The village of Yantarny is a small settlement located approximately 50 kilometers from the regional center - Kaliningrad. From the name of the village it is immediately clear that on its territory there are impressive reserves of a unique fossilized resin - amber, which has been mined here for many years. Also, the village of Yantarny is also a resort town, because it is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Occasionally, so-called “amber storms” occur on the coast, during which many kilograms of amber are washed ashore by the sea.
The urban-type settlement of Yantarny is famous for the fact that the only plant in the world for the extraction and processing of frozen prehistoric resin operates here. The stone is mined on an industrial scale from an open amber quarry. The history of amber mining here dates back to the 17th century, when the stone was mined by hand. Until 1946, the village of Yantarny was called Palmniken, and one of its suburbs was called Krakstepellen. In the 19th century, she organized industrial mining and processing of amber in the village. The founders of the plant, Wilhelm Stantien and Maurice Becker, opened several mines on its territory, making the settlement an industrial center and giving impetus to the development of tourism in the region.
Old German houses in the village of Yantarny, © Svetlana Kuritsyna
Why is it worth going to Yantarny
Yantarny is an urban-type settlement, founded in the 17th century (1654), now belongs to the Russian Federation and the Yantarny city administrative district of the Kaliningrad region. Its other names:
- in 1398 - the settlement of Palmniken, Palmniken-Krakstepellen (German);
- in 1491 - Palveniken (Prussian).
As of 2021, the population of the town. Yantarny was 5529 people. The largest amber mining plant in the country is located here. In addition to this occupation, the population has also long mastered fishing and agriculture. Economic interest comes from two main activities:
- Amber mining and jewelry production.
- Travel business.
The originality of Yantarny lies not only in its resort features, but also in the glory that its lands have earned. When travelers make their route map for a trip to Russian-East Prussia, it is worth including a visit to the city of Yantarny. It’s worth coming here even because this is where the bulk purchase of all jewelry, amber products, souvenirs, boxes and gifts takes place. And all this at the starting price, without market markups.
The city of Yantarny differs from other resorts in Kaliningrad in that it offers tourists:
- An opportunity to improve your health in sanatoriums of nearby large resort centers - the cities of Zelenogradsk and Svetlogorsk.
- Visit the Primorsky quarry, the Amber Combine, its museum and observation deck.
- Relax on the beach, which was the first in Russia to receive recognition as the best in 2021 - the Blue Flag.
- Admire the picturesque landscapes of Lake Sinyavskoye.
- Go to the Museum of Russian Superstitions.
- Just take a walk along the promenade along the shore of the Baltic Sea.
- Be at the qualifying round of the amber mining championship, or sports competitions in rugby, beach soccer, and volleyball.
The climate in Yantarny is the same as in other Baltic resorts. The close proximity to the Baltic Sea softens the air and the heat of the sun. Therefore, it is not very hot here in summer, and not frosty in winter. Mostly southern and western winds blow. There is a spring and autumn rainy season. Natural beauty, rich vegetation and the sea promote healing.
The architecture here is varied, but mainly it tells visitors that a German village once originated and developed here . For example, the now Orthodox Church of the Icon of Our Lady of Kazan, which was originally built as a Lutheran church, is very noteworthy. Typical Prussian building style - turrets, arched windows, doors, stone walls, tiled roof.
Popular excursions from Kaliningrad to Yantarny:
- The most western cities of Russia
- Amber City
- In the footsteps of the Amber Room
Where to eat deliciously?
- Cafe Dacha on the street. Sovetskaya 60b. A cozy cafe with average prices for tourists, it serves good desserts and full meals with fried meat and baked potatoes. The average bill is 700 rubles. Tel.
- Schloss Hotel Restaurant on Sovetskaya 68. Suitable for lovers of new tastes and beautifully presented dishes, average bill 1,300 rubles per person. Tel. for table reservation: +7 401 255-50-40.
- Ritterburg on Sovetskaya 65. A small establishment in the style of a medieval knight's castle with delicious food, we especially recommend pancakes with caviar and baked potatoes with meat. Tel.
