Svetlogorsk (formerly Rauschen) is a small green city in the Kaliningrad region. However, dozens of unusual attractions fit into the small area of the Baltic resort. We’ll tell you what’s interesting about the places that all tourists want to see. We have compiled a list of 20 attractions of Svetlogorsk that can surprise you. You can see all this on your own even in 1 day.
Map of Svetlogorsk attractions with a ready-made route for one day. Click on it to download and print in high quality.
Lake Quiet
Previously, Cat Creek flowed on the site of the lake. The pond was dug by the Knights of the Teutonic Order about 800 years ago. On its shore was the largest water mill on the Zemland Peninsula. The pond was named Melnichny in her honor. Today swans and ducks live in Lake Tikhoe. The pond is surrounded by recreation and entertainment areas. Every day (except Mondays) the gray-haired Lake Keeper Andreas appears at the observation deck at 14:30. He conducts free tours for everyone.
On the shore of the lake you can see 3 centuries-old linden trees. One of them has the status of a “Wildlife Monument”.
Creative Park "Muse"
At the end of 2022, the Muse Park appeared in Svetlogorsk on the shore of Lake Tikhoe. It has forested walking paths over 6 km long, an amphitheater for concerts and celebrations, children's and sports grounds, a place for exhibitions, beautiful sculptures, gazebos and swings. There is Wi-Fi on the territory, a rope park and a boat station are located nearby, and signs help you find your way around.
Promenade
The length of the current promenade is more than 1 km. The promenade is secretly divided into old and new. The old part of the promenade starts from the Grand Hall Hotel building and ends at the Sundial. And then the embankment zone, built in 2022, continues. On the promenade there are cafes, restaurants, souvenir tents, carts with corn and quick food.
Evening promenade.
Model of medieval Königsberg
The open-air project includes more than 500 elements. It is based on a model of a castle and 3 medieval cities. Bridges, ditches, private and public houses, fortifications - the detail is amazing. The layout can be viewed for free. Nearby there is a park dedicated to Hoffmann, the main storyteller of Svetlogorsk and the Kaliningrad region.
Sculpture “Duality of the Inner World”
German writer Ernst Hoffmann is the author of the fairy tales “The Golden Pot”, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”, “The Lord of the Fleas” and other fantastic works. Writer, composer, artist and... lawyer. Hoffman is a vivid example of the contradiction and struggle of a dual inner world. He was a talented creator and a successful Prussian official. The sculpture is located next to the model of Konigsberg. If you are looking for unusual sights to see in Svetlogorsk, this is the place for you.
Sea and beach in Svetlogorsk
Beach in Svetlogorsk. Beginning of August 2017
To get to the beaches of Svetlogorsk, you need to make a little effort. There are 3 ways to get to the beach :
- by cable car
- along the central staircase
- via the Serpentine descent
The descent by cable car is simple and convenient , but it is still expensive.
Especially when you consider that you are not going up/down alone, but with your family. Money is also taken from children starting from 5 years old. The three of us (me, my husband, a small 7-year-old child) were crazy in one booth, but we still paid for three. The price of 1 ticket (descent only or ascent only) in 2022 was 45 rubles. That is, to go down and up in one cabin, the three of us had to pay 270 rubles.
The funicular is located next to the Svetlogorsk railway station.
The last section of the central staircase. Below - Sundial by the boardwalk
The central staircase begins at the Old (central) square of Svetlogorsk.
This option is inconvenient for parents with strollers, small children and people with limited mobility. The staircase was designed in the 70s of the last century and the presence of ramps was not provided for here.
The total number of steps on the stairs is 265. I recommend weighing your strength, especially when going upstairs.
the last option - an ancient descent called "Serpentine" - the most. It looks something like this:
The Serpentine descent was built more than 100 years ago. For us it was the most comfortable and pleasant descent to the sea
The descent begins at the Kurhaus and ends at the famous sculpture “Nymph”, installed on the sea coast.
The route is quite pleasant, as it passes through a wooded area. Due to the lack of steps, it is also convenient for people with strollers. Going down this path, you will see a memorial sign to the German writer Thomas Mann, who was here, as well as on the Lithuanian territory of the Curonian Spit in Nida. You will also pass several cafes. in one of them ( the Veterok cafe ) if we stayed in Svetlogorsk (read more about this cafe below).
