Cruises to Klaipeda
Klaipeda - Lithuania's only seaport and one of the coziest cruise stops on the Baltic. This is a city where Hanseatic League history intertwines with Lithuanian independence, and the cruise pier sits just a few minutes' walk from the cobblestones of the Old Town. Lithuania's third-largest city lies on the country's western edge, where the Dane River flows into the Curonian Lagoon, separated from the Baltic Sea by a narrow sand spit. Here, the half-timbered houses of German-era Memel stand alongside contemporary sculptures and maritime museums, and just an hour's drive away begins the Curonian Spit — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the highest shifting sand dunes in Europe.
For a cruise traveler, Klaipeda is primarily a port of call: liners cruising the Baltic Sea out of Copenhagen, Kiel, Hamburg, or Stockholm stop here for a single day, rather than beginning or ending their voyage in the city. In 2025, the Port of Klaipeda welcomed 59 cruise ships and set a record of more than 76,600 cruise passengers, while the 2026 season is expected to bring around 90,000 visitors across 64 port calls. These figures firmly establish Klaipeda as Lithuania's main gateway for cruise tourism in the Baltic region. 🚢
📋 Before setting off on a cruise from Klaipeda or stepping ashore for a few hours during a port call, here is what matters most:
🇱🇹 Country: Lithuania
📍 Region: Klaipeda County (the country's westernmost region)
👥 Population: approximately 155,000 residents (Lithuania's third-largest city)
📐 Area: approximately 98 km² (38 sq mi)
🗣️ Languages: Lithuanian (official); English and Russian are widely spoken in the tourist zone
💶 Currency: Euro (EUR)
🕐 Time zone: EET (UTC+2), EEST (UTC+3) in summer — the same as Kyiv time year-round
☀️ Climate: temperate, transitional between maritime and continental, with mild winters (32°F down to 27°F / 0°C to -3°C) and warm summers (64°F to 72°F / +18°C to +22°C)
✈️ Nearest airport: Palanga International Airport (PLQ) — about 30 km (19 miles) from the cruise port
⚓ Official name of the cruise port: Klaipėdos valstybinis jūrų uostas (Klaipeda State Seaport)
🗺️ Port area: approximately 5.6 km² (558 hectares / 1,379 acres), of which the cruise terminal covers about 1.2 hectares (3 acres)
🏛️ The history of Klaipeda — from Memelburg to Lithuania's maritime gateway
⏳ Lithuania's oldest city
The history of Klaipeda is a story of a borderland where Baltic, German, and Lithuanian cultures have taken turns shaping the city for centuries. A settlement of Baltic tribes already existed on this site in the 7th century, making Klaipeda the oldest city in modern Lithuania. In 1252, the Teutonic Order founded a fortress here called Memelburg, giving rise to the city's German name, Memel, used for nearly 700 years.
Over the following centuries, Klaipeda-Memel belonged to the Teutonic Order, Prussia, the Kingdom of Prussia, and later the German Empire, remaining the northernmost major city of the German lands. It was here, in the 19th century, that Lithuanian-language books were printed in the Latin script — such literature was banned in the neighboring Russian Empire, of which Lithuania was then a part, and the books were smuggled across the border.
⚔️ From the Memel Territory to modern Lithuania
Under the 1919 Treaty of Versailles, the Memel Territory was separated from Germany and placed under the administration of the Entente powers. In 1923, following the Klaipeda Revolt, the city and its region joined Lithuania — and, apart from the period of German annexation from 1939 to 1945, Klaipeda has remained Lithuanian ever since. World War II destroyed most of the historic architecture, so today's Old Town is a blend of reconstructed half-timbered quarters and postwar buildings.
After Lithuania regained independence in 1991, the Port of Klaipeda experienced a genuine revival: from a purely cargo and military facility of the Soviet era, it grew into the country's main gateway to the Baltic Sea and an increasingly popular cruise destination. 🥇 Klaipeda is one of the few ice-free ports in the northern Baltic, allowing it to receive ships year-round.
⚓ The Port of Klaipeda — Lithuania's maritime gateway
📊 Scale and structure
The Klaipeda State Seaport is Lithuania's only seaport, covering around 558 hectares (1,379 acres) with more than 24.7 km (15.3 miles) of quays, divided among 28 specialized terminals handling containers, bulk cargo, oil, and passengers. The port sits at the mouth of the Dane River, where it flows into the Curonian Lagoon, connecting to the Baltic Sea through a narrow strait between the mainland and the Curonian Spit.
For cruise passengers, the key facility is the Cruise Vessel Terminal at Pempininkai Quay — located right in the heart of the city, at 40 Baltijos Ave., just a few hundred meters from the Old Town. Most liners berth directly alongside the quay; only the largest ships, exceeding the port's size limits, anchor offshore and tender passengers ashore. Construction of a new cruise terminal, worth around EUR 44 million, began in 2025 and is scheduled for completion by 2027–2028, significantly expanding the port's capacity.