- The Becker restaurant on Sovetskaya 72 is ideal for an evening dinner, especially in the summer on the veranda overlooking the sea. An establishment with good service and comfort will help you relax and have a great rest of the day. The average bill is approximately 1600 rubles. Tel: +7 401 256-51-95.
How to get to Yantarny
The train does not go directly from Kaliningrad to Yantarny . You need to take a commuter train to Svetlogorsk or Zelenogradsk. And from there you can move in different ways to Yantarny. Previously, a diesel engine ran to this village - the distance in a straight line is 41 km, the travel time is about 1 hour. Now, starting in 2021, local authorities are resolving the raised issue of resuming the railway and train connections.
Buses run from Kaliningrad to Yantarny from the Yuzhny bus station. Address: Zheleznodorozhnaya street, 7. Bus route No. 120 (Kaliningrad-Sinyavino). They can get to Yantarny, since the flight is provided through this village. Routes start running from 06:30 to 22:10 . Travels through: Pereslavskoye, Kruglovka, Pokrovskoye and Yantarny. Travel time is almost 1.5 hours. prices start from 110 rubles .
But there are other routes:
- 597 – Baltiysk-Yantarny-Zelenogradsk;
- 286 – Pionersky-Yantarnoye-Pokrovskoye;
- 282 – Pionersky-Yantarny-Sinyavino.
Those arriving by plane will be interested in the following methods of travel from Kaliningrad airport “Khrabrovo” to the urban village of Yantarny:
- bus;
- Taxi;
- transfer;
- car rental.
The most expensive way is to order a taxi; it is almost 2 times higher than the prices for ordering a transfer. What are the prices and transfer routes today if you need to come to Yantarny from Kaliningrad:
- airport “Khrabrovo” – 1560 rubles;
- center and bus station - 2400 rubles;
- railway "Yuzhny" - 2040 rubles;
- regions (Svetlogorsk, Zelenogradsk) – from 1500 rubles;
- border areas (Gdansk, Northern Poland - Lech Walesa Airport) - 7,365 rubles;
- borderland (Gdansk) – 9206 rubles;
- borderland (Gdansk, railway station) – 8285 rubles.
The cost of renting a car if you drive from Khrabrovo airport varies depending on the number of rental days, the type of car and even the age of the driver. For example, if the renter is 38 years old and needs a Hyundai Solaris (or something similar), then he will have to pay from 1,300 rubles per day, more details can be found here
If you drive with your own car or a rented one, then you need to take into account a completely different distance, fuel costs and travel time. The approximate fuel consumption will be about 4 liters per 100 km (if the fuel price is 42 rubles, then the costs will be 168 rubles). The distance between Kaliningrad and Yantarny is 48 km. The journey will take about 40 minutes. Moving from Kaliningrad, you will need to pass: Kholmogorovka, Otkosovo, Pereslavskoye, Povarovka, Pokrovskoye.
Popular excursions from Kaliningrad to Yantarny:
- Yantarny and Svetlogorsk
- Amber soul of Kaliningrad
- Travel along the Amber Coast
Monument at the Anna Mine
The second most important attraction of Yantarny in the Kaliningrad region. This is a memorial to commemorate the tragic death of concentration camp prisoners. Granite hands, directed upward, reach a height of 7 meters. Only the most callous and soulless, having been here, do not think about the value and frailty of human existence.
Sea and beach in Yantarny
Even at the end of June-July, the sea water can be cool. Compared to the southern resort, the water temperature here reaches its highest point in June - up to 19 degrees . This temperature is typical for the month of August. The water does not warm up as quickly as, for example, in the Black Sea. Here the sun is not intense, soft.
The beach in the city of Yantarny was the first in the whole country to receive the Blue Flag as the best place for open-air recreation by the sea. The flag was hoisted on a beach called Anna Mine, in the area of the former Anna amber mine. This is an international level award, which also shows compliance with a high level of environmental cleanliness.
the Blue Flag award so Because many experienced tourists always focus on it when they want to visit an environmentally friendly and safe beach by the sea. There are specially equipped bathing areas for those who are physically inactive. There are many places for children to play, cafes, and bungalows in the Galera tourist complex. There is parking for cars not far from the beach - 200 rubles. per day, as well as the stadium.