Sculpture “The Frog Princess”
The fabulous attraction appeared in Svetlogorsk in 2006. The frog princess sits in the park near the Svetlogorsk-2 railway station. The princess with a crown on her head is captured at the moment of her transformation. She is no longer a frog, but she has not yet managed to become a beautiful girl. As planned, the sculpture, the statue, reflects the miraculous transformation in the soul of a person who has learned the beauty of pure love.
Several legends are associated with the Svetlogorsk landmark. If your heart is pure and kind, then meeting the Frog Princess will turn out to be a great success. To fulfill your cherished desire, you need to “kiss” the beauty: first bring your index finger to your lips, then to hers. Rub the back of the sculpture next to the left shoulder blade - you will get unexpected money.
What to see in Svetlogorsk
City Park
Coordinates: 54.943827, 20.147255
No matter how you end up in Svetlogorsk (bus, train, excursion or your own car), the city will probably start for you with the park. The main entrance is directly opposite the train station and bus station. And it is there that the guests of Svetlogorsk are greeted by the sculpture “Frog Princess”, installed in 2006, promising happiness and good luck. True, for this you need to kiss her. But in the current conditions, it’s enough to stroke it, you can wear personal protective equipment.
Svetlogorsk mansions
Coordinates: 54.942108, 20.156428
Immediately behind the little mermaid, the historical center of Svetlogorsk begins, reminiscent of either a park or a real forest. It's almost like the German villa district of Amalienau in miniature. There are fewer streets and squares in the old town of Svetlogorsk than in the Kaliningrad quarter. But many of the villas have been restored (not all, some are still for sale) and look luxurious. Moreover, restoration in 90% of cases was just that: restoration. By some miracle we managed to avoid “European-quality renovation”. And when you find yourself in this park, where on every corner there are German half-timbered buildings, wooden (not plastic) glazing, or wrought-iron fences, you experience a culture shock.As our guide said: “If anywhere to look for the heritage of Königsberg, then in Svetlogorsk and Zelenogradsk. But not in Kaliningrad, oddly enough.”
"Water tower"
Coordinates: 54.943279, 20.154499
The water tower is the “calling card” of Svetlogorsk / Fountravel.ru
The most recognizable symbol of Svetlogorsk is the “Water Tower”. Currently, the entire complex belongs to the Svetlogorsk Central Military Sanatorium. The “water tower” is like the cats of Zelenogradsk or the lighthouse in Baltiysk. If you have seen it, or even better, climbed to the observation deck with a dizzying view of the Baltic, then you have seen Svetlogorsk.
By the way, the tower building is authentic, it was built in 1907-1908. And only the sundial by sculptor N. Frolov appeared in 1978. But they fit so well into the general romantic style that they cannot be called a “remake.”
The most interesting city tour “Svetlogorsk - Little Switzerland” . In 2 hours you can see everything from the Water Tower and the former Kurhaus building to Central Park and the Frog Princess.
Organ Hall
Coordinates: 54.943028, 20.158166
Fans of classical music are unlikely to pass by the Makarov Organ Hall in the city square. It is located in the building of the former Catholic chapel Santa Maria Stella Mare. And it is famous for the fact that the organ was manufactured by the famous German company Hugo Mayer. More information about the concerts at www.organhall.ru.
Thomas Mann
Coordinates: 54.944986, 20.151797
Memorial sign in honor of T. Mann's visit to Rauschen / Fountravel.ru
This nice sculpture (authors L. Bogatova and O. Salnikov) was installed in Svetlogorsk in June 2003. In memory of the fact that Thomas Mann visited the former German Rauschen in August 1929. And it was at this resort that he completed his work “Mario and magician". You can find it near the organ hall.
"Amber Hall"
Coordinates: 54.945549, 20.158858
Yantar Hall, opened in 2015 as a concert hall in the resort town, has no shortage of famous guests. In the summer, Russian pop stars and foreign guests perform there. Since “Voting KiViN” from Jurmala actually moved there, “Yantar Hall” has acquired a touch of symbolism, which the “Dzintari” concert hall previously had. True, they say that the atmosphere in Svetlogorsk “is no longer the same.” But most vacationers are happy.
In addition to a concert hall with 2,000 seats, the building has a cinema, a conference hall, a restaurant and a branch of the Museum of the World Ocean. Address: st. Lenina, 11.
