Baltiysk is not the most tourist city in the Kaliningrad region. But the good thing is that you can still find romance and secluded places there. Many even consider Baltiysk a closed city. Although in fact, Russian citizens can visit the former German Pillau without hindrance.
When they say that Kaliningrad is the western point of the Russian Federation, they mean not the regional center itself, but Baltiysk. It is as close as possible to Poland.
Gdansk and Gdynia - once Prussian cities like Baltiysk - on a clear day and with a little imagination you can almost see them from the shore. True, to get there by car, you need to take a detour through Kaliningrad (∼ 220 km). But by sea or across the Baltic Spit it’s a stone’s throw to Poland.
In this article we will tell you what you can see in Baltiysk on your own, and what is more interesting with a tour. About the city itself and its features.
Lighthouse Baltiysk
This building can rightfully be considered the main attraction of Baltiysk. This majestic structure is 33 m high and made of stone. There has been a lighthouse since 1741, although at first it was made of wood. At that time, the city was not yet called Baltiysk, but had another unusual name - Pillau.
The designer of the attraction is considered to be an architect of German origin, Karl Schinkel or engineer Schultz.
Interestingly, the lighthouse is the westernmost in Russia and is still used for its intended purpose. The tall structure still successfully guides ships traveling the Baltic Sea.
Question answer
How to get to Baltiysk?
By regular bus No. 107 from the Southern Bus Station of Kaliningrad (or any public transport stop on Leninsky Prospekt). By minibus No. 207-e from the Teatralnaya stop. Electric trains also run from the South Station.
Is it worth booking a tour or can you see Baltiysk on your own?
Baltiysk is not a city where you can get lost. Like in Zelenogradsk, where the center consists of a labyrinth of streets, albeit small. There are no mansions there, each of which can tell a whole story, like in Svetlogorsk. It is quite suitable for independent inspection. But if you like to receive interesting and structured information, you need a tour. Especially in the area of the Pillau citadel - a large-scale structure, where it’s scary to go yourself.
Where to stay in Baltiysk?
“Golden Anchor” is an atmospheric hotel in the center of Baltiysk. Located right on the embankment, not far from the cove where the swans swim. Or "Volna" - a modern four-star hotel on the street. Chernomorskaya, 30 A.
Where is the Northern and Southern breakwater in Baltiysk?
The Northern Pier is a continuation of the Baltiysk embankment. On the right hand of it there is a beach, and at the beginning there is a monument to Elizabeth II (“Elizabethan Fort”). The Southern Pier is on the Baltic Spit, parallel to the Northern Pier.
Baltiysk is a city where almost more German houses have survived than in Kaliningrad. Most of them belong to the military. And there is no chance of getting behind high fences and gates. But when you see these red brick facades, there is no doubt that you are in former German lands.
By the way, it was only during the excursion that we were reminded that East Prussia was already part of the Russian Empire. Long before the Kaliningrad region ceded to the USSR following the Yalta Conference of 1945. And it was precisely that victory that the monument to Elizabeth II on the North Pier symbolizes - under her command, the Russian army expanded its presence in the Baltic Sea.
Pillau Citadel
This attraction is a kind of medieval fortress, being a unique monument of military architecture. The citadel was built back in 1626 on the instructions of the Swedish monarch Gustav Adolf II. An engineer named Matthias Wentz carried out the order.
The famous fortifier Abraham von Don also made his contribution when he made some improvements to the structure in 1635. The structure, which has a pentagonal shape, is surrounded by an impressive water moat. This protection system is explained by the military functions of the fortress. Weapons were kept here.
Despite its menacing nature, this place has been attracting tourists for a long time. Closer to 2000, the Museum of the Baltic Fleet was founded here. Group tours of the Pillau Citadel are permitted if tourists have made an appointment in advance.
Cathedral of St. George of the Baltic Fleet
The building of the Baltic Cathedral was founded in 1866. The building is made in the Gothic style, as evidenced by the elongation of the entire structure, which is characteristic of this style, upward, which is emphasized by many architectural elements. The cathedral acquired its current name only in 1991.
Previously, this place housed a German church, a maritime club and even a military warehouse. The temple is not very impressive in its size, but it is very important for the residents of Baltiysk.
What sanatoriums are there?
Almost all sanatoriums in the city of Baltiysk are considered popular. Prices for accommodation in sanatoriums are similar to prices for hotels. Let's list a few examples:
- State House "Baltic Breeze". Phone for inquiries: +7 (911) 455-25-56.
- GD "Villa-N". Address: st. A. Romanova, 6-a.
- Hotel "Golden Orchid". Tel., +7 (4012) 38-63-51.
- State House "Paradise of Prussia". Tel..