🚢 How many liners the port can accommodate
At present, Klaipeda's quays can accommodate up to three cruise liners simultaneously — exactly the number of ships that called at the port at once on the busiest days of the 2026 season. The maximum length of a vessel able to berth directly in the city center is 315–332 meters (1,033–1,089 ft) with a draft of up to 8.5 meters (28 ft). Once the new terminal is completed (expected 2027–2028), the number of simultaneous calls and the port's overall capacity will increase substantially.
🏢 Which cruise lines call at Klaipeda
Klaipeda welcomes liners mainly as a port of call on Baltic Sea itineraries operated by leading European cruise brands: MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff), Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Phoenix Reisen, and Ambassador Cruise Line, as well as luxury and expedition brands such as SeaDream Yacht Club and Atlas Ocean Voyages. This makes Klaipeda a natural stop on any Baltic Sea cruise departing from Copenhagen, Kiel, Hamburg, Stockholm, or Helsinki. 🌍
💡 Interesting facts about Klaipeda and its port
A few lesser-known details make getting to know the city even more rewarding:
🏘️ Klaipeda is the only city in Lithuania with authentic German half-timbered architecture — a legacy of nearly 700 years under the Teutonic Order, Prussia, and Germany.
❄️ The Port of Klaipeda is one of the few ice-free ports in the northeastern Baltic, allowing it to receive cruise ships and cargo vessels year-round without icebreaker assistance.
🏝️ Just a few kilometers from the port begins the Curonian Spit (Kuršių Nerija) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the highest shifting sand dunes in Europe, some reaching 60 meters (197 ft).
👻 Scattered through the Old Town and along the waterfront are Klaipeda's quirky sculpture-symbols — the Black Ghost, the Chimney Sweep, and the Magic Mouse — which locals and visitors touch for good luck.
⛵ The Meridianas is a historic three-masted sailing ship moored in the very heart of the city on the Dane River, now operating as a restaurant and serving as one of Klaipeda's symbols.
📖 Until 1923, the city was known as Memel, and it was here, throughout the 19th century, that Lithuanian-language books printed in the Latin alphabet — banned in the Russian Empire — were smuggled across the border.
🌊 The Curonian Lagoon is one of Europe's largest lagoons, separated from the Baltic Sea by a narrow spit stretching 98 km (61 miles), half of which belongs to Lithuania and half to Russia's Kaliningrad region.
📍 Klaipeda's top attractions — must-sees for cruise travelers
A cruise call in Klaipeda typically lasts between 6 and 10 hours, and the pier is located so close to the center that almost no time is lost in transit — making it one of the most convenient Baltic ports for independent exploring. A detailed list with photos, addresses, and opening hours is available in the «Attractions and Places of Interest» section; below is a brief overview of the landmarks that define the city.
🏘️ Klaipeda Old Town — the historic center with narrow cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, the only corner of Lithuania with such authentic German character.
⛵ Theatre Square and the ship Meridianas — the heart of the city, with the Simon Dach Fountain, the Drama Theatre, and the historic sailing-ship restaurant on the Dane River waterfront.
🐬 Lithuanian Sea Museum and Dolphinarium — set within an old fort on the Curonian Spit, the region's most popular family attraction, featuring dolphin and seal shows.
🏝️ The Curonian Spit (Kuršių Nerija) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site reached by ferry from the cruise port; famous for its shifting dunes, pine forests, and the villages of Smiltyne and Nida.
👻 The city's sculpture-symbols — the Black Ghost, the Chimney Sweep, and the Magic Mouse, scattered around the Old Town streets and the waterfront.
🏖️ Palanga — a popular seaside resort 30 km (19 miles) from Klaipeda, known for its sandy beaches, Botanical Park, and Amber Museum.
🏰 Castle grounds and the Museum of Lithuania Minor History — the remains of the Teutonic Order's medieval fortress and an exhibition dedicated to the region's centuries-long history.
✨ Why choose a cruise to Klaipeda
Klaipeda is an ideal stop for travelers who value compactness and authenticity without unnecessary rush.
First, the logistics are uniquely convenient: the cruise terminal sits just a few minutes' walk from the Old Town, so there's no need to spend hours on transfers. 🚶
Second, it offers direct access to a UNESCO World Heritage Site right «next door» — the Curonian Spit's dunes have no equivalent anywhere else in Europe. 🏝️
Third, Klaipeda blends three cultural layers at once — Baltic, German, and Lithuanian — making a walk through the Old Town feel like a journey through the centuries. 🏘️
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the ideal Baltic itinerary with a call at Klaipeda, recommend the best excursions to the Curonian Spit, and offer exclusive rates from MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, TUI Cruises, and other leading brands we work with as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Klaipeda
Klaipeda is one of the few cruise ports on the Baltic where the ship docks practically in the heart of the city. The cruise terminal sits on the Dė River waterfront right next to the Old Town, so most passengers don't need any transfer at all — the historic centre is just a short walk away. But if you're arriving by plane, train, or car, it's worth knowing all the logistics. Below is a verified, step-by-step guide with up-to-date prices and tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. 🎯
📍 Where exactly is the Klaipeda cruise port located
Cruise ships are received at the Central Klaipeda Terminal on Pempininkai Quay — located at the mouth of the Dė River, right beside the Old Town. Most modern cruise ships dock directly at the quay; only the very largest vessels that exceed the berth's parameters occasionally anchor offshore and ferry passengers ashore by tender — these cases are rare, and the cruise line always announces this in advance.