Area of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops
Coordinates: 54.943650, 20.156125
Most of the cafes, bars and restaurants in Svetlogorsk are located along Lenin, Oktyabrskaya and Kurortnaya streets. There are the most “Instagrammable” facades, windows, doors and panoramas at every step. The Central Square of Svetlogorsk is especially beautiful from this point of view (see photo). Most of the development there is new construction. But the modern half-timbered structure fits quite harmoniously into the appearance of the resort.You can also go shopping there. Buy souvenirs from the Kaliningrad region (ceramics, amber, antiques, etc.).
Promenade of Svetlogorsk
Coordinates: 54.946509, 20.154385
Seven equipped slopes lead to the promenade, located 50 m below the historical center. Two of them are Rauschen's legacy. The rest, including the sanatorium elevator and cable car, were built during the Soviet era. The main staircase (it is often compared to Potemkin) leads to another symbol of Svetlogorsk - the sundial. They are lined with multi-colored mosaics and have a diameter of ~5 m. The divisions are marked with the signs of the zodiac. And the clock hand, located at an angle of 55° (the latitude of Svetlogorsk), shows the time with an accuracy of 15 minutes.
The guide told us that the arrow points to the North Star. What this means in practice, perhaps you will understand better than me.
The Svetlogorsk embankment stretches along the beach for just over 1 km. The coast there is not wide, rocky in places. In general, there are better beaches in the Kaliningrad region. But Svetlogorsk is famous for its infrastructure.
Cable car
Coordinates: 54.944607, 20.146676
Cable car in Svetlogorsk / Fountravel.ru
The cable car is one of seven equipped descents to the Svetlogorsk beach. Located on the right side of the Svetlogorsk-2 station, if you stand facing the building. It is known far beyond the city limits and is the No. 1 attraction, despite its age and some lack of modernity (outwardly it looks like a cable car in the center of Yalta). Many, not having time to arrive in Svetlogorsk, run to join the queue in order to quickly get down to the embankment. And queues there are now not uncommon.
The cost of one ride on the cable car is 50 rubles (disabled people and pensioners - 20 rubles). Subscription for 6 trips - 250 rubles, 10 trips - 400 rubles, 30 trips - 800 rubles. Children under 5 years old travel free of charge.
Alexey Kolokolnikov: “Interesting entertainment. The cabins are small and cute, quite old, but that only makes them more romantic; accommodates two people (160 kg). The sea view is very good. The speed is low, because of this a queue accumulates below for 5-10 minutes.”
Neighborhoods of Svetlogorsk
There are several places where it is worth going from Svetlogorsk for the day. To at least diversify your acquaintance with the Kaliningrad region:
- Pos. Otradnoye . It is famous for the house-museum of the German sculptor Hermann Brachert.
- National Park "Curonian Spit" . A symbol of a region where everyone should visit. Especially in spring and autumn, when the field station of the Fringilla ornithological station operates in the national park.
- Pos. Amber . Known for the Amber Plant and Blue Flag beaches.
And don’t forget about the village of Pionersky. Especially if you get tired of the busy beach in Svetlogorsk. It’s worth going there for a day to take a break from the crowds and enjoy the Baltic Sea and white sand in relative silence.
Hunting lodge (Lenina, 31)
The building appeared in Rauschen in 1926. It is lined with wooden cuts, and the former owner decorated the house with hunting trophies. Hence the unofficial name of the building – “Hunting Lodge”. The burgomaster of Rauschen, Karl von Streng, lived in it himself and at the same time rented out rooms to vacationers. Now the building belongs to the Military Sanatorium of Svetlogorsk. And in the Soviet years, films were shot here. Among them is “Little Red Riding Hood” with Evgeny Evstigneev. Therefore, residents and guests of Svetlogorsk often call the building the “House of the Astrologer.”
Cable car
The main attraction of Svetlogorsk is the long promenade along the Baltic Sea. You can go down to it by stairs or by cable car. At the beginning of the 20th century there was a funicular railway here. The Soviet authorities demolished the German building and in 1983 a cable car appeared in its place. It's worth a ride just for fun - you can admire the sea from the cabins. Moreover, this is the only cable car in the Kaliningrad region.
