade is one of the most popular places in Zelenogradsk. This is a wide promenade that stretches along sandy beaches and is slightly elevated above sea level. Here you can see several interesting sculptures, breathe in plenty of Baltic air and drink mineral water in the Queen Louise pump room, built in 2006 by a philanthropist. The pump room is a brick tent. The pump room also has a picturesque pier that cuts into the sea and from where you can admire beautiful sunsets.
Not far from the pump room is the town hall of the old Kranz - a neat building in the German Art Nouveau style, built at the beginning of the 20th century.
Kurortny Prospekt
Kurortny Prospekt is a charming pedestrian street that has largely preserved the architecture and charm of the old Kranz. Several magnificent ancient buildings have been preserved here.
Former post office
The former post office is a beautiful brick building in the neo-Gothic style, built in the early 20th century.
Kurhaus
The Kurhaus was once Kranz's main hotel and was built in the first half of the 19th century. This charming half-timbered building has now been restored and operates as a private hotel.
Water tower
The water tower is one of the most famous landmarks of Zelenogradsk. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century in Art Nouveau style and was used until 1946. Now within its walls there is a Murarium - a museum dedicated to cats.
There are a lot of cats in Zelenogradsk, which have literally become one of the symbols of the city and part of the city culture.
Adalbert's Church (now the Transfiguration Cathedral)
Adalbert's Church (now the Transfiguration Cathedral) is a neo-Gothic red brick church with an impressive 42-meter tower, built in the late 19th century. During Soviet times, the church was closed. In 2007, the building was consecrated as an Orthodox cathedral.
St. Andrew's Church
The Church of St. Andrew is another Catholic church, rebuilt into an Orthodox church. The church building was built at the beginning of the 20th century in the neo-Gothic style and was used as a warehouse during Soviet times.
Max Krell Villa
Villa Max Krell is a historic building from the early 20th century, built by a famous German lawyer. It is an interesting combination of traditional Russian style and German Gothic. Nowadays there is a local history museum here.
Curonian Spit
The Curonian Spit is a unique natural site that is included in the list of World Heritage Sites. It is a long strip of sand with real dunes, stretching from Zelenogradsk to Klaipeda, Lithuania.
Is it expensive to go on vacation?
In 2021, average prices for vacations in Zelenogradsk. According to reviews, accommodation, food and entertainment will cost a little more than in Kaliningrad. A double room in a guest house costs from 1800 rubles, in a 3* hotel - 2600-3500 rubles, and in a 4* hotel - from 6000 rubles. One-room apartments are rented for 2000-2500 rubles per day. Look for housing in Zelenogradsk on Hotelluk.
The average bill in a cafe for two is 400-500 rubles. For dinner in a restaurant without alcohol you will pay from 1000 rubles.
Entrance to the Murarium museum is 280 rubles, to the exhibition of eagle owls and owls PhiloSovia - 250 rubles, to the House of Angels - 200 rubles, the Museum of Skulls and Skeletons - 200 rubles, and to the city local history museum - 150 rubles. Boat trip on the sea - 500 rubles. Prices for group excursions start from 250 rubles.
Tatyana Smirnoba: “We went from Zelenogradsk to Kaliningrad and Svetlogorsk. Travel by train is no more than 60 rubles per person, by bus – 90 rubles. We went to the Curonian Spit by private car: for 1 hour - 500 rubles, regardless of the number of people. On the beach they sell kvass - 100 rubles, corn - 100 rubles.”
Zelenogradsk Photo: ph1l74 / flickr.com / CC BY-SA 2.0.
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Real estate prices
Investment in construction projects in Zelenogradsk is in full swing. Mostly the Eastern district is being built up, next to which is the famous Skovorodka beach. Often, apartment buildings are built on five floors, and the complex includes up to 11 houses. The area has German-style architectural buildings, as well as some Soviet high-rise buildings. Infrastructure includes a hospital, a private clinic, Victoria and Family food outlets. From here there is access to the highway to Svetlogorsk and Kaliningrad.