📌 GPS address: Baltijos pr. 40, LT-93270 Klaipeda, Lithuania
🚶 Distance to the Old Town: 700 m – 1.5 km (0.4–0.9 mi) depending on the exact berth — a 10–15 minute leisurely walk along the waterfront
❗ Important: since 2025 the port has been building a new, modern cruise terminal (completion planned for 2028), so it's worth checking your exact berth in your cruise voucher a few days before the call — temporary changes are possible during the construction period.
✈️ From Palanga Airport (PLQ) to the cruise terminal
The nearest airport to Klaipeda is Palanga International Airport (PLQ), located 30–32 km (19–20 mi) north of the city. There are no direct flights from Ukraine, so the most convenient option is usually a connection through hubs such as Warsaw, Riga, Istanbul, Vienna, or Copenhagen. The drive from the airport to the port takes 30–40 minutes.
🚕 Taxi — the fastest option
The taxi rank is right outside the airport terminal exit.
• Travel time: 30–35 minutes
• Cost (as of 2026): approximately 25–35 EUR
• Apps: Bolt operates in both Klaipeda and Palanga and is usually cheaper than a street taxi
💡 Four Gates tip: book your car through the app while you're still in the arrivals hall — this helps you avoid inflated rates from individual private drivers.
🚐 Private transfer — the most comfortable option
A driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, tracks your flight, and takes you straight to the terminal.
• Cost: from 45 EUR for a sedan (1–3 people), from 70 EUR for a minivan (4–8 people)
• Advantages: fixed price, flight monitoring, no waiting in line
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — just provide your flight number when booking your cruise.
🚌 Bus — the budget option
Scheduled bus No. 100 departs from the airport terminal, running via Palanga to Klaipeda's bus station.
• Cost: around 2 EUR
• Travel time: 35–42 minutes to Klaipeda bus station
• Schedule: tied to flight schedules, not running every hour
• From the bus station you'll need one more leg (taxi or city bus, 10–15 minutes) to reach the cruise terminal
⚠️ Important: there is no direct bus from the airport to the cruise port itself — only to the city bus station, so with heavy luggage a taxi or transfer is more practical.
✈️ Alternative: Vilnius and Kaunas airports
If a direct flight to Palanga isn't convenient, consider the international airports of Vilnius (VNO) or Kaunas (KUN) — both receive far more flights from Europe.
• Vilnius → Klaipeda: train or express bus, 3.5–4 hours
• Kaunas → Klaipeda: train or bus, about 2–2.5 hours
This option only makes sense if you're arriving a day or two before boarding, not on embarkation day itself.
🚂 From Klaipeda's train and bus station to the cruise terminal
If you arrive in Klaipeda by train (from Vilnius or Kaunas) or by intercity bus, you'll arrive at the combined Klaipeda railway and bus station (Klaipėdos autobusų ir geležinkelio stotys). It's located 3–4 km (1.9–2.5 mi) from the cruise terminal, at the southern edge of the city centre.
🚕 Taxi: 10–12 minutes, approximately 8–12 EUR
🚌 City bus: several city bus routes run from the station towards the centre and the waterfront; a ticket costs around 1 EUR, and the ride takes 15–20 minutes, followed by a short walk to the berth
🚶 On foot: theoretically possible (around 40–45 minutes), but not recommended with luggage
💡 Tip: if you have a lot of luggage or are arriving early on embarkation morning, the simplest option is to book a taxi via Bolt right away.
🏙️ From central Klaipeda to the cruise terminal
Klaipeda's biggest advantage as a cruise port is its compactness. If you've spent a night or a few days at a hotel in the centre or the Old Town, getting to the ship will be easier here than at almost any other Baltic port.
🚶 On foot — the main and most convenient option for most Old Town hotels:
• Distance: 700 m – 1.5 km (0.4–0.9 mi), depending on the hotel and the berth
• Time: 10–15 minutes at a leisurely pace along the Dė River waterfront
• The route is flat, with no hills, mostly along cobblestones and the promenade
🚕 Taxi from your hotel — 5–10 minutes, approximately 5–8 EUR. Useful for hotels in more outlying areas or if you're carrying heavy luggage.
🚌 City bus — Klaipeda's city bus network covers the whole centre; a ride costs around 1 EUR, and tickets can be bought from the driver or paid for with a contactless card.
🛴 Bicycle — Klaipeda has a well-developed network of bike paths, so for active travellers a rental bike is another quick and convenient way to reach the berth.
🚗 By car — parking near the port
If you're arriving at the port by your own or a rented car, there are parking areas on the northern and southern sides of the port, right next to the cruise terminal.
• Location: the port's official parking areas are adjacent to Pempininkai Quay
• Payment: hourly or daily rates, which are worth confirming shortly before your trip, as they are periodically revised by the port authority
• Features: security and CCTV coverage across the port area
💡 Tip: on peak days when several ships call at once, parking spaces can run short — plan to arrive with some buffer time.
🛣️ GPS route: the port lies on the road connecting central Klaipeda with the coast; use Baltijos prospektas as your landmark, as it leads directly to the berths.
♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
The Klaipeda cruise terminal is adapted for people with reduced mobility:
✅ The terminal is equipped with ramps and lifts
✅ The waterfront path to the Old Town is flat and mostly step-free, though some sections have cobblestones
✅ Taxis and transfers can be pre-booked to accommodate wheelchair users — just mention this when booking
✅ Terminal staff assist passengers with reduced mobility during embarkation and disembarkation — let your cruise line know about your needs in advance
⏰ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
Klaipeda is a port of call: the vast majority of cruises simply stop here for a day rather than starting or ending their voyage here. So the main rule for passengers is simply to be back on board before the ship departs.
🕐 Typical call duration: 6–10 hours, depending on the cruise line's itinerary
❗ "All aboard" deadline: usually 30–60 minutes before departure — the exact time is always shown on your cruise voucher and on the information board by the gangway
🕐 If you're planning an independent trip to the Curonian Spit (Nida, Juodkrantė), allow extra time to get back — the ferry across the Curonian Lagoon and the buses on the spit can run behind schedule during peak hours.
💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
Over years of working with Baltic ports, our cruise specialists have gathered a few practical tips for Klaipeda:
🌊 Don't rush to grab a taxi at the port. The Old Town is so close that most passengers find it more pleasant — and more efficient — to simply walk along the Dė River waterfront rather than wait for a car.
⛴️ Planning the Curonian Spit? Leave early. The ferry to Smiltynė, followed by a bus to Nida, takes up a large part of the day — it's the most popular excursion from the port, but also the longest.
💶 Carry a bit of cash in EUR. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but small payments (the ferry, public transport, street souvenirs) are sometimes easier to cover with cash.
📱 Install the Bolt app in advance. It's the most popular way to book a taxi in both Klaipeda and Palanga, with a transparent, fixed price.
🧥 Bring a windbreaker, even in summer. Klaipeda is exposed to Baltic winds, and even on a warm day the waterfront can feel noticeably breezy.
🕐 Note the "all aboard" time as soon as you go ashore. It's printed on your ship card and posted on the information board by the gangway — write it down rather than relying on memory alone.
📞 Contacts for passengers in Klaipeda
Klaipeda Port Authority (general information):+370 46 499 799
Klaipeda Taxi (Klaipėdos Taksi):+370 46 311 111
Lithuania emergency services (single number): 112
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
The logistics of a cruise to Klaipeda are among the simplest in the entire Baltic: the ship docks almost at the doorstep of the Old Town, and for most passengers the whole "transfer" amounts to a leisurely walk along the waterfront. But if your journey starts with a flight or a train ride, the cruise experts at Four Gates Group can help plan every step — from choosing the right airport to arranging a private transfer with a name sign waiting in arrivals. Get in touch with our manager — and your day in Klaipeda will start completely stress-free. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Landmarks and Sights of Klaipėda: A Complete Guide for Cruise Passengers
Klaipėda — the most picturesque blend of compactness and authenticity among Baltic ports. Here, the half-timbered houses of German Memel crowd a handful of Old Town streets, and just a five-minute ferry ride away begins the Curonian Spit — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the highest shifting sand dunes in Europe. For a cruise passenger with 8–10 hours in port, this is one of the few destinations where you can genuinely see almost everything: the main sights lie within a 10–15 minute walk of the pier. Below is a verified guide to the key locations, with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and precise directions from the cruise terminal at Pempininkai Quay to each attraction. 🎯
🏘️ 1. Klaipėda Old Town (Senamiestis)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Klaipėda's Old Town is the only corner of Lithuania where an authentic German atmosphere still lingers. Narrow cobbled lanes, timber-framed houses with red-tiled roofs, and hidden courtyards feel closer to Lübeck or Gdańsk than a typical Lithuanian town. 🏠
🔹 Almost the entire Old Town dates from the late 18th to early 20th century — the original medieval buildings were nearly all destroyed during the Second World War.
🔹 On the corner of Kurpių and Kepėjų streets hides a bronze «Magic Mouse» sculpture — legend has it that rubbing its nose and making a wish while the city carillon chimes will make that wish come true.
🔹 The most beautiful street in the Old Town is Teatro g., which leads directly onto Theatre Square.
🔹 The Old Town still holds several historic half-timbered warehouses from the 18th and 19th centuries, once owned by merchants trading in flax, grain and amber.
📜 History:
Klaipėda is Lithuania's oldest city: Baltic tribes settled here as early as the 7th century, and in 1252 the Teutonic Order founded the fortress of Memelburg on this site, giving the city its German name, Memel, used for nearly 700 years. Over the following centuries the fortress-city belonged to the Teutonic Order, Prussia and the German Empire, remaining the northernmost major German port.