The price of a ticket for the Svetlogorsk cable car is 50 rubles (one way).
Sculpture "Ondine"
In the Baltic, mermaids were called undines. Meeting them did not bode well, especially for men. However, the sea maidens were so good that it was impossible to forget them. The sculpture of Ondine on the Old Promenade of Svetlogorsk is one of the most favorite attractions of tourists. It was installed at the expense of the Grand Palace Hotel, the entrance to which is located directly behind the mermaid.
High relief "Nymph"
On the Old Promenade of Svetlogorsk there is a beautiful sculpture of the Nymph. This is one of the symbols of the city. Its author is the German sculptor Hermann Brachert. In 1933, the famous master and art teacher was banned from working in his native country, as he openly criticized Hitler's policies. He moved to Rauschen and became a free artist.
The prototype of the nymph was a 17-year-old girl, Kete Tsigan. The sculpture was badly damaged during the war. They decided to restore the “Nymph” many years later. A sink with a mosaic that envelops the girl on all sides appeared at this time. Brachert did not sculpt it.
Churches and temples
Many attractions have undergone some changes during their history due to the change of ownership of the city. This is what happened with the now Orthodox Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov
.
In previous years it was the church of the local Protestant parish. The temple was built in
and Art Nouveau
style at the beginning of the 20th century
, and, surprisingly, was not particularly damaged during the war. In the 90s, the church was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church and was then restored.
Temple of Seraphim of Sarov
There is a landmark in the city with a sad history - the Church of “Joy of All Who Sorrow”
.
It was built with funds raised by city residents in 1994 in memory of the 1972 tragedy
. Then a plane crashed in the city and it fell on a local kindergarten. As a result of the terrible incident, 34 people died, including 23 children. The chapel located at the site of the tragedy is a simple white building with a spire.
Church "Joy of All Who Sorrow"
Kurzal Svetlogorsk (Oktyabrskaya, 36)
In 1901, a spa house with three dormitory buildings, a public area and beautiful towers appeared in Rauschen. The building received the status of a Kurhaus - the center of the city's resort life. During the Soviet era it fell into disrepair, but now it is being restored. They promise to return the lost towers to the Kursaal and restore its historical appearance. They will be used for their intended purpose. The Rauschen Kursaal, located next to the Veterok cafe, will again be the center of resort life and an important landmark of Svetlogorsk.
Sundial and New Promenade
The main sculptor of Rauschen was Hermann Brachert, and the main sculptor of Soviet Svetlogorsk was Nikolai Frolov. It was he who created the Zodiac Sundial on the boardwalk. They appeared in Svetlogorsk in 1974. The watch shows Moscow time, and the dial has a symbolic image of the zodiac signs. Try to tell the time and take photos of the clock from the steps leading to the boardwalk.
Facing the sea, turn right. This will take you to the New Promenade of Svetlogorsk. There are no attractions here yet. But there is a wide walking area with bicycle paths and dozens of benches.
Where to stay in Svetlogorsk
Lumiere Hotel & Spa ****
Address: Lermontovsky lane, 2a
The most beautiful hotel in Svetlogorsk in a park area (in the forest). 10 minutes to the beach. There is a spa center, sauna, bathhouse, restaurant and bar. Designer rooms with fresh renovation and all amenities. The only negative: the balcony is only in rooms of a higher class. Customer focus is 100 percent, everything is decided.
From 4900 rub. on Booking.com
Madame L & SPA *****
Address: st. Gagarina, 15
A hotel with an ideal location and a fabulous façade. The beach “Under the Cliff” is 500 m away. Within walking distance from the Yantar Hall hotel, the Water Tower, the Zodiac sundial. In addition to all the amenities, there is a spa and wellness center, a bar and a restaurant. Delicious breakfasts (!); free parking, Wi-Fi.
From 6100 rub. on Booking.com
Yantar-Hall
The Yantar Hall concert hall is a venue for concerts and festivals. There is a cinema inside, and on holidays there is a fair nearby. “Yantar Hall” began to be built in 2008 and was abandoned. However, in 2014, for political reasons, Russia needed a concert hall to host the New Wave competition. “Amber Hall” was completed in less than a year. True, the “New Wave” had already left Jurmala for Sochi by this time. But the KVN festival is now taking place in Svetlogorsk.
