Kaliningrad is famous for its amazing history and rich cultural heritage. Until 1945, the city was the capital of East Prussia. At that time it was called Königsberg. Therefore, some of its sights are atypical for Russian cities. Walking around the neighborhood, you can see how closely the Prussian past is intertwined with our Russian present. Historic buildings here side by side with high-rise buildings and modern shopping centers. And, despite the fact that the infrastructure of Kaliningrad is developing, its historical past retains its charm. So, what to see in Kaliningrad in 2 days on your own, and in what cases is it better to take an excursion? Let's talk about this in more detail.
First day
Tourists love to come to Kaliningrad, there is really something to see here. However, it can take up to two weeks to explore all the attractions. But, of course, not everyone has the opportunity to stay in the city for such a long period. Therefore, it is important to properly allocate time to see as many interesting and beautiful places as possible. So, if you have only two days at your disposal, then the first one can be devoted to exploring the main attractions.
Fishing village
You can start your acquaintance with the city from the Fish Village. This is a new landmark of Kaliningrad, built in 2006. Once upon a time in its place there was a fish market, where there was a lively trade. Now the new building is a small modern complex, the buildings of which are stylized as pre-war Königsberg. Here you will see view towers, hotels and business centers.
There are several fish restaurants and coffee shops on the territory, where you can taste dishes according to old Prussian recipes, as well as drink coffee and local beer, which is the hallmark of the city. Tourists do not miss the opportunity to capture themselves against the backdrop of Gothic castles, beautiful German streets, and small architectural forms, among which are unusual lamps and antique-style benches.
Also one of the most romantic places in the city is the drawbridge, on which couples in love most often make dates. The fishing village will be a great place for leisurely walks and relaxation. It is loved not only by locals, but also by guests of the city.
Lighthouse view tower
One of the attractions is the view tower Lighthouse. It is located on the territory of the Fish Village and reaches a height of 33 m. There are several operating outlets inside the Lighthouse. Under the stairs there is a pavilion selling sweets from local craftsmen - jam, preserves, jams and much more. On the second floor, you will see a cafe where you can not only taste delicious aromatic coffee and strudel, but also have a good lunch.
At the very top of the tower there is an observation deck, which offers a beautiful view of Kaliningrad, in particular, the Cathedral and the island of Kant. Of course, to get to the site, you have to make some effort and climb 133 steps. But those who like to photograph the city from a height do not miss the opportunity to visit it.
As you climb, pay attention to the walls, on which you will see paintings and photographs dedicated to the history and modern life of the city. And halfway up there is a shop selling glassware. At the observation deck, everyone can make a coin using a special apparatus. There is also a sculpture of a seagull sitting on an egg. It is believed that if you rub an egg and make a wish, then it will definitely come true.
Cathedral
This is perhaps the main attraction of Kaliningrad. It is located in a historical place, on the island of Kant. People come here not only to look at the pearl of architecture - concerts of classical music, festivals, exhibitions are held in the cathedral. The hall can accommodate up to 700 spectators. The building was erected in the 14th century. His fate was not easy - he had to go through wars, fires. More than half a century ago, a large-scale reconstruction of the cathedral was carried out.
Services are not being held here now. But there are always a lot of people who want to listen to the organ. Tourists also visit the grave of Immanuel Kant, visiting exhibitions dedicated to the philosopher. An old library, a collection of coins have been preserved, and there are many exhibits in the museum that will acquaint guests with the history of the island of Kneiphof (Kant). There is a sculpture park on the island itself. In a word, you simply cannot leave Kaliningrad without visiting this iconic place.
Immanuel Kant Museum
The Kant Museum is also located in the building of the Cathedral. Of course, first of all, its exhibits tell about the life of the great philosopher and his scientific works. What you should pay attention to? The exhibition features drawings by Kant. There is also his petition, in which the philosopher turns to Empress Elizaveta Petrovna and asks to give the department of logic and metaphysics of the university under his leadership.
During these years, Kant was a Russian citizen. Also, here you can learn a lot about the Masonic lodges, see the symbolism of the Masons. One of the paintings displayed in the museum depicts a dinner at a scientist's house. Kant invited interesting interlocutors and outstanding personalities to "dine". A copy of the death mask of Immanuel Kant is also carefully preserved.
Amber Museum
There are no analogues to this museum in the world. Indeed, it is in the vicinity of Kaliningrad, near the village of Yantarny, that the largest deposit of "solar gem" is located, where up to 90% of amber is concentrated.
The museum occupies a historical building - the Don Tower. A beautiful fountain can be seen in the courtyard.
The guests of the museum visit 28 rooms, where over 16 thousand exhibits are stored. It is better to book an organized excursion and listen to the guide's story, then you will get much more information.
