The gateway to Lithuania’s coast and one of the country’s largest cities, Klaipėda is a destination that delivers on multiple fronts, with nature and culture providing all sorts of possibilities when visiting. Each summer, beachgoers pass through Klaipėda to reach the nearby Curonian Spit with its endless stretch of Baltic beaches and forest trails. But there are also plenty of things to do in Klaipėda itself for visitors curious about its German roots, maritime history, and love of statues.
There’s no beating the opportunities available in Klaipėda come summer. The months of June to August allow visitors to comfortably explore the city center and make use of the Curonian Spit’s beaches and outdoor spaces. Summer also brings with it the Sea Festival, a 3-day celebration with concerts, boat processions, and fireworks. Soon after, at the start of August, the Klaipeda Festival commemorates the city’s birthday.
Buses operate around Klaipėda along its main roads—but for areas such as the Old Town, walking, cycling, and taking scooters are the most effective ways to get places. Two ferries operate from Klaipėda across to Smiltynė on the Curonian Spit: the pedestrian ferry is in the northern part of the city and the car ferry is in the southern part. Once in Smiltynė, you can easily access the beach on foot, explore the city by bicycle, or take the bus to Nida.
Švyturys is one of Lithuania’s most popular beers and is brewed in Klaipėda at the Švyturys Brewery, located just outside Old Town. Established in 1784, it’s Lithuania's second-oldest brewery, and visitors today can tour the facilities to learn the beer’s history and sample it straight from the source. Another city icon is Meridianas, an old wooden sailing ship that now hosts a floating restaurant on the Danė River.
