Kaliningrad

Kaliningrad, formerly Koenigsberg, is one of several cities along the Baltic coast that was founded by the Teutonic Knights as they spread eastwards during the 13th century. From its founding in 1255 until the end of the Second World War, it has played a major part in German history, both as a seaport and as a center for academic excellence.

German and Russian history have been historically intertwined in this land throughout the centuries. In 1758, after the Seven Year War, East Prussia together with Koenigsberg, became a part of Russia. At this time, the city was governed by a Russian general, while Russian officers attended the lectures of Immanuel Kant - being at that moment a citizen of Russia since all inhabitants

of Eastern Prussia had sworn allegiance to the empress.

In 1762 after Peter III had ascended the throne, some Russian lands including Koenigsberg were given to the Prussian kingdom. After the First World War Koenigsberg became the capital of East Prussia, cut off from the rest of Germany by the territory given to Poland under the Versailles Treaty.

At the conclusion of WWII, East Prussia was divided between the Soviet Union and Poland. The city of Koenigsberg and the surrounding region were both renamed Kaliningrad. Being a strategic military area, it was closed to foreigners until 1990. Since that time, Kaliningrad has strove to renew contacts with Europe and the world and is working hard to welcome visitors and rebuild its tourist industry.

Today, Kaliningrad whimsically combines the attributes of a modern Russian city with those of a traditional European one.

Hotels Kaliningrad

Hotels Svetlogorsk

Hotels in Zelenogradsk and the Curonian Spit

Hotels in other cities

Baltiysk

Zolotoy Yakor

Chernyakhovsk

Glampings in Kaliningrad region

Gusev

Polessk

Sovetsk

Yantarny

Additional Information

Kaliningrad

Kaliningrad is located on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea and since 1946 has been the center of the westernmost region of Russia. For Russians, as well as for residents of the whole world, Kaliningrad is known as the former capital of East Prussia - Koenigsberg. For seven centuries, since 1255, Koenigsberg had an interesting history,

Kaliningrad is located on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea and since 1946 has been the center of the westernmost region of Russia. For Russians, as well as for residents of the whole world, Kaliningrad is known as the former capital of East Prussia - Koenigsberg. For seven centuries, since 1255, Koenigsberg had an interesting history, was
Kaliningrad is located on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea and since 1946 has been the center of the westernmost region Of Russia. For Russians, as well as for residents of the whole world, Kaliningrad is known as the former capital of East Prussia - Koenigsberg. For seven centuries, since 1255, Koenigsberg had an interesting history, was a major a trade, scientific and cultural center not only in Germany, but throughout Europe.

German history has not once intertwined on this earth with Russian history. In 1758, after the Seven Years War East Prussia, and with it Koenigsberg, depart Russia.
Big War

The destruction and fires of World War II did not spare the heart of this ancient city. Nevertheless, Kaliningrad offers much to astonish and please itsguests.

For a leisurely stroll, one can walk along the old streets of the former

The destruction and fires of World War II did not spare the heart of this ancient city. Nevertheless, Kaliningrad offers much to astonish and please itsguests.

For a leisurely stroll, one can walk along the old streets of the former settlements of Amalienau (Kutuzov Street), stopping at cozy cafesand restaurants along the way.

In this district, it is easy to understand why Kaliningrad has been called a garden city. At the Kaliningrad zoo, aten minute walk from the Kutuzov Street area, one finds an interesting zoological collection covering a multiplicity of landscapes. In these and manyother areas, it is possible and pleasurable to walk all day long.
History

Like any other city with a centuries-old history, Kaliningrad inherited after the previous centuries a great number of buildings of architectural styles forgotten now but therefore being extremely interesting.

In picturesque Town Gates some two or three hundred years ago, traveling documents

Like any other city with a centuries-old history, Kaliningrad inherited after the previous centuries a great number of buildings of architectural styles forgotten now but therefore being extremely interesting.

In picturesque Town Gates some two or three hundred years ago, traveling documents were checked and travelers were charged a special tax.

Now you will be offered a cup of coffee here or you will be invited to take a walk around an exposition of a small historical museum. If you are interested in a more visible realization of human power, it is impossible to leave aside the fort N 5, one of the numerous miracles of the XIXth century's fortification.

All the forts have a few underground floors and make a protective circle around the city, thanks to which Koenigsberg was called a fortress city.
The Dome

Visitors to the town of Kaliningrad can experience 700 years of history.

The philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), is the city most famous former resident. His grave lies beside the Cathedral and two rooms in the Cathedral Museum are

Visitors to the town of Kaliningrad can experience 700 years of history.

The philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), is the city most famous former resident. His grave lies beside the Cathedral and two rooms in the Cathedral Museum are dedicated to his life and work.

The Cathedral, which reflects seven centuries of German history, was heavily damaged by British bombing in August 1944 and was left in ruins for nearly 50 years. It is rightly considered to be one of the most beautiful and unique memorials of today's Kaliningrad. The first stone in the foundation of the Cathedral was laid in 1287. It was built with the use of materials available at that time – cobblestone, very hard bricks of double burning, and there were eggshells added to the mortar to preserve it from destruction and coming off with time.

The Cathedral was situated on the Kneiphoff Island; it became a university cathedral church after the university Albertina had been established. Since 1650 the Wallenrodt's library, a unique collection of old books, had been placed in the southern tower of the Cathedral.

Nowadays the building of the Cathedral is used as a cultural center; the Kant and the Cathedral museums found place here as well as chapels of the three Christian confessions: orthodox, evangelical and catholic.
Amber

The city's Amber Museum, housed in one of the fortresses which formed part of the medieval city walls, has no equal in the world. Fragments of the famous Amber Room take favorable place in museum's collection.

Those who are interested in history of seafaring, flora and fauna of oceanic depths

The city's Amber Museum, housed in one of the fortresses which formed part of the medieval city walls, has no equal in the world. Fragments of the famous Amber Room take favorable place in museum's collection.

Those who are interested in history of seafaring, flora and fauna of oceanic depths can hardly pass by the only Museum of the World Ocean in Russia; and, of course, you should visit Botanical Garden with it valuable collection of rare beautiful plants.

With coming evening the proper time is to plunge into the colorful whirpool of one of the city festivals or to turn to leisure and amusement centers. Numerous fitness centers, bowling centers, billiard parlors will bring your vigour back after the day walk, diversify the range of impressions from the city.

And finally, the day is worth finishing with supper in one of the numerous restaurants.

Gallery

Kaliningrad

Additional Information

Excursions

MIXTURE OF STORIES

BALTIC SAFARI

IN THE REALM OF SANDS AND BIRDS

PACKAGE TOURS

BALTIC VOYAGE

TWO BALTIC CAPITALS

CHARM OF THE BALTIC CAPITALS