Klaipeda

Klaipėda - the third largest city of Lithuania – is situated in the Western part of the country. It is an ice-free port with favourable geographical position (55o 43' North latitude, 21o 07' East longitude) on the coast of the Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon, within close distance to other Baltic sea ports: Kaliningrad (Russia) and Riga (Latvia).

The seaport of Lithuania has recently marked its 750th anniversary. Founded by the Order of Cross Bearers, it is the only ice-free port on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. For a long time it was part of Prussia. After World War One, in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles, control of the city was transferred from Germany to France. In 1923, Klaipėda became part of Lithuania. 

During the Soviet period, Klaipėda became a centre for industry and fisheries. After the re-establishment of independence the seaport grew rapidly, specialising in the reloading of dry cargo and in the export of oil products. As a dynamically developing town, it has overtaken Kaunas, the second largest city, according to the quantity of direct investment.

Klaipėda is now Lithuania’s gateway to the world and the capital of western Lithuania. It is a vibrant and exciting city to live and work in. The city has its own university, which is a true centre of science and culture.

Tourism is becoming increasingly important to Klaipėda and its hinterland, and major investments are made to promote it. The newly opened passenger cruise terminal, close to the city centre, will bring increased traffic to the area in years to come.

Klaipėda has a population of around 200 000. It has direct motorway links with Lithuania’s capital Vilnius (310 km) and Kaunas (220 km), the second largest city. 

More about Klaipeda:

Klaipeda municipality
Klaipėda. Visitor’s guide
Sea port
Fotopresentation about Klaipeda
Arriving in Klaipeda
International Ferry Terminal