This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Klaipeda.
Klaipeda (formerly German Memel) is the third-largest city in Lithuania, located near the place where the Baltic Sea flows into the Curonian Lagoon. Klaipeda and its surrounding regions are special and different from the rest of Lithuania's history. Archaeological research indicates that it was inhabited by Baltic tribes in the first centuries of our era. Prior to the early sixteenth century, Memel belonged to the Knights of the Teutonic Order.
Then, through the early seventeenth century, Klaipeda belonged to Prussia; then to Brandenburg-Prussia; and to Sweden; and at the turn of the eighteenth century, to the Kingdom of Prussia. During the Seven Years' War, the city was occupied by the Russian Empire (in the mid-eighteenth century). From then through the late nineteenth century, the city once again was part of Prussia. Then, it was part of Germany until after World War I and later, a major city in the independent Lithuanian State before it was occupied by Germany in the late thirties and then, by the USSR in the forties.
With such storming history, it is not a surprise that Klaipeda has much to offer to its visitors. It has many museums, including the Lithuanian Sea Museum, the Aquarium Museum, the Clock Museum, and the Park of Sculptures. There are also many music and cultural festivals, especially in the summer months. Nightlife is also quite good with enough good clubs and pubs.
The number of Klaipeda hostels is not large but there are indications that this sector will improve in the future as more tourists are expected to visit the city due to the improving transport connections with other European cities. However, the few hostels in Klaipeda can offer moderate prices and a great location not very far from the city center; they are easily accessible from the train and bus stations. Be sure to check if your chosen Klaipeda hostel is open all year long or only the summer season (which is by far the best time of the year to visit).
Written by local enthusiast for Klaipeda hostels
George Traveller
