Zelenogradsk in one day: history, culture, gastronomy

See everything in one day

A small town like Zelenogradsk can be explored in just one day, provided, of course, you don’t decide to settle on the sandy shore under the gentle Baltic sun, but instead take a walk through the small and cozy streets of the city.

‘In history – there is strength and spirit’

Long ago, around 1240, the city was named Kranz, which translates from Prussian as “cliff city”. The city does indeed end at the sea, but in my opinion, such a name is more characteristic of Svetlogorsk today; apparently, the landscape was completely different in those times.”

In 1816, the city was granted the status of a Royal resort. The season here began on May 15 with the raising of the flag in the main square and ended with its lowering on September 15. The first large hotel was built in 1821, its name was Loger House, and it still welcomes guests today. I’m sure that guests feel the special atmosphere of this place, which has been hosting visitors for over two hundred years. In 1853, the construction of a thirty-year highway connecting Kranz and Königsberg was completed, along which stagecoaches began to run according to schedule. On July 8, 1885, a railway branch was ceremoniously opened. In 1913, there were 29 boarding houses and hotels in Kranz. In 1946, Kranz was renamed Nakhimovsk, and could later be called Baltiysk, its current name was given in 1947.

I think a brief, informative introduction has brought you up to date on historical events, now we can return to the present and I will explain how to get to know the city in one day.

If reading this has whetted your appetite, and it’s still early morning, you understand that it’s best to start your journey early, right? In that case, I’ll recommend some places where you can enjoy delicious and hearty meals.

The first café is located at the entrance to the city, near the roundabout, it’s called “Teplo” at ul. Turgeneva 11b, head there around 9 o’clock. If you’re already in the city center, then you should visit the café “Hleb” at Kurortny Prospekt 16, when the weather permits, you can have breakfast on the summer terrace, they’ll be waiting for you from 8 in the morning. A Walk

You can start your journey from Kurortny Prospekt, it’s the very center, very atmospheric, no cars here, usually no sea breeze either, but there are cute, neat wooden houses, shops with all sorts of “stuff”, one of them is even called “Barakholschik”.

Here you will encounter many cats, both wandering along the avenue and depicted on numerous buildings. If you turn off the avenue, you will also be able to see old buildings, many of them in good condition and some not so much, but the atmosphere of small, narrow streets with low-rise buildings, sometimes with old German cobblestone, is also well worth your attention.

Museums The Cat Museum “Murarium” is within walking distance on Saratovskaya Street, 2a. If you are not a fan of felines and have had your fill of these characters on the main avenue, here you can climb to the observation deck of the water tower and enjoy the views. The Museum of Owls and Falcons is located at the entrance to the city. Here you can learn many interesting facts about owls, falcons, owlets, and nightjars, and also interact with live birds. By the way, opposite is the building of the post office, built in Kranz at the end of the XVII century. On January 8, 1807, Queen Louise of Prussia stayed overnight in the house. At the entrance to the city, there is a garbage museum, a very creative place that will be interesting for both children and adults. The Local Lore Museum, the Museum of Angels, the Doll Museum, the Resort Fashion Museum, the Museum of Skulls and Skeletons – on Kurortny Prospekt, there is a shop of antique dolls, which I will also consider as part of the museums. Choose what you desire

Nature

I recommend taking a walk in the forest, there is a wonderful relaxation spot – Tortilin pond. By the way, there is the largest and most convenient parking lot for cars nearby. I always start and end my route here, with a delicious lunch or dinner at my favorite restaurant nearby.

Time for lunch!

AmBar! A place with a magnificent view of the sea, calm or stormy, you will be comfortable here in any weather. Sit by the panoramic window with a plate of delicious soup, and then any dish from Lithuanian cuisine will surely delight you. The service here is very good and fast, and there is also a children’s room where your children will be entertained by a kind and attentive caregiver. As for me, I just want to eat deliciously! It’s not right to walk on an empty stomach!

What else to see?

• The Queen Louise Spring Pavilion and the former administration building “Kurferwaltung”.
• Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral.
• Church of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called.
• The Ferris wheel is better to visit in good weather, but the entertainment is not cheap, especially if the family is large; an alternative would be the water tower, which I mentioned earlier.
• Friedrich Bast’s income house, next to the square, now has a kindergarten.
• The Kranz post office is also located near the square. Now there is a coffee shop and Telegraph cafe, this place is also worthy of your attention if you haven’t given your preference to Lithuanian cuisine.
• Villa Waldfrieden.
• Villa Waldesrand.Nevertheless, plan your route based on your preferences; some like to spend hours examining an old building, finding many different nuances in it, while others prefer to take a quick look and move on.
  

  New part of the city

  I’ll call it that because it’s really new. Let’s say the left half of the city has a wide pedestrian and bike path. Here you can rent an apartment with a magnificent sea view, just a two-minute walk from the widest beach in the city. In this place, Zelenogradsk smoothly transitions into Malinovka. The space is quite fascinating and significantly different from the previous part of the city that I told you about.

  I really like the green area here, with swings and bean bags. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and sunrise. If you wish and have the opportunity, you can go surfing or fly on various flying devices.

  Of course, you can also have a delicious snack; I’m talking about food. I want to mention the “Nest” cafe; it operates only in warm weather. Here you can enjoy delicious local fish and beer, as well as beautiful sunsets.

In the interval between where the city ends and the village begins, there are recreation areas, urban gazebos, a playground with trampolines, if your children are riding scooters.

It’s a great idea to rent a bike and go for a bike ride along the entire coast, as long as you have the strength. The nature and views are mesmerizing, and it’s also important that the quality of the bike path is excellent. I wish you a good rest and many positive emotions that will stay with you after this trip.

Location and route

From Kaliningrad to Zelenogradsk, you can get there in 20 minutes via the Primorsky Ring Road. The old road is picturesque, but it passes through settlements, and the speed limit here is appropriate. The train also goes quickly from the north and south stations. From there, there is also a bus. Any way you choose, it’s up to you.

“If you prefer convenience and independence, we recommend using our car rental services. Our cars will allow you to enjoy a trip around Kaliningrad and its surroundings with maximum comfort and freedom of movement.

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