Svetlogorsk
Svetlogorsk is a small but multifaceted city. It is equally interesting to spend time here taking leisurely walks admiring old German architecture and enjoying outdoor activities. But there is a list of things that every tourist should do to get to know the city from different sides. What to do in Svetlogorsk?
- Svetlogorsk embankment
© Oleg Sarapulov
Walk along the promenade of Svetlogorsk . The renovated Svetlogorsk embankment is a cozy and pleasant walking area with stunning views of the sea. Here you can feed seagulls and swans, sit meditatively on a bench, and taste fresh pastries with aromatic coffee. - Take a ride on the cable car . Cabins of the Svetlogorsk cable car deliver from the Svetlogorsk-2 railway station to the beach and back. The cable car, built back in the Soviet years, looks very vintage. And the views from it can be printed on tourist postcards.
- Kiss the Frog Princess . The sculpture “The Frog Princess” depicts a fairy-tale heroine at the moment of transformation. It is customary for the sculpture to make wishes and kiss the Princess on the lips.
- Listen to the organ in the best hall in Russia . The Svetlogorsk Organ Hall, located in a charming half-timbered building, is considered the best in terms of acoustics in Russia. Performances in the organ hall take place all year round, but tickets must be booked in advance due to high demand.
- Get to know the heroes of Hoffmann's fairy tales . There is a park area with sculptures around the “House of Storyteller” hotel. The sculptural compositions depict heroes of fairy tales by the famous writer Hoffmann, who was born and lived most of his life in Konigsberg.
- Try smoked eel . The main delicacy of the Kaliningrad region is sold everywhere - in supermarkets, markets, and restaurants. It is also worth trying other gifts from the Baltic - smelt, flounder, sprats and bonito.
Sundial "Zodiac"© Irina Dementieva
Take a walk through the ancient quarters with German villas . The main attraction of Svetlogorsk is the well-preserved architecture of the late 19th - early 20th centuries. Among the centuries-old pine trees there are German villas and ancient guest houses. Some of them have been converted into hotels, while others remain residential buildings.- Check the time using a sundial . The original Zodiac sundial is installed on the embankment of Svetlogorsk. They were included in the Guinness Book of Records for the accuracy of time display and original composition.
- Find amber on the beach . On the beach of Svetlogorsk, as in other places in the Kaliningrad region, it is quite easy to find small amber pebbles. The best place to look for stones after a storm is in seaweed washed ashore.
Guide
Svetlogorsk is usually visited for one day from Kaliningrad. Therefore, there are many ready-made routes around the city from 2–3 hours. These include thematic routes (gastronomic, through ancient villas of the German period), and excursion walks to all the main attractions.
Route 1: Classic Svetlogorsk
The classic route covers all the main attractions of Svetlogorsk, as well as the most picturesque natural places and panoramas. The route starts from Lake Tikhoe - Kaliningradsky Prospekt passes here and commuter buses stop. If you arrive in the city by commuter train, you can travel the route in the opposite direction. Further from the lake the route will go to the following attractions:
- Ancient architecture of Rauschen
© berega-tour
Temple of Seraphim of Sarov . The Orthodox church located in a German church looks very unusual - both outside and inside. - Quarter of German villas . The largest concentration of resort houses of the German nobility is on Oktyabrskaya, Gagarin, Ostrovsky and Mayakovskaya streets.
- Organ Hall . The best organ hall in Russia is located in a half-timbered house.
- Variety Theater "Yantar-Hall" . The new futuristic-looking building is one of the most modern concert and entertainment halls in the Kaliningrad region. Also inside there is an exhibition of the Museum of the World Ocean.
- Central square . This is one of the most postcard-like and harmonious places in the city. The buildings, stylized as old German houses, house souvenir shops and catering establishments. The main attraction of the square is the sculpture of an apple tree with amber apples.
- Water tower. The city's calling card is now available only for external inspection.
- Larch Park . The small shady park is famous for the sculpture “Carrying Water”.
- Kurhaus Rauschen . The Kurhaus (“Spa House”) building is notable for its appearance - it was erected in 1901 in the Art Nouveau style. In 1929, the German writer Thomas Mann stayed at the Kurhaus.