Only in 1923, following an uprising by Klaipėda's Lithuanians, did the city and region join the Republic of Lithuania. In 1939 Nazi Germany annexed the Klaipėda region, and Hitler himself addressed the crowd from the balcony of the city theatre. After the Second World War almost the entire German population left the city, and much of the historic fabric was damaged by the fighting — what you see today has largely been carefully restored during the second half of the 20th and early 21st centuries.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• On foot: 10–15 minutes along the scenic Danė riverside promenade from the cruise terminal (Baltijos pr. 40) — the most convenient and popular option
• Taxi: 5 minutes, EUR 6–9
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Walking through the Old Town: free, accessible around the clock
• Most shops and cafés open at 10:00–11:00 a.m. and close at 7:00–9:00 p.m. (shorter hours on Sundays)
⛲ 2. Theatre Square and the «Annchen von Tharau» Fountain
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Theatre Square has been the heart of Klaipėda and the main meeting place for locals for over 150 years. In the 17th century the waters of the bay still lapped at this spot, and until the mid-20th century a bustling fish and vegetable market stood here. ⛲
🔹 At the centre of the square stands the bronze «Annchen von Tharau» fountain, erected in 1912 in honour of the poet Simon Dach (1605–1659), who was born in Klaipėda. The sculpture depicts the young woman Anke from his most famous poem, «Anke von Tharau».
🔹 According to local accounts, the statue was removed during the Nazi occupation because it «got in the way» of military parades — the original was lost, and the version seen today is a post-war reconstruction.
🔹 The Drama Theatre (Klaipėdos dramos teatras), which frames one side of the square, has a rich musical history: in 1837 none other than Richard Wagner conducted an orchestra here. In 1939 it was from this very theatre's balcony that Adolf Hitler announced the annexation of the Klaipėda region to the Third Reich — a fact your guide will certainly mention on any tour.
🔹 Every winter the square hosts the city's Christmas tree and a public ice rink.
📜 History:
The square took shape in the 19th century on the site of a former trading harbour, once part of the bay was filled in to expand the city. The theatre building acquired its current neoclassical form in 1857 after several fires and reconstructions, and the square itself became the main public space of German Memel — host to fairs, military parades and civic celebrations.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• On foot: 12–15 minutes from the pier; the square sits right in the heart of the Old Town
• Taxi: 5–7 minutes, EUR 6–9
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entry to the square: free, open around the clock
• In summer the square regularly hosts free concerts and craft fairs
⛵ 3. The Sailing Ship «Meridianas» and the Danė Riverside Promenade
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The «Meridianas» is a three-masted barquentine that has become the unofficial symbol of Klaipėda and the most photographed spot on the waterfront. Moored right in the city centre on the left bank of the Danė, it is visible from almost anywhere along the promenade. ⛵
🔹 The ship was built in Finland in 1948 as a training sailing vessel for the Soviet merchant fleet.
🔹 Since 1971 the «Meridianas» has been permanently moored in Klaipėda as a restaurant — today it serves seafood and grilled dishes in a genuine maritime setting.
🔹 In 2012 the ship underwent a major restoration that restored its historic appearance.
🔹 The Danė riverside promenade is the city's main strolling artery: in summer, café terraces line the banks, pleasure boats cruise the water, and locals and visitors alike simply enjoy the view.
📜 History:
The Danė River is the natural axis around which the city grew for centuries: this was the site of the harbour under the Teutonic Order and later the trading quays of Hanseatic Memel. The modern promenade, with its park zone and sculptures, was largely developed during the second half of the 20th and early 21st centuries, turning a former industrial strip into the city's main public space.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• On foot: 10–12 minutes along the promenade — the ship is moored almost halfway between the port and Theatre Square
• Taxi: 5 minutes, EUR 6–8
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Walking the promenade and viewing the ship from outside: free
• Dinner at the «Meridianas» restaurant: main courses from EUR 15–25, lunchtime daily special from EUR 10–12
• The restaurant is open daily, roughly noon–11:00 p.m. (later during high season)
🏰 4. The Klaipėda Castle Site and the «Black Ghost»
💡 Interesting facts and background:
On the very spot where Klaipėda began, only earthen bastions and foundations remain today — but it was here, in 1252, that the fortress of Memelburg first rose. The castle grounds are ringed by water moats and earthworks dating back to the Teutonic Order. 🏰
🔹 The castle lost its military importance after the Seven Years' War in the 18th century and gradually fell into decline, with parts of its fortifications dismantled for building material.
🔹 The site now houses the Castle Museum — small but engaging, with two exhibitions: the history of the castle itself and Klaipėda's role during the Second World War.
🔹 Nearby, by the Chain Bridge, a bronze figure of the «Black Ghost» (Juodasis Vaiduoklis) seems to rise out of the water — a sculpture inspired by a 1595 city legend about a ghost who warned a guard of an impending famine and urged residents to stockpile grain and timber in time. Installed in 2010, it looks especially striking when lit up in the evening. 👻
📜 History:
The castle changed hands several times between the Teutonic Order and Lithuanian and Samogitian forces, withstanding numerous sieges and rebuilds throughout the 14th to 17th centuries. After losing its defensive role, the site became an ordinary city district, and the ruins of the fortifications remained neglected for a long time until archaeological excavation and museum development began here in the second half of the 20th century.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• On foot: 8–10 minutes — the castle site is the closest attraction to the port, right beyond the port gates
• Taxi: 3–5 minutes, EUR 5–7
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Castle Museum: EUR 6 (adults), EUR 3 (students, schoolchildren, seniors)
• Combined ticket (Castle Museum + History Museum of Lithuania Minor + Blacksmith's Museum): EUR 9 (adults), EUR 4.5 (concession)
• Opening hours (2026): summer season (15 June — 15 September) — Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; the rest of the year — Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Ticket office closes 30 minutes before the museum
• Viewing the «Black Ghost» from outside: free, accessible around the clock
📜 5. History Museum of Lithuania Minor
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The largest museum in the Klaipėda region occupies one of the oldest houses in the Old Town — a Baroque building from 1774 that once belonged to postmaster Johann Christian Witte. 📚
🔹 The exhibition covers the ancient history of the region: the daily life and burial customs of the Baltic Curonian and Skalvian tribes, the conquests of the Teutonic Order, and the origins of printed books in the Lithuanian language — one of the oldest languages in the world.
