Klaipedia, Lithuania Tuesday, September 1, 2026
We arrived in Klaipeda at 10:00. After a quick breakfast Larry and I put on our rain ponchos and headed toward the old town.
Most of the town had been destroyed in 1945 when the Russians bombed the area to move the Germans out. When the city rebuilt, there was no plan to go with the original medieval style, so most buildings were modern with no character of the past.
Infamous Swinging/Chain Bridge
Built in 1855 is still in operation. When the bridge swings to open the waterway, boats and yachts can enter and exit the castle port. In order to swing the bridge, the force of two people is needed.
It is the only mechanism of its kind in Lithuania.
Cool weather vane!
Ramparts where an old fortress once stood.
A castle museum sits today in its place. Unfortunately it wasn't open this early so Larry and I continued on in the rain.
What a cute coffee machine right beside....
a fun looking amusement park!
Original old stone streets that are very hard to walk over.
The Dane River
Meridianas, the ship sits in the Dane River
The Arch, 2003
commemorates 80th anniversary of Klaipedia
"We are one nation, one land, one Lithuanian"
Since it was rainy we headed to.....
the Clock Museum and National Art Gallery.
It was a very interesting museum.
Inside we found some of the most ancient time keepers.
Pegs
Sun dial
So many versions of minute/hour glasses
Sundial outside
Oil time keepers
Candle time keepers
Such intricate gears inside a wall clock!
A hundred year old outdoor tower clock that the city took down and gave to the museum.
Pocket watches
World time zones
What a gorgeous celestial stained glass showing how the night skies change over time by constellations changing. Notice the different constellations around the black circle.
A work shop for watch craftsman
Very extravagant 17th century clocks
I love the German Coo-coo Clocks.
Senses and Sensations Exhibition of Artists in the National Gallery.
The artists really captured feelings of...
happiness,
pride,
smug, and
angry.
Meridianas, former training sailboat built in 1948
The sailboat was renovated into a restaurant in 2014.
We boarded, thinking let's get lunch.
Unfortunately, parents had fully booked the restaurant with reservations celebrating their children going back to school. Shucks!
Commemorative Plaques are popular in the walkways.
A wonderful playground is in Dane Square Park
A most enjoyable time in Klaipedia was walking along the Dane River with a water fountain show and classical music playing over the loud speakers at Bernardine Gardens.
We found cover from the rain and just listened and watched.
The Chimney Sweep
Statues are found all over this city. They give the town a whimsical feeling and are a symbol meant to bring good luck and happiness to the city.
I love this little whimsical mouse.
Magical Mouse
Legend has said if you whisper a wish or your dream in his ears, it will come true.
Cat with a Gentleman's face.
By rubbing his ears, you will have good luck.
Dragon Paw
Slibinas, the dragon.
Throughout the Old Town you can find these mythical beasts that serve as a rain spouts.
A cool fountain
Statues and
side cobblestone roads are over old town.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John. Considered the most beautiful church of Eastern Prussia, it was damaged badly during the great fire of 1854.
Rebuilt in three years, the tower raised 75 meters high making it the vertical dominate structure. After WWII, the church was demolished. Although the plan has been to rebuild the church, only the corner stone to the prayer house has been laid in 2012.
The actual doors remain on the property.
Everything is very automated.... totally self check out.
It was interesting that we tried to purchase a bottle of vino, but because it was a holiday, "First Day of School", alcoholic beverages could not be sold.
A Bronze structure named, Tower.
It honors local families and historical traditions in Old Town.
It is easy to spot places that have not been refurbished completely.
An old warehouse built in 1784. You can see where new bricks were placed at the roof area from the destruction of the wars.
Colorful buildings
Theatre Square
The monument is dedicated to S. Dach (1605-1659), a poet and professor of the Konigsberg University, born in Klaipedia. Built in 1912, the sculpture is of Ann from Tharau's main character in a popular poem turned into a song.
During the 17th century this place was part of the castle. During the 19th century the castle moats to were permanently backfilled
What a manicured shade tree with the benches underneath.
The Black Ghost....climbing out of the water.
Based on a legend in 1595, he came to warn folks of a grain and timber shortage.
This town is full of folklore and fairy tales.
What a wonderful day in Lithuania!
We are thankful that the rain was gentle as we wondered around this remarkable city.
If we ever pass this way again, I would want to visit the Sculpture Park and the Curoian Spit.
As we sailed away, we passed by some incredibly inviting beaches.
Tomorrow we will be exploring Stockholm, Sweden.
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