- House of the Stargazer
© berega-tour
Hunting lodge . The building “played the role” of the Astrologer’s house in the Soviet film about Little Red Riding Hood. The house received its real name for the abundance of hunting trophies in the interior. - Cable car . You can go down to the beach and embankment of Svetlogorsk along the Soviet cable car - beautiful sea panoramas open from the height.
- Promenade . The 1 km long Svetlogorsk embankment has recently been renovated. It’s a nice place to end a city tour, relax and have a picnic.
You can end the day in Svetlogorsk in one of the restaurants serving East Prussian cuisine or dishes from the Baltic Sea. If you have time, you can go further to explore the ancient quarters of Raushen-Svetlogorsk or explore museum exhibitions.
Route 2: German villas in Svetlogorsk
If you have already visited the main attractions of the city, it is worth delving into its German past and walking through the most authentic streets. The route starts on Moskovskaya Street, near the Svetlogorsk-2 railway station. On Moskovskaya Street, explore the territory of the Military Sanatorium - usually it is closed to tourists, but if you are lucky, you can see some of the best examples of resort houses of the early 20th century. The first on the route is Villa Seeblick (“Sea View”) on Moskovskaya, 5. Next, check out Villa Schermann (house 3) and Schubert (house 7). Also on Moskovskaya Street, be sure to check out the Family Villa (house 6) in the Swiss style.
Next, go to Primorskaya Street. The most notable villa here is Rosenhof (house 11). Return to the station and move towards Pushkin Street. The first house on the route is Villa Dunnenheim (“Dune House”) on Pushkina, 1. This is one of the oldest resort houses. Villa Carl Kühn (house 6) is notable for its turret with a dome and a purple facade.
House on Oktyabrskaya, 15
© Vladimir Shefer
In the area of Quiet Lake, the former guest house “Henrikh” (Kaliningradsky Prospekt, 35), which is now occupied by social services and private companies, is noteworthy. Next, move to the area of Gagarin and Oktyabrskaya streets. At 5 Gagarina Street, pay attention to the house of the famous mathematician David Hilbert. In front of the house there grows an ancient beech tree, on the bark of which Hilbert inscribed a mathematical formula. The neighboring house is the former Villa Rosenhaus. On Oktyabrskaya Street the Waldesrand boarding house stands out - now one of the best hotels in the city, Hartmann. Colorful house No. 15 is notable for the fact that it is 4 houses connected together. At 12 Gagagrina Street there is the Tannenhof boarding house - now the Old Doctor Hotel with a monument to Nobel Prize laureate academician Ivan Petrovich Pavlov. Pension Hermann (house 17) features a green wooden gallery-balcony.
On Oktyabrskaya Street, on the corner near Larch Park, pay attention to the half-timbered boarding house Waldschlos. Villa Ilse (Oktyabrskaya St., 5a) is notable for its bright yellow facade. Villa Senta (house 10) is interesting with wooden verandas attached to the facade on the western and eastern sides. The Seestern Hotel building (building 14) is one of the most festive and elegant. Here, in front of Larch Park, the route ends. The total length of the route is 5.5 km. Since the inspection of the houses is only external, the walk will take no more than 2 hours.
Detailed material: What to see in Svetlogorsk in 1 day
Event tourism
Svetlogorsk is considered the cultural center of the Kaliningrad region. Throughout the year, many events take place here - from gastronomic festivals to folk festivals and international concerts. What holidays and festivals of Svetlogorsk are the most interesting?
The central square is a place of folk festivals and fairs
© Oleg Ivanov
The winter drinks festival takes place in Svetlogorsk for a week during the New Year holidays. A fair is organized on the square near the Yantar Hall pop theater, where you can enjoy tea and coffee from different countries, various types of non-alcoholic mulled wine and punch. During the festival, city restaurants offer a special menu with winter drinks.
Smelt Day is celebrated in Svetlogorsk in early April. More than one and a half tons of smelt are prepared for the holiday. The gastronomic holiday is accompanied by concerts, master classes and competitions. You can taste smelt dishes in city restaurants and special street food stalls.
The Big Fish fish festival is also held in April. The festival includes several events - from competitions to the gastronomic part. Fishermen compete in underwater hunting, culinary specialists offer their delicacies at the fish market, and a fair of arts and crafts artists is also held. The main event of the holiday is the tasting of a giant fish pie.