Therefore here:
- the purest water;
- well-groomed coastline;
- safe stay on the sand for children and adults;
- equipped recreation areas, paths, viewing or playgrounds;
- soft white sand;
- open spaces - the total length of the Yantarny coast is about 6 km.
Renting a sunbed for the whole day will cost about 250 rubles. This includes a towel, while the use of a sun umbrella is free. You can buy a whole basket of comfort for 800 rubles. for all day. It includes: a soft folding chaise longue-basket, a towel. The basket is designed for 2-3 people. Paid toilet – 15 rubles. for one visit. Here, in addition to changing cabins, there is also a special open shower to wash yourself off from the salty sea water.
You can get to the beach, where the legendary “Blue Flag” flies in the wind, if you first follow Sovetskaya Street in the city of Yantarny. Then you need to go down to the beach at the Zastava bus stop. Hikers get there in the same way - they get to the designated stop by bus or minibuses, and then go down on foot.
Curonian Spit
Although it is not located within the village, the spit has earned the attention of tourists. Not visiting it is an unforgivable mistake. 98 kilometers of coastline ranging from 0.4 to 3.8 kilometers wide are unique. Only here, in such a small space, will you be able to get acquainted with the swampy tundra, and with a piece of desert, and with a number of other natural zones. On one side there is the sea, on the other there is a fresh lake. This also affects the character of the coast.
What hotels are there for holidays and stays?
The urban-type settlement is small, but there are still a lot of offers here where to stay and live during your vacation. A wide variety of hotels, hostels and private houses, rooms are due to the development of the tourism business.
Here you can rent daily:
- hotels;
- hostels;
- apartments.
As an example, here are several options with prices and characteristics.
Hotel Anna
The Baltic Sea is only 323 meters away, the airport is 41.6 km (in a straight line) or 52 km, the Kaliningrad railway station is 40.1 km, and the center of Yantarny is 860 m. Address: st. Sovetskaya, 10 . Phone numbers for reservations: +7 (4012) 38-63-51. For all residents the following is provided:
- recreation area with barbecue;
- car parking;
- children's playground;
- transfer order;
- bicycles for rent;
- heating system in comfortable rooms;
- small swimming pool and Russian bath.
Here you can remove:
- Standard double room – 2900 rub. This includes breakfast at a low price, free Wi-Fi, and various bonuses and incentives in the form of gifts.
- Suite 2-room – 3500 rub. Breakfast at a reduced price, two beds (1.5 double), sofa, independent refrigerator, TV, Internet access.
- View more details here or here
Hotel "Becker"
506 m to the beach.
Located at: st. Sovetskaya, 72. Telephones. Room features:
- Single – 5400 rub. Breakfast is included in the price. There is free internet access.
- Standard double (including rooms for people with physical disabilities) – 6,700 rubles. With breakfast and free internet connection.
- Rooms and apartments with air conditioning – from 7100-7250 rubles. The toilet rooms have a bidet.
Services for all vacationers include:
- Billiard room (500 rub.);
- bicycles for rent (150 rub.);
- bar-restaurant, cafe;
- conference room (rent paid separately - from RUB 1,000);
- swimming pool (500 rub.);
- gym (200 rub.).
Near the hotel there is the “Amber Castle”, where you can see an exhibition of amber , as well as buy souvenirs.
View more details here and here
Hotel Schloss
Located near the seashore - 100 m. Distance to the city center - 400 m. Address: st. Sovetskaya, 68. Phones: +7 (4012) 38-56-61,. By calling, you are taken to a call center, where you are provided with general information on several hotels located on Sovetskaya Street.
Guests are offered:
- hamam (Turkish bath);
- sauna;
- pool;
- summer terrace;
- SPA center;
- Bar, restaurant, cafe;
- Gym;
- Lobby bar;
- bicycles for rent.