You will learn about how amber is mined and processed, look at ancient products that are many centuries old, see extraordinary samples and unique jewelry. For example, the Amber Room. There is also a huge piece of amber, which weighs over 4 kg. The museum often hosts various exhibitions and scientific conferences. As a rule, guests buy amber souvenirs to commemorate this excursion.
Restaurant-brewery "Reduit"
The guests appreciated the restaurants of the city. Baltic cuisine is a delight for gourmets. And if a real European service is also added here. But a very special feeling arises when you enter not into a stylized, but into a real ancient room. An example is the restaurant-brewery "Reduit".
Once upon a time there was one of the structures of the bastion. Similar buildings were demolished in 1910, but this one survived. It has been used for several decades for various purposes. It housed a police station, a hostel, even a sawmill was here.
The restaurant opened in 1995. The interior looks impressive and the guests like it very much. A little later, a brewery appeared here, and the drink, beloved by Russians, is made using proprietary technologies. Many believe that this is where the best beer in the city is brewed. Dark and light, filtered and most useful - unfiltered.
The kitchen is also unusual. For each type of beer, the waiter will offer you dishes that are suitable for this particular drink. From cheese and nuts to unusual and delicious soups. It also serves a variety of salads and sauces. In addition, it is simply pleasant to sit here - the guests seem to be immersed in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
Victory Square
This is where the main events take place. The square received this name after the end of the Second World War.But it arose a long time ago. Once upon a time fairs were noisy here, there was trade. After the collapse of the USSR, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built on the square, the height of which exceeds 50 m.At the same time, up to 3 thousand believers can gather inside.
The majestic structure was erected for about 10 years - they began in 1996, and the consecration took place in 2006. In the temple itself, you can see an old iconostasis. In the area of Victory Square there are many organizations that play an important role in the life of the city; the main avenues intersect here. It will be nice to walk here, sit by the fountain, admire the flowers and trees. The Triumphal Column is located on the square. It was erected in 2005.
Then Kaliningrad celebrated its 750th anniversary. Later, the Order of Victory was installed on the column. You can also see a bas-relief depicting St. George the Victorious. If you wish, having examined the area, you can go to one of the large shopping centers located in the neighborhood. For example, in the shopping and entertainment center "Europe" or in the "Kaliningradsky passage".
Museum of the World Ocean
It will be interesting even for those who have not been interested in the marine theme before. The expositions are so diverse that every guest will find something interesting for themselves. The museum has a library that contains books on marine topics. A rich collection of sinks is presented to the attention of visitors. You can't drag guys away from aquariums with marine life. You can admire the paintings of marine painters.
Ship modelers donated a lot of mini-ships to the museum - these are miniature copies of ships, such were built at different times.
There is also something huge here - this is the skeleton of a giant sperm whale. The first railway bridge, which was built in Königsberg, also passes through the territory of the museum. But that's not all. Nearby - the embankment of the historic fleet. Each ship, standing here, has its own glorious history. And most of the ships can be climbed, inspected from the inside.
For example, the research vessel "Vityaz", which - without exaggeration - has visited all seas and oceans. There is also a submarine, a floating lighthouse, a seaplane, a space communications ship, and an icebreaker. There is also a collection of anchors and cannons.
Brandenburg Gate
This attraction can be viewed free of charge. And although at the mention of the Brandenburg Gate, the first thing that comes to mind is Germany, there is a construction of the same name in Kaliningrad. The gate was erected a long time ago, in the 17th century. They were made in the Gothic style characteristic of that period, but since then they have been rebuilt and reconstructed many times. And they got their name, as they were built on the way to the Brandenburg castle.
The fortress itself has not survived to this day, but the gates continue to adorn the city. They are shown to tourists during excursions, but the main thing is that highways pass through the gates. Of course, these routes cannot be required to correspond to the modern load, so traffic jams often occur. But the city authorities are not going to transfer public transport routes.
You can come here by minibus, the stop is called "South Gate". Nearby there are streets named after Bagation and Suvorov. Having examined the Brandenburg Gate, one cannot fail to visit the Marzipan Museum.
Marzipan Museum
The museum is quite modern, it opened in 2017. But the taste of marzipan, a dessert made from chopped almonds and sugar syrup, has been enjoyed by mankind for several centuries. In the museum, you will be told about the history of a popular delicacy, about old recipes, about the tools needed to make marzipan. You will also find out when and where they began to make these sweets in Königsberg.
And then you can independently decorate the dessert to your liking with the help of special food paints and a brush. And, of course, the excursion will definitely end with a tasting. Therefore, it is recommended to come here with children. There is also a shop where you can buy sweets in order to please your friends and acquaintances after returning home. It is especially curious that the souvenir marzipans bear views of Kaliningrad.