🔹 A dedicated hall is devoted to the traditional culture of the Lietuvininkai — Lithuanian-speaking residents of the Klaipėda region, whose identity was shaped over centuries at the crossroads of German and Lithuanian culture.
🔹 The collection includes a model of the city of Memel from the early 20th century, historic maps of the region, and a numismatic collection, including emergency currency from the First World War.
🔹 Explanatory texts are provided in Lithuanian, English, German and Russian; a free audio guide is available for some halls.
📜 History:
The museum was founded in the 20th century as a centre for studying and preserving the heritage of Lithuania Minor (Prussian Lithuania) — a historic region that for centuries belonged to Prussia and Germany while retaining a distinctive Lithuanian culture. The museum building itself, erected in the late 18th century, is a valuable monument of Baroque architecture in the Old Town.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• On foot: 10–12 minutes through the Old Town
• Taxi: 5 minutes, EUR 6–8
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Adults: EUR 4
• Students, schoolchildren, seniors: EUR 2
• Combined ticket (with Castle Museum and Blacksmith's Museum): EUR 9 (adults), EUR 4.5 (concession)
• Opening hours (2026): summer season — Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; the rest of the year — Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Address: Didžioji Vandens g. 2, Klaipėda
🗿 6. Klaipėda Sculpture Park
💡 Interesting facts and background:
A shady park just 10 minutes' walk from Theatre Square holds one of Lithuania's largest collections of contemporary open-air sculpture. 🌳
🔹 The park contains more than 100 granite sculptures, created by Lithuanian artists during the second half of the 20th century — largely on themes of mythology, nature and human emotion.
🔹 Few visitors realise that the park's grounds are a former Lutheran cemetery, destroyed during the Soviet era; some of the sculptures were installed in memory of the townspeople buried here.
🔹 The park borders Mažvydo Alėja, another sculpture-lined promenade along the Danė River, where every bench is «decorated» with its own art piece.
🔹 Admission is free and the park is open around the clock, making it just as pleasant for a morning walk as for an evening stroll.
📜 History:
A Lutheran cemetery occupied this site from the 18th century and served as the main burial ground for Memel's German-speaking residents. During the post-war Soviet years the cemetery was levelled and the site turned into a city park. In the 1970s and 1980s granite sculptures by Lithuanian artists began to be installed here, turning the park into a kind of open-air museum — a role it retains today.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• On foot: 20–22 minutes from the pier through the Old Town and Theatre Square
• Taxi: 7–10 minutes, EUR 7–10
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Admission: free, open around the clock
🐬 7. Lithuanian Sea Museum and Dolphinarium (Curonian Spit, Smiltynė)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The country's most popular museum sits within the walls of the historic Nerija fort, right at the start of the Curonian Spit. It's a genuine two-step journey: first a ferry across the bay, then a plunge into the world of the sea. 🐋
🔹 This is the only dolphinarium on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, with a show hall seating up to 1,000 spectators and a pool volume of 1,800 m³.
🔹 The museum's aquarium displays around 23,000 mollusc shells — one of the largest collections in Europe — alongside predatory sea creatures such as rays, barracudas, swordfish and moray eels.
🔹 The museum welcomes roughly half a million visitors a year, making it the most-visited museum in Lithuania.
🔹 Founded in 1979, the complex covers around 13 hectares on the grounds of the former Kopgalis fort.
🔹 In the city itself, moored at the Royal Quay near the Castle Bridge, is the ship-museum M52 «Sūduvis» — a separate branch of the museum featuring a maritime-themed escape room.
📜 History:
The museum opened in 1979 within Kopgalis fort, a 19th-century fortification that once formed part of the defences at the entrance to Klaipėda Bay. The dolphinarium, the first and only one on the eastern Baltic coast, was added in 1994, and a major renovation launched in 2010 significantly expanded the pool areas and improved conditions for the animals.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• Ferry + walking/train: from the Old Ferry (Danės g. 1) — a 5–7 minute crossing, followed by a 1.8 km walk, or a small seasonal train runs to the museum in summer
• Ferry + bus: from the New Ferry (Nemuno g. 8) — a crossing for cars and passengers, then 7 km to the museum
• Total travel time from the port: roughly 40–50 minutes each way, including the walk to the ferry, the crossing, and the walk to the museum
• Taxi to the Old Ferry: 5–7 minutes, EUR 6–9
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Ticket for the museum, aquarium and dolphin show: EUR 14 (adults), EUR 7 (children aged 7 and over, schoolchildren, students, seniors)
• Ship-museum M52 «Sūduvis» (in the city): EUR 6 (adults), EUR 3 (concession)
• Ferry ticket (pedestrian, round trip): approximately EUR 1.3
• Opening hours: vary by season — check the museum's official website before your visit
⚠️ Important: tickets are non-refundable, so plan extra time for the ferry crossing — especially on peak summer days, when the queue for the ferry can be substantial.
