Short facts about Lithuania
Lithuania is an independent, democratic republic in Central Europe, on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Independence was restored in 1990 and in 2004 Lithuania joined European Union and NATO.
With 65 000 sq. km Lithuania is the same size as Belgium or Ireland. It has population of around 3 millions and shares borders with Latvia, Belarus, Poland and Kaliningrad region (Russia).
Lithuania has a rich historic background, old living traditions, and unique natural beauty. In Lithuania amber has been adopted as the symbol of the country.
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Klaipeda – a jewel in the Baltic amber crown
Alongside the Baltic Sea, on the beautiful west coast of Lithuania lies KLAIPEDA the only seaport in the country full of commerce and culture.
The cruise vessel terminal, situated within walking distance (800 m) from the city center and located in the very heart of remarkable historic old town of Klaipeda with shops, bars, restaurants, banks allows for continued good service in order to satisfy today’s traveler.
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Lithuanian cuisine
There are lots of restaurants and cafes around Klaipeda old town where you can taste Lithuanian national dishes. All ethnographic regions have theirs own old recipes – soups which will warm up on a windy day, a lot of dishes made from potatoes, white curd cheese, which is best with honey and brown rye-bread.
For those who like beer, Lithuania should appear a true paradise as this country produces a great variety of high quality beer.
We recommend you to try:
Cepelinai – consist of pork meat wrapped in a large potato pastry and covered in cream curd sauce,
Šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup) – it is usually served with potatoes, this is a delicious dish on hot summer days,
Kugelis – grated potato cake,
Bulviniai blynai – plain potato pancakes.
Do not forget Lithuanian beer – the most famous and popular is “Švyturys” (more: www.svyturys.lt/en)
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Places to visit
Klaipeda Old Town
See the best of Klaipeda’s old town with its “Fachwerk” and neogothic buildings.
Palanga, Amber museum (Distance from Klaipeda - 25 km)
Drive out to visit famous Amber Museum at Palanga (25 km) and learn about Baltic gold.
More: www.pgm.lt
Curonian Spit
(Distance from Klaipeda - Juodkrante with “Hill of Withches” 18 km, Nida with Great Dune 50 km)
Cross by ferry to the Curonian Spit to discover the “Hill of Witches”, the old fishermen’s cottages at Nida and the Great Dune, with its magnificent panoramic view. Do not forget to pay a visit to the Maritime Museum and Dolphinarium where you may observe live dolphin show
(more: www.muziejus.lt)
Curonian Spit is included in the UNESCO heritage list. Its charming resorts, untouched dunes, white sand beaches and pine forests will leave you breathless and make for unforgettable impressions. “It is so unique that, like Italy or Spain, it is necessary to be seen if one wants to delight one’s soul with wonderful scenery”, wrote famous German scientist Humbold at the end 20th century. Here also you will discover Hill of Withes, with an ensemble of witches, devils and fairy-tale monsters, all carved from wood. Talk to the witch into whose ear whispered wishes are said to come true and sit on the bench, which is said to cure illness.
Ventes Ragas, Bird Ringing Station
Visit the country side of western Lithuania, famous for numerous white storks. At Ventes Ragas, tour the Bird Ringing Station which functions since 1939. Each season, several thousand birds are tagged to make easier to observe them.
Japan Garden
The valley of Singing Stones “Madzuchai” is the largest Japanese garden project in Europe, with picturesque ponds connected by natural water spring sources and cascades, waterfalls and bridges; pedestrian pavements in stone, original shades, benches for rest and stone lanterns. More: www.japangarden.lt
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Shopping
Your shopping adventure starts in small streets of the old town just a few minutes walk from the cruise ship terminal. Antiques and traditional Lithuanian souvenirs of amber, wood, metal, leather and linen can be purchased here.
Shopping malls are usually opened 7 days a week from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.
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Lithuanian currency - Litas (LTL).
Some exchange rates:
1 EUR = 3.4528 LTL
1 USD = 2.43 LTL (please, check for updated rates - www.lb.lt)
1 GBP = 4.30 LTL (please, check for updated rates - www.lb.lt)
Banks with currency exchange points and Automated Cash machines are widely available in the Old Town area.
Almost all bars, shops accept credit cards.
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Transport
Taxi is available in Cruise ship terminal.
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Emergency
For ambulance, fire, police call - 112.
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Post offices:
Old Town Post office, Aukštoji Str., Klaipeda
Opened:
Weekdays: 9.00 am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 10.00 am – 1.00 pm
Sunday: closed
Post Office Liepu str. 16, Klaipeda
Opened:
Weekdays: 9.00 am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 10.00 am – 1.00 pm
Sunday: closed