Some hotels or guest houses , providing services to guests, combine the functions of vacation housing and sanatorium programs . For example, having visited the Valentina Hotel, the guest house “Paradise of Prussia” and other places, visitors can not only relax, but also undergo an excellent healing course with mineral waters, massages and other procedures.
Memorial sign in honor of the 25th anniversary of the city of Baltiysk
The monument was erected on Morskoy Boulevard in 1971. This structure was created by Agafonov and Vorobyov. The latter is the director of the nautical school, which built the memorial monument. The monument consists of a huge stone, whose weight reaches 25 tons, and a large heavy anchor located near the center of the composition.
The signs located near this pedestal read: “In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Baltiysk”, as well as “To the heroes of the assault on Pillau”. Residents of the city are proud of this memorial sign, considering it a symbol of the city’s labor merits.
Lenin Street
In any city of Soviet times, one of the main streets always bore the name of Lenin. Of course, Baltiysk was no exception.
Previously, it was Gvardeysky Avenue, which was later renamed Lenin Street. It represents the main axis of the city, running parallel to the railway. At the very beginning of the street there is a railway station . And there is also the final stop for buses and minibuses going to Kaliningrad.
Lenin Street is quite long. I only had half an hour to walk around it. But during these half an hour I saw a lot of interesting things.
Here is the lyceum building. Look, even in Baltiysk the Skolkovo resource is being tested!
At the intersection of Lenin and Chekhov streets there is a former pastor's house . If I'm not mistaken, it now has an active Catholic parish.
And this is the library building of the officers' house. She bears the name Valentin Pikul. The writer himself has visited Baltiysk several times.
Old German houses give Baltiysk a special charm.
The Chapel of Dmitry Donskoy is visible behind the trees . It was installed in memory of soldiers who died in local conflicts. The chapel was built on the model of the “Millennium of Christianity in Rus'” chapel, which is located in the Danilovsky Monastery in Moscow.
Lenin Street also has its own street art - where would we be without it?
I can’t understand why my eye was drawn to the house in the photo on the right. Entrance staircase without railings. TV dish in front of the attic exit. Flag holder next to the door. And plastic windows. Here it is, a meeting of the past with the present!
Do you see how many interesting things there are on one of the main streets of Baltiysk?
Infantry barracks water tower
Baltiysk, whose sights never cease to amaze with its rich history, has many more interesting historical places. The water tower of the infantry barracks is also included in this list. The tall building, reaching a height of 30 m, has 3 levels and a round shape. The highest point of the structure is decorated with a weather vane.
Recently, the tower was repainted in “Christmas” red and white colors, which made it more attractive to tourists. This unusual landmark was built in 1905, along with other similar buildings, to supply water to city residents. The tower is located next to the building of the Baltic Fleet institutions in the southern side of Baltiysk.
Museum of the Baltic Fleet
The cultural landmark is located in a building from 1903, which several decades ago housed the court of the city of Pillau. The museum has more than 20,000 exhibits.
Stored here:
- historical photographs;
- documentation;
- awards;
- ship models;
- weapons;
- paintings;
- military uniform.
The Baltic Fleet Museum has many interesting exhibits with high uniqueness: ship models, clothes of honored naval commanders, samples of firearms and much more. A tourist who is interested in naval history will be able to find a lot of interesting things when visiting this attraction.
torpedo boat
Baltiysk, whose sights tell tourists about the exploits of sailors, has in its arsenal of memorable places such a structure as the “Torpedo Boat”. The building is located on Glory Square.
The monument was erected in 1973 and is dedicated to the heroes of the assault on Pillau. It reminds the citizens of the city of their courage and masculinity.
Baltic Naval Base
The history of this place begins before the capture of the city by Soviet troops.
The base was founded in 1956 and is now the main base of the Russian Baltic Fleet.
Modern directors believe that this building looks great on the screen. Various historical films have been and will be filmed on this territory.
Pastor's House
An interesting attraction is located right on the shore of the Baltic Sea. The house was founded here about a hundred years ago and is now used for its intended purpose. Previously, the building housed a Roman Catholic parish named after Mary, and next to it stood a Catholic church, which was later destroyed during the assault.
Even now, the Rectory remains in good condition, showing tourists the unusual architecture of the old era.
Latvia, Jurmala
The most famous Baltic resort, of course, is Jurmala. Russian tourists have long appreciated the large resort on the shores of the Gulf of Riga. It combines beautiful landscapes, a rich cultural program and health resort organizations.
The size and versatility of Jurmala allow every traveler to choose a holiday to suit his taste: families with children will go to a water park or attractions, young people will enjoy night discos, and people tired of the metropolis will relax in small, quiet sanatoriums.
A holiday in Jurmala costs from $600 per week, but there is so much entertainment here that you will probably spend another half of the amount on them.