🏝️ 8. The Curonian Spit (Kuršių Nerija) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Curonian Spit is a narrow sand strip 98 km long, separating the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon. Half the spit belongs to Lithuania (Neringa), the other half to Russia's Kaliningrad region. It is one of the most unique landscapes in Europe. 🏝️
🔹 It is home to the highest shifting sand dunes on the continent — the most famous, the Parnidis Dune near Nida, rises almost 52 metres.
🔹 In 2000 the Curonian Spit was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a unique example of a cultural landscape shaped by the interaction of people and nature.
🔹 The picturesque fishing village of Nida is famous for its colourful fishermen's cottages, weathervane signs, and the summer residence of Nobel laureate Thomas Mann.
🔹 The spit is a national park, so vehicles entering beyond Smiltynė are subject to a separate environmental fee.
📜 History:
The spit's sand was deposited by the sea over thousands of years, and fishing settlements have existed here since at least the time of the Curonians — an ancient Baltic people from whom the name derives. In the 19th and 20th centuries, extensive deforestation triggered large-scale dune movement that literally buried entire villages; large-scale afforestation, begun under Prussian rule, saved the spit from turning into a solid desert.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• To Smiltynė (northern tip of the spit): ferry from the Old Ferry (5–7 min crossing) — the nearest and quickest part of the spit, reachable even on a short port call
• To Nida (60 km along the spit): best reached with an organised excursion or a taxi/transfer via the New Ferry; travel time is 1–1.5 hours each way
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Ferry to Smiltynė (pedestrian, round trip): approximately EUR 1.3
• Environmental fee for vehicles entering the national park: collected at the Alksnynė checkpoint; confirm the exact rate on site
• Walking the beach and dunes at Smiltynė: free
⚠️ Tip: for a full visit to Nida on a short port call, it's best to book an organised excursion — travelling independently would take up most of your available time.
🎨 9. Other Sights Worth Visiting
• 🕰️ Klaipėda Clock Museum (Liepų g. 12) — one of the few museums in Europe dedicated to timekeeping: sundials, fire, sand and mechanical clocks from various eras. EUR 3.
• 🏛️ Friedrich's Passage (Friedricho pasažas) — a restored quarter of former Soviet-era offices, now a cosy space with cafés and summer concerts. Free admission.
• 🔨 Blacksmith's Museum (Šaltkalvių g. 2) — a small exhibition of decorative ironwork in a historic forge. EUR 2; cheaper as part of the combined ticket.
• ⚓ Ship-museum M52 «Sūduvis» (Royal Quay, near Castle Bridge) — a branch of the Sea Museum with an escape room. EUR 6.
• 🌳 Mažvydo Alėja — a sculpture-lined promenade along the Danė, an extension of the Sculpture Park. Free admission.
• 🏖️ Palanga — a popular seaside resort 25 km from Klaipėda, with the Amber Museum in the Tiškevičius Palace, a Botanical Park, and a sea bridge. The best choice for those with 10 or more hours in port.
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Klaipėda Itineraries for 8–9 Hours
A cruise call at Klaipėda usually lasts 8–10 hours. Thanks to the city's compact size and the pier's proximity to the Old Town, you can genuinely fit in far more here than in larger ports. Below are three options depending on budget and preferences.
🥉 Route 1. Budget — up to EUR 15 per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 10–15 + food
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Leave the cruise terminal
Walk along the Danė promenade towards the centre (10–15 min).
🕘 9:15–10:15 a.m. — Castle site and the «Black Ghost»
Free viewing of the bastions from outside, photos by the ghost sculpture on the Chain Bridge.
🕙 10:15–11:45 a.m. — Old Town
An unhurried stroll through the lanes, hunting for the «Magic Mouse», admiring the half-timbered houses and the Old Market.
🕦 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Theatre Square
Photos by the «Annchen von Tharau» fountain, viewing the theatre building from outside.
🕐 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Lunch in the Old Town
A set lunch or daily special at a local café — EUR 8–12.
🕝 1:30–2:45 p.m. — Ferry to Smiltynė and the beach
Crossing on the Old Ferry (EUR 1.3 round trip), a short walk on the sandy beach at the start of the Curonian Spit.
🕞 2:45–4:00 p.m. — Return and the «Meridianas»
Ferry back to Klaipėda, a stroll along the promenade to the sailing-ship restaurant, photos to remember it by.
🕟 4:00–4:30 p.m. — Return to the port
Walk back along the promenade to the terminal.
