Klaipeda Sea Museum & Dolphinarium
Tour code: KLJ K003,
Duration: 5:00 hours.
Dominated by the influence of the old German culture, well-reconstructed medieval quarter of Klaipėda old town, with its narrow cobblestone streets, is best explored on foot. Klaipėda was founded in 1252 by German Crusaders and has been always different from other Lithuanian towns with its architecture and charm.
After leaving the port, you will start the tour in Klaipėda’s birthplace – the ruins of Klaipėda castle, where you will stop for a view at the ruins of Klaipeda castle. Built in 13th century, the castle has suffered from many wars and fires, but today it houses a small modern museum of the castle. From the bastion you can enjoy the view of Klaipėda.
After touring the castle, you will enter the old town of Klaipėda and stop at Drama Theatre Square – the central place in Klaipėda. There you will see famous sculpture of “Annchen von Tharau”, the diffident girl posing in front of the Drama Theatre and engendering as much mystery as the Mona Lisa. The sightseeing will continue through the net of 18th century streets of the Old Town, where traditional medieval urban layout is still clearly distinguishable.
After exploring the narrow streets of Klaipėda old town with its “Fachwerk” style buildings, you will walk to the ferry taking you to the Curonian Spit (15 min.) Once in Smiltynė, you will ride a small tourist train in the beautiful and calm nature of Curonian Spit national park. En route you will stop and view the old fishing boats, which gave a start to industrial fishing in Lithuania, standing next to old fisherman’s household. Later you will stop for a visit in Lithuania’s Sea Museum.
Located in a 19th century fortress, the Lithuania Sea Museum comprises exhibitions of marine nature and history of navigation. Today the museum houses aquariums with fish species from Lithuania’s fresh waters, the Baltic Sea and tropic seas, as well as a permanent exposition of prepared samples of marine fauna. Penguins, Baltic Sea seals and Steller’s Sea lions live in the outdoor pools next to the aquarium building. . In 1994 a dolphinarum was opened, the last item in the Lithuanian Sea Museum complex, which covers all areas of human relations with the sea. The comprehensive approach makes this museum different from other Sea museums of Europe.
What’s included: Licensed guide, Entrence fee.
Location: City centre.
Availability: All year around.