Monument to Empress Elizabeth
This monument is the center of the cultural and historical complex “Elizabeth Front”. The Empress is depicted sitting elegantly but confidently on horseback. The author of the creation can be considered the sculptor G. V. Frangulyan.
Landmark of Baltiysk, the monument to Elizabeth requires reconstruction
Description of the monument:
| The height of the sculpture itself | 6.3 m |
| Height of the sculpture including pedestal | 14 m |
| Monument weight | 12 t |
| Type of pedestal | Fortification |
Sculpture of a Woman with a Child
Another sculpture dedicated to a marine theme. The monument also has a second name - the Sailor's Wife. The attraction is located on Morskoy Boulevard, welcoming all ships arriving at the Baltic port.
The name itself says that the monument depicts a woman holding a child in her arms. “The Sailor’s Wife” looks out over the expanse of the Baltic Sea, rejoicing at the return of travelers from long voyages.
The sculpture is also considered one of the most important and recognizable symbols of the city.
What time of year is best to visit?
The best time for tourists in Baltiysk is the summer months . The sea water temperature reaches +17˚С on average . Heavy rainfall occurs most often in July, but it does not last long. General climatic comfort reaches its peak during the period June-August. In general, the weather is clear most of the months during this time. The local holiday – March 22, Baltic Sea Day, adds flavor and color to the stay of city guests.
The June Russian holiday - Navy Day - attracts more tourists to the city than usual. parade of the country's armed naval forces is held here . Many people come from different parts of the country to see such a spectacle. And those who live in Kaliningrad and the region love to come to Baltiysk on weekends to go fishing or water skiing.
Lochstedt Castle
The old knight's castle, which dates back to the 13th century, currently looks completely destroyed. The once beautiful structure survived many wars, the purpose of using the castle changed many times, and since 1705 it gradually began to be dismantled for building materials.
Previously, the building served as a school, a local history museum, and a residence. Now the former knight's castle is one of the oldest historical attractions in Baltiysk. Lochstedt Castle is located not in the city itself, but several kilometers north of the former Pillau.
Features of dishes and delicacies in restaurants and cafes
Famous Baltiysk restaurant establishments and cafes:
- cafe "Claire";
- restaurant "Count of Monte Cristo";
- cafe "Panda";
- cafe-bar "Red Gate";
- hotel complex with open catering "Baltia";
- sushi bar “Sushi Light”;
- Restaurant "Pillau"
The city offers unique German and Russian dishes:
- pies – 777 rub. (3 kg);
- mushroom soups inside a loaf of bread – from 250 rubles;
- Greek salad in eggplant – from 150 rubles;
- salads with salmon – from 75 rubles;
- borscht with donuts – from 85 rub.
German klops, Czech beer, and Polish dishes are popular here. There is a lot of fish in different forms, including smoked and dry, packaged so that you can even take it with you as a souvenir.
Baltic Spit
Baltiysk, whose sights are difficult to enumerate at once, also has another truly amazing place called the “Baltic Spit”. Interestingly, this attraction is more like a separate city, since it is located next to Baltiysk in the form of a small island. The spit can only be reached by water transport.
Permission for tourist trips to this place was received only in 2010. Previously, entry was allowed exclusively to Russian citizens and only through a checkpoint.
Consequently, tourism here is not very well developed, but this is fully compensated by the beautiful scenery and unique nature of the Baltic spit. Despite the tiny area, even 2 villages could be accommodated here: Rybachy and Kosa.
Baltiysk is a beautiful seaside city, where every corner is imbued with history. Residents proudly honor the memory of their heroes and successfully introduce it to visiting tourists. The sights of the city are of great interest to historians and travelers who visit it.
Article design: Vladimir the Great
Tours in the Kaliningrad region 2022
An easy way to see the beauty of the Kaliningrad region is sightseeing tours. In 4-6 days you can visit the Curonian Spit, Yantarny, Zelenogradsk and other parts of the Amber region. Prices - from 7900 to 20500 rubles. (+ cashback). Accommodation in hotels in Kaliningrad is included in the price. Popular tours:
"Beauties of the Amber Coast"
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
A more detailed acquaintance with the region (from 20,500 rubles). With accommodation in hotels in Kaliningrad and Svetlogorsk (+ free day at the Kaliningrad beach resort). Excursions to the most beautiful places - the Curonian Spit and the Amber Region - are included in the price. An optional course in Baltiysk is possible.
From 20500 rub. on Bolshayastrana
Excursion tour to hospitable Kaliningrad
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Basic tour for exploring Kaliningrad and its surroundings. The program includes trips to Yantarny, Svetlogorsk, Baltiysk, Curonian Spit. And, of course, a sightseeing tour of the city with possible tastings of beer and local delicacies (optional options available). Tour dates are every week until November.
From 13400 rub. on Bolshayastrana
