Kaliningrad, formerly Koenigsberg, capital of eastern Prussia
until 1945, is becoming recognised as a tourist destination
with a difference. An important Russian enclave, it is the most
western state of the Russian federation, home to the Russian
Baltic fleet in the only ice-free northern port.
In Kaliningrad you will find the world's richest amber deposits,
beautiful sandy beaches along the Curonian Spit, skirted with
pine forests and summer houses. An island of Russia, surrounded
by new EU states, Kaliningrad offers the independent traveller
an opportunity to explore Russia on the cheap, with costs a
fraction of those in St Petersburg or Moscow. Full of contrasts
of the romantic Russian soul, the money of 'New Russians', and
aspects of the Russia we associate with cold war spy novels,
mystery and secrecy behind the Iron Curtain (visit a closed
military city, or crawl through an old Soviet submarine!). Discover
this quirky corner of Europe with a Kaliningrad
city break.
Although much of the original architecture was destroyed during
WWll the 14th Century Cathedral has been restored and you can
still stroll along picturesque avenues, next to the monstrous
Soviet blocks and edifices such as the House of Soviets. There
is a mood of change in Kaliningrad as archaeological digs progress
alongside new business centre developments. A real contrast
of architecture, culture and history. Kaliningrad is following
in the footsteps of the neighbouring Baltic countries and welcomes
the discerning visitor for a new and exciting travel experience.
Kaliningrad
memories... border control at
Sovietsk (formerly Tilsit) bridge, berries for sale by
the roadside, families working in the fields, old Volgas
and blacked out Mercs, street stalls and kiosks, climbing
through the Kursk-style submarine and listening to the
curator's tales, drinking local vodka at sunset on Svetlogorsk
beach, outdoor eating and discos in Svetlogorsk, housing
for the masses in concrete blocks, beautiful paintings
of old Koenigsberg before the war, imagining Immanuel
Kant walking the streets, boat trip along the river, spotting
Soviet icons, the truly wild Russian side of the Curonian
spit...
Watch this video to get an insight into the weird and wonderful
world of Kaliningrad (former Konigsberg)
can I fly from my local airport to the Baltics..?