The City Day of Svetlogorsk is timed to coincide with the opening of the holiday season. The holiday is also called “Amber Summer”. During the day, theatrical processions, concerts, competitions for children and adults, a craft fair and sports tournaments take place in city venues. The culmination of the holiday is fireworks over the Baltic waters.
The international festival “Amber Beads” is held in the format of a record show. Festival participants make various jewelry and crafts from amber. Thus, in 2017, the longest amber thread was collected - 1,420 meters long. As part of the festival, a fair of amber products is held, master classes and fashion shows are organized.
"Yantar-Hall" - the venue for the festival "Voting KiViN"
© Tatiana Dudarenko
The annual KVN music festival “Voting KiViN” takes place at the end of July in the Yantar Hall concert hall. For three days, spectators can watch musical performances by teams from the KVN Major League.
The international film festival “Baltic Debuts” takes place over 5 days at the end of July. The festival program includes works by young directors from the Baltic and Northern European countries, as well as premieres of works by domestic directors. The festival includes creative meetings with actors and concerts by Russian pop stars.
The beach sports tournament “Baltic Beach Games” takes place in the second half of August. Teams of participants compete in beach soccer, beach volleyball, beach wrestling and other sports. The competitions take place on the beaches of Svetlogorsk, Yantarny and Baltiysk, entry to the events is free.
Youth Arts Festival "L.E.S." takes place in August in Svetlogorsk and the village of Otradnoye. For 6 days, creative venues operate for guests, young musical groups perform, food trucks with street food are organized, and exhibitions of artists and sculptors are held. The main events of the festival take place in Svetlogorsk Larch Park.
The Festival of the Big Table and Foamy Drink is held in late August and early September. The beer festival is held with a medieval flavor - restaurateurs and brewers of Svetlogorsk set up long tables with benches for guests, street dancers perform ancient dances and in costumes of past centuries. The festival day ends with a fire show.
During the summer, “Symphony Seasons” . From June to September, street concerts of the Kaliningrad Symphony Orchestra are held in open areas (Larch Square, amphitheater near the Zodiac sundial, Muse Park). In the summer, the amphitheater near the promenade also hosts a street film festival and plein air art shows.
Seasonal holidays
The resort town of Svetlogorsk is most often visited in the summer months. But even in the cold season, the city is interesting for tourist walks and even melancholy beautiful. When is the best time to go to Svetlogorsk and what to do there in different seasons?
Winter
Festive Svetlogorsk
© Masha Malinovskaya
In winter, those who prefer the flavor of Christmas Europe to snow-covered streets and traditional winter fun go to Svetlogorsk. The snow cover in Svetlogorsk is unstable; the weather may be cloudy and rainy during the New Year holidays. But even gloomy weather cannot spoil the festive atmosphere. The main New Year tree is installed on the Central Square, and a holiday fair is also organized there. During the New Year holidays, there are many entertainment events for children and adults. One of the main events of the first days of January is the winter drinks festival. Christmas and other winter holidays are celebrated no less colorfully. These days there are festive concerts, including in the famous organ hall of Svetlogorsk. In addition to festive concerts, the Yantar Hall hosts master classes for children, and the White Whale cafe organizes family quests. Festive festivities and meetings with fairy-tale characters take place in the Amber Period Park.
Mass skating is organized at the ice arena of the Svetlogorsky sports and recreation center and at the Khimik stadium. Due to the poor snow cover and frequent above-zero temperatures in the city, the ice slides are not filled. Ski lovers can go to the Malye Beavers tourist complex. The slides at Malye Beavers are suitable for beginners and family skiing. There is a slide for tubing and sledding.
Spring
Spring comes early in Svetlogorsk - already in March the air warms up to +5 degrees and above. But the cold wind from the Baltic still interferes with long walks and picnics by the sea. The most comfortable time to travel is from the second half of April to mid-May. At the end of spring, the tourist season begins, the number of tourists in the city increases sharply, and accordingly, prices for accommodation increase. Spring is suitable for excursion trips and resort holidays, but without swimming in the sea.
Summer
Beaches of Svetlogorsk
© Valentina Marchenko
Summer time in the Baltic is rainy but warm. The swimming season begins in June and lasts until early to mid-September. The beaches of Svetlogorsk are sandy, but, unlike neighboring resorts, they are not so spacious. For many years, sections of beaches have been washed away by winter storms. The main beach of Svetlogorsk is located in the city center; a cable car leads to it from the Svetlogorsk-2 railway station. The beach is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure for recreation. But, due to the small area, it is very crowded during the season.
