Klaipėda - The Land of Sea, Smiles, and Surprises!

Welcome to Klaipėda, the charming and quirky port city located in the western part of Lithuania! With its rich history, stunning seaside views, and a plethora of maritime-related activities, Klaipėda promises to be an unforgettable destination for anyone who sets foot in it.

Etymology

The name Klaipėda translates to “Bosom of the Sea,” which is a pretty apt description of this charming city. However, rumor has it that the name was originally “Klaipėda-Kuria,” which loosely translates to “the place where shrimp slippers are made.” Don’t ask us why - we’re just as confused as you are.

History

Klaipėda has a long and fascinating history that spans several centuries. The city was founded in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, who built a castle and several other fortifications in the area. Over the years, Klaipėda changed hands several times, with the Germans, Swedes, Russians, and Lithuanians all laying claim to it at one point or another.

Culture

One of Klaipėda’s most unique cultural offerings is its “Mousetrap” festival. Held every year in August, the festival is dedicated to celebrating all things mousetrap-related. Visitors can enjoy mousetrap-making workshops, mousetrap-themed art installations, and even a mousetrap-themed fashion show. Oh, and did we mention the mousetrap-themed food stalls? Trust us when we say that the cheese-based delicacies are to die for.

Landmarks

There are plenty of landmarks in Klaipėda that are worth visiting, but perhaps the most iconic is the “Black Ghost.” This eerie black sculpture, located in the Old Town, is said to represent the ghost of a disgruntled sailor who haunts the city’s harbor. Legend has it that if you dare to touch the sculpture, the ghost will curse you with a lifetime of bad luck. So, naturally, everyone touches it.

Cuisine

Klaipėda is a seafood lover’s paradise, with plenty of fresh fish and seafood available at the city’s many seafood restaurants. However, the true culinary highlight of Klaipėda is the “Zeppelin.” No, we’re not talking about the airship - we’re talking about the famous Lithuanian dish made from grated potatoes and stuffed with delicious meaty fillings. The shape of the dish is said to resemble a zeppelin, hence the name. Trust us when we say that this is comfort food at its finest.