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Ferry round trip: EUR 1.3
• Lunch: EUR 8–12
• Reserve (souvenirs, drinks): EUR 3–5
💸 TOTAL: EUR 12–19 per person
🥈 Route 2. Balanced — EUR 35–45 per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 40 + food
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Leave the port, walk to the Castle Museum
10 minutes on foot to the entrance.
🕘 9:15–10:00 a.m. — Castle Museum
Combined ticket (Castle + History Museum of Lithuania Minor + Blacksmith's Museum) — EUR 9. Viewing the bastions and the Second World War exhibition.
🕤 10:00–11:00 a.m. — History Museum of Lithuania Minor
Continue on the combined ticket. A deep dive into the region's history from ancient times to the 20th century.
🕚 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Old Town and Theatre Square
A walk through the lanes, with a stop at the «Annchen von Tharau» fountain and the theatre building.
🕧 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch by the waterfront
Local cuisine with fresh fish — EUR 15–20 for a main course with a drink.
🕐 1:00–2:00 p.m. — Ferry to Smiltynė and the Lithuanian Sea Museum
Crossing on the Old Ferry, on foot or by train to the museum (EUR 14 — full ticket including the dolphinarium and aquarium).
🕝 2:00–3:30 p.m. — Sea Museum and Dolphinarium
Dolphin show, the aquarium with its 23,000 shells, Kopgalis fort.
🕒 3:30–4:30 p.m. — Return by ferry, promenade and the «Meridianas»
Ferry back, a walk through the Sculpture Park or along the promenade to the ship.
🕓 4:30–5:00 p.m. — Return to the port
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Combined ticket (3 museums): EUR 9
• Ferry round trip: EUR 1.3
• Sea Museum and Dolphinarium: EUR 14
• Lunch: EUR 15–20
💸 TOTAL: EUR 39–44 per person
💡 Swap the Sea Museum for a walk through the Sculpture Park (free) to save EUR 14.
🥇 Route 3. Premium — a private excursion from EUR 280 per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 280–400 + tickets
🏆 What's included:
• ✅ Meet-and-greet with a private driver holding a sign right at the ship's gangway
• ✅ A comfortable car/minivan for the whole day
• ✅ A professional, licensed English-speaking or Ukrainian-speaking guide
• ✅ A private ferry crossing and transfer deep into the Curonian Spit to Nida
• ✅ A stop in Palanga to visit the Amber Museum
• ✅ A flexible itinerary — adjusted on the fly
You can book through your cruise manager, or get in touch with us directly using any convenient method:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Write to us by e-mail
🕘 8:30 a.m. — Meet your driver and guide at the terminal
🕘 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Old Town and Theatre Square with your guide
A private walking tour: the castle site, the «Black Ghost», the half-timbered lanes, the «Annchen von Tharau» fountain.
🕚 10:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Private transfer to the Curonian Spit and Nida
Ferry crossing and the drive to Nida (60 km), with stops at the best dune viewpoints.
🕧 12:00–1:30 p.m. — Nida: the fishing village and Parnidis Dune
A walk among the colourful fishermen's cottages, a climb up the dune for a panorama over the lagoon and sea.
🕐 1:30–2:30 p.m. — Lunch at a fishing-village restaurant in Nida
Fresh smoked fish and local cuisine — from EUR 25–35 per person.
🕝 2:45–4:00 p.m. — Drive to and stop in Palanga
The Amber Museum in the Tiškevičius Palace, a walk through the Botanical Park and along the sea bridge.
🕞 4:15–4:45 p.m. — Return to Klaipėda, the «Meridianas»
A short stop at the promenade for photos.
🕟 5:00 p.m. — Return to the port in a comfortable car
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (9 hrs): from EUR 180
• Driver with car (9 hrs): from EUR 150
• Admission tickets (Amber Museum, ferry): EUR 20–30
• Lunch at a fishing-village restaurant: from EUR 25–35
💸 TOTAL: from EUR 380 per person (for 2+ people — calculated per group, not per person)
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private excursions around Klaipėda and the Curonian Spit with licensed guides, transfer from the ship's gangway, and a guaranteed return on board. Get in touch with your cruise specialist — and your day in Klaipėda will be perfectly tailored to your taste. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Good to Know Before You Go Ashore
🕐 The «all aboard» rule: you must be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure. If you're late, the ship will not wait, and catching up with it at the next port will be at your own expense.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your Ship Card.
💶 Cash: carry EUR 30–50 in cash for small expenses (ferry, restrooms, market).
👟 Footwear: comfortable shoes are a must — the Old Town's cobblestones and the spit's sand call for practical footwear. In summer, pack a light windbreaker — the promenade and the spit can feel cool even on warm days.
📱 Internet: free Wi-Fi is available in most cafés in the Old Town centre and along the promenade. Download an offline Google Maps map in advance for navigation.
🔐 Safety: Klaipėda is one of the calmest and safest cities in the Baltics; pickpocketing is extremely rare, but ordinary caution is always worthwhile.
☀️ Sun and wind protection: the Curonian Spit and the coast are windy even in summer. Sunscreen and a light hat will come in handy on sunny days.
⛴️ Ferry: on peak summer days the queue for the Old Ferry to Smiltynė can be substantial — allow extra time if you plan to visit the Curonian Spit.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant attractions.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals