Klaipeda is a rich historical city in Lithuania that offers visitors enough to be lured but yet remains largely unexplored by tourists.

A land of golden dunes, backed by magnificent pine trees and spectacular cliffs, above clear waters is perhaps what can be best described for when referring to Klaipeda, a port city in Lithuania.

It is the third largest city in the tiny nation that attracts many foreign tourists by virtue of its proximity to the white sand beaches of the Baltic Sea. It was a part of Prussia until the end of World War I and after World War II, it was part of the Soviet Union. In the 13th century, however, Teutonic Knights captured and destroyed this fort in 1252, after which they erected a new fortification and called it Memel burg. The town, which was eventually given the name Memel, was populated by Germans and was a part of the province of East Prussia. Later, in 1923, Memel was transferred to Lithuania and renamed Klaipeda.

In 1990, Lithuania declared itself independent and today, Klaipeda has become a tourist destination. One can have a glimpse of pristine sandy beaches, pine forests and giant sand dunes as well as abundant wildlife. It is the base of a large deep-sea fishing fleet and also has a fish cannery.

Lithuania’s most popular coastal resort, Palanga, is also nearby. It was destroyed by the Swedes in 1710. But, later in the 19th century, the long, sandy beach and sand dunes on coastline made it the ideal spot to build a resort. There are elegant villas with spires and gables and the wooden pier which reaches over half a kilometre, giving an amazing view. One can even take the feel of spa town in lawns and aromatic pines here.

Birute Park is another beautiful site located to the south of the town which is a sizable area of parkland with well-kept lawns, substantial flowerbeds and exotic tree species. There is a Neoclassical Palace in the city’s centre, home to the Amber Museum, which features more than 20,000 exhibits.

A Lithuanian General, Jan Karol Chodkiewicz brought Kretinga on the map in the 17th century. It is situated on the hills east of Palanga. Here, he established a Franciscan monastery and the first church. On the trading route between Russia and Prussia, the town later developed into a significant commercial hub.

Running parallel to the coast is the Curonian Spit, a 97-km sandy promontory and a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are no bridges here, thus the only way to get here is via boat. The most appealing of the four tiny towns here is Nida, which is 3 km from the Russian border. The village includes a brand-new Mizgiris Amber Museum which is surrounded by brilliantly painted wooden fisherman’s huts. Besides, one can visit Parnidis Dune, the mother of all dunes at 52 metres height, located in south of the village. It takes 180 steps to reach the observation deck, from where we can see the beautiful beaches stretching towards Russia.

One can experience the local culture as well as cruises in Dreverna, a former fishing community, now a new resort located on the other side of the Curonian. Visitors can enjoy the Lithuanian heritage meals served in the restaurants, along with traditional dancing and fruit wine tastings from Memel Winery.

Furthermore, there are many industries like cotton textiles, timber, pulp and papermaking which helps in boosting the economy of the city. The production of radio and telephone parts and amber jewelry also takes place. One can also be a part of many international events like Baltic and Black Sea Ports and Shipping, International Conference-School Advanced Materials, Baltic Tall Ship Races and International Castle Jazz Festival here.