The rooms and prices are almost the same as in the two previous examples. The hotel is located in an ancient building - the former hunting lodge of King Frederick I of Prussia.
View more details here and here
Fishing village
When you have the opportunity to get to the regional center, you should not refuse a visit there. On a modest piece of territory, the spirit of an old Prussian town and traditional life were recreated. But the quarter is grandiose in its richness. Visiting memorable places and attractions will not be possible in a day. It’s better to get acquainted with the key places here together with Yantarny, and devote maximum time to the microdistrict on your next visit. And it’s more correct to set aside at least 2-3 days for a close acquaintance.
Food and cost of food, dishes in cafes, restaurants
In Yantarny there are restaurants, cafes, bars where you can eat deliciously and relatively inexpensively, considering the standards of resort places. Prices are basically the same as everywhere else. Dishes in cafes and restaurants starting from 500 rubles for a full meal (desserts separately).
If you don’t want to wait for food to be prepared for you in a restaurant or cafe, you can have a snack in bars, pavilions or other catering establishments that serve dishes of different cuisines. But you should remember that the closer to the beach you move, the more expensive it will be to eat in any cafeteria.
Water tower
Construction of the old building was completed in 1920. The height of the building is 35 meters. The outer diameter is 11 meters, so we can confidently say that it was a truly powerful water tower. In 2006 and 2007, the roof underwent major repairs. The object was supplemented with a weather vane resembling a unicorn.
The tower, curiously, continues to be used for its original purpose.
- Address: Zheleznodorozhnaya, 2.
Sights and tour programs
In Yantarny you can see:
Beach "Mine Anna"
Address: st. Sovetskaya, 1
The most comfortable and cleanest . Promenade near the park named after. Becker. The entrance is free . The promenade is equipped with benches, street lamps, and there are recreation and personal hygiene areas nearby.
Becker Park
Address: st. Sovetskaya, 76
Sculptures from the 19th century are collected here, there are comfortable benches and walking paths made of stone. The trees are tall, old, but well-groomed. It is very convenient to walk here in windy weather.
Orthodox Church of the Icon of the Kazan Mother of God
Address: Yantarny, Sovetskaya st., 67A
The temple building is notable for the fact that it was previously a Lutheran church. The temple was originally built in the German style and has been preserved in its original form to this day. You can stay inside for the service, and then purchase religious paraphernalia at a special stand (books, scarves, crosses, candles, etc.).
Water tower
Address: Yantarny, st. Balebina, 1
Partially preserved in its original form, and fully functioning. Nearby, a 5-minute walk, there is the Amber Museum.
Amber Pyramid
Address: Amber Quarry. Phone: +7 (401) 231-08-55. A very interesting structure made from 800 kg of amber pebbles . All visitors are told that by going inside the pyramid, you can get a boost of energy and strength. There is an observation deck nearby with amazing views.
It’s also worth visiting the museum, located right on the territory of the amber factory. Address: st. Balebina, 1 , tel.: +7. spent on visiting is about 1 hour . Here you can see different types of amber. There are separate exhibitions of products made from it, as well as heavy and large pieces and more. Next to the museum there is an observation deck from which you can see the quarry and how the sunstone is mined.
Moritz Becker Park
When talking about what to see in Yantarny, Kaliningrad region, we must not forget about the park dedicated to the first industrialist who organized the extraction of solar stone in the region. He was also behind the creation of the park itself. The manor garden was taken as the basis. The linden trees in this place have been standing for at least 200 years. They are gracefully complemented by decorative crops brought from various countries and corners of the planet. Japanese scarlet and silver poplar, red-leaved beech and a number of other crops are pleasing to the eyes of vacationers. The most striking component of the park is the tulip tree (the official name of the species is lyriodendron). It is pleasant to visit the green area in the summer heat, when it provides shelter from the hot rays of the sun. The estate was restored several times, but still retained its original appearance. Now there is a hotel right there that meets high aesthetic and hotel standards.