Church of the Sagrada Familia
It is not for nothing that this Catholic church received such a name. Only baptisms and weddings took place here, but they never buried the dead. The church looks very beautiful. It demonstrates the features of Gothic architecture. After the war, services were not held here. But after the reconstruction, a philharmonic society was opened here. It happened in 1980.
It is difficult to find a more suitable place to enjoy organ music. It hosts concerts, festivals, and famous performers perform. The acoustics here are simply amazing! Sounds seem to be born by themselves. The Czech organ sounds so majestic here that at one time it even caused surprise among the specialists who tuned it - they did not expect such an effect.
Since 2007, the church has been considered a cultural heritage site. Everyone can admire it outside, but to get inside, you need to buy concert tickets. The Catholic Church hopes that services will be resumed in the old church over time.
Friedland gate
This museum leaves a very warm impression. It is located in an old building that was built in the 18th century and was part of the city's fortifications. Then the gate lost its defensive significance, and for some time they were not used in any way. But for a museum, their premises fit perfectly. There are several permanent exhibitions deployed here, but in general, finds are collected here, found by residents of the city during the demolition of houses, or their rebuilding, or even just cleaning.
It is no secret that at this very time you can discover various old wonders. Examining the halls, guests take a virtual walk through the streets of the old Königsberg. You can see what houses, shops, pharmacies, schools were like then - it will not even be difficult to “look through the windows”. The exposition telling about the history of the Teutonic Order is very interesting.
Here are, among other things, reconstructed knightly armor. And, finally, in the museum you can get acquainted with how the sewerage system developed and improved. Even such a seemingly prosaic topic can be told in a very interesting way. Also presented are random - at the same time very curious - finds. Including personal belongings of townspeople who lived in the city many years ago.
Miniature park
It will be a pleasure to end the first day of exploring Kaliningrad in this park. It is a local curiosity and is very popular. Residents of the city, of course, travel, but still Kaliningrad is located somewhat away from the main territory of Russia. The miniature park gives citizens and tourists an opportunity to see the main historical monuments of the country. As they say, from Crimea to Vladivostok.
The park was opened in 2017, since then the number of layouts presented in it has increased significantly. Miniatures made of plastic on a scale of 1:25. The objects are recreated with maximum precision. You can see the "Swallow's Nest", St. Basil's Cathedral, Kizhi - from the vicinity of Petrozavodsk, and much more. In a word, within a short time the guests of the park make a "journey" from one end of Russia to the other.
It is best to use the services of an experienced guide. There is also a recreation area, swing, playground, cafe. Residents of Kaliningrad love to come here very much. One has only to take into account that when considering the models, you should treat them with care and not damage the miniatures. A lot of work has been invested in the creation of each of them.
Second day
Having arrived in Kaliningrad for a couple of days, one simply cannot but go to the Curonian Spit. Only when you are there, you can understand all the charm of the Baltics. A light breeze blowing from the Baltic Sea, poetic legends, a unique Dancing Forest, delicious fish dishes - all this awaits you here.The national park is located on the largest sand spit in the world. It separates the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. Ecological tourism is actively developing here.
The landscapes that you will see here are completely unique. These are sand dunes, dense forests, lichens. There are many animals here, including rare species. One of the main wonders of the spit is the Dancing Forest. In the middle of the last century, trees were planted here to strengthen the sandy soil. But until now, scientists have not come to a single conclusion, which forced the trunks to take on such strange, curved shapes over time.
The voices of birds do not sound here, and animals can be found very rarely. To see all the wonders of the braid, it is best to come here with a guide. The best option would be to book an individual excursion. The most popular tourist route leads to the Orekhovaya Dune. The height of the surrounding dunes is a little over 30 m, while Orekhovaya is twice as high. At the maximum mark is the height of Efa, named after the inspector Wilhelm Efa, who did a lot to strengthen the banks.
A stunning panorama opens from this point. You can also take a boat or yacht trip along the Curonian Lagoon, visit an ornithological station. Tourists also visit the museum complex dedicated to the Curonian Spit. Here you will see a "Viking village", an arboretum. There is a town where children can play. An exhibition of wooden sculptures is also presented. Those who wish will buy souvenirs here.
In the halls of the museum, exhibits are collected that tell about the history of the emergence of the spit, the formation of its flora and fauna. Guests will learn how nature conservation is carried out in these places. They will get acquainted with the traditional occupations of the local population, the main of which is fishing. The small Museum of Russian Superstitions is very unusual, where you will be told about the fairy-tale characters that form the basis of the local folklore.
You will see Kikimora and Leshy, as well as various spirits that, according to legends, could interfere or help people. All of them are made of wood so skillfully that they give the impression of living beings. In the "Viking village" there are many ethnographic exhibits, here you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. And, finally, you cannot leave these places without trying the delicious fish delicacies and local beer. Thus, even a short trip to Kaliningrad, which will last only a couple of days, can become an inexhaustible storehouse of vivid impressions.