Curious : Moritz Becker, just starting to develop these places, immediately demolished the medieval castle. Therefore, claims that there is not enough old color in the region should be addressed to that too, and not to the medieval period. But the village of Yantarny has preserved some of the streets in the spirit of the early twentieth century.
- Address: Sovetskaya Street.
Excursions to Yantarny
Most Popular:
The Amber Room - the search continues
Departure from Kaliningrad. Sightseeing by bus. Duration 6 hours, price 1050 rubles per person.
You will travel on a comfortable bus along the route Kaliningrad - the village of Yantarny - Baltiysk - Kaliningrad. The guide will show the possible location of the Amber Room and tell the story of its mysterious disappearance. In the village of Yantarny you will go up to the observation deck and see the quarry where 90% of the world's amber reserves are located. In Baltiysk you will walk through the sights and memorable places associated with this mysterious history. And then you will walk along the coast of the Baltic Sea and see the lighthouse.
Reviews:
Alla M. Thank you for a great time! The excursion was well planned, we saw as much as possible even in conditions of a subsiding storm and strong wind! We will remember the amber warmth and diversity for a long time; we were especially impressed by Svetlogorsk, where everything is available for relaxation. Thanks also for the very comfortable bus and the professional and careful driver Evgeniy! We'll definitely be back in the summer!
Na_ruch Very interesting, and the places we saw were very beautiful. But little was said about the Amber Room itself and its search (and the excursion, as the name suggests, about the search). In addition, endlessly repeating what Russians are good people and what Europeans are evil - what kind of naive approach is this and who is this aimed at?
BOOK A TOUR
Excursion “Amber Coast” Yantarny + Svetlogorsk
Departure from Kaliningrad. Sightseeing by bus. Duration 8 hours, price 1400 rubles per person.
A journey awaits you to the shores of the Baltic Sea, after which you will know everything about the origin, extraction and processing and properties of amber. You will visit the world's largest deposit of solar stone, from the observation deck of which you can see a beautiful view of the surrounding area and the quarry of the Amber Combine. In Svetlogorsk you will find wonderful nature, a sandy beach with a promenade, the atmosphere of Swiss resorts, a pump room with mineral water, and a walk along cozy streets with ancient buildings.
Reviews:
Lv_timak Thanks to the organizers and excellent guide for the excursion. I really enjoyed it. Even the weather didn’t disappoint! We enjoyed beautiful sights, sea views, got a lot of information and mined amber! Thanks a lot! We recommend it to everyone!
Sitsolpo A very rich and interesting excursion. As in all areas of our lives, the human factor still plays a huge role. So it is here. Thanks to the caring, knowledgeable guide Alexander Toropov, we had only great impressions from the excursion. Sincerely, Svetlana Tarasova, Natalia Zaborsina.
BOOK A TOUR
Museum of Russian Superstitions
The sunny yellow rock and everything connected with it is interesting. But in the village there is also an object beyond the scope of such a topic. The museum was created in 2002 by Mikhail Semenov, a professional woodcarver. In addition to the finished exhibition, tourists will be offered a look at the process of creating the exhibits themselves from scratch. It is worth noting that the entire family of the organizer is busy working with the sculptures. Her creative exercises are highlighted in a separate collection.
- Address: Sovetskaya, 71.
- Hours: Every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
- Price: 50 - 100 rubles per ticket.
Sinyavinskoye Lake
Sinyavinskoye Lake is a fresh lake with clear water, at the bottom of which there is an amazing phenomenon - a sunken forest. Shells on branches and tree trunks, fish scurrying between them - all this is very unusual and can be clearly seen even from the surface of the water in sunny weather.
In some places the depth of the lake reaches 28 meters.
On the side of the village of Sinyavino there is a wild beach, which is reached by a steep descent from a cliff. It's quiet and peaceful here. This is a great place for beautiful photography.
The average water temperature in summer is +19 °C. Near the shore, the water warms up to +25 °C.
How to find: Zelenograd urban district; between the village of Yantarny and the village of Sinyavino