A less crowded beach, “Wild”, is located behind the new part of the promenade and the Ogonyok children’s camp. There is no recreational infrastructure here; the beach is a narrow strip of sand with rocky areas. 3 km from Svetlogorsk there is a beach in the village of Pionersky - long and sandy. It is considered one of the best in the entire Kaliningrad region. Swimming in the Quiet Lake is prohibited due to the shallow muddy bottom and not entirely clean water.
Autumn
At the beginning of September you can still swim in Svetlogorsk, but the sea cools down quickly. The beach season ends in the first half of the month. The weather comfortable for walking lasts until mid-October. In the second half of the month, cold winds and frequent rains mar the holiday. When planning a vacation in Svetlogorsk in the second half of autumn, include visits to concerts and museums in your program in case of bad weather.
Treatment in Svetlogorsk
Rauschen began to actively develop, receiving the status of a resort town. Just like a couple of centuries ago, in modern Svetlogorsk people are treated with sea water, healing mud and mineral baths. Now the resort has more than 15 sanatoriums of various types. In Svetlogorsk, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, heart and blood vessels, respiratory and digestive organs, nervous disorders, gynecological and skin problems, and tuberculosis are treated.
hydropathic tower
© Tatiana Dudarenko
The specialty of local sanatoriums is amber treatment. Among the therapeutic procedures: walking on amber crumbs, massage with amber stones. The most exotic procedure is the “amber pyramid”.
Most of the sanatoriums in Svetlogorsk operate year-round. During the summer months, the cost of a stay with treatment is quite high. In the off-season, sanatoriums offer decent discounts - the cost of accommodation is reduced by almost 2 times. Modern equipment is used for treatment - it’s not for nothing that the resort is considered European in terms of medicine.
Party places
Svetlogorsk has a reputation as a calm resort for health and family recreation. However, the city has establishments for nightlife lovers, and evening entertainment is also held in the city's sanatoriums. The most popular nightclub in Svetlogorsk is “BARRE”. “BARRE” hosts themed parties, performances by famous DJs, and dance shows. "BARRE" is located on the ground floor of the "Yantar Hall".
The New Ochach restaurant with a terrace is famous not only for its sea view, but also for its dance floor. The cafe-bar “For Friends” has a wide variety of beers and quality snacks. Periodically, the café-bar hosts live music evenings.
The Corvette entertainment complex has a small stage where music and dance groups perform. The Corvette hosts discos and a billiards room.
Vacation with children
At the "House of the Storyteller"
© berega-tour
Svetlogorsk, which looks like a town from European fairy tales, is ideal for traveling with children. While walking along the streets of ancient Raushen-Svetlogorsk, be sure to visit the territory of the “House of Storyteller” hotel. The park area is decorated with sculptures depicting characters from fairy tales by Hoffmann, a famous native of Königsberg. At the Storyteller's House, children are also interested in the model of medieval Königsberg. If possible, stay in a hotel decorated in the style of Hoffmann's fairy tales.
The interactive amber workshop “Prussian Honey” was founded by an association of Kaliningrad artists. They make jewelry with amber and conduct master classes. Children can try making their own decorations here. The “Sunny Vernissage” art gallery produces original handmade products and organizes master classes for children and adults. Master classes are held daily - while children are busy in the creative workshop, adults can visit the gallery with works by local artists.
In the branch of the Museum of the World Ocean
© Leonid Sikorsky
The Yantar Hall variety theater houses a branch of the Museum of the World Ocean. The branch’s exposition is dedicated to ethnography and is called “People of the Sea.” The “Miklouho-Maclay Hut” is open for children; it hosts interactive classes. The Maritime Art Gallery, opened at the museum, hosts temporary exhibitions. The Forest Museum is located 7 km from Svetlogorsk near the villages of Otradnoye and Lesnoye. The basis of the museum collection is more than 70 species of tree species from different continents. The exhibition is accompanied by recordings of the voices of forest birds. The museum has a mini-zoo with chinchillas, rabbits, ferrets, goats and turtles. The Forest Museum organizes excursions to natural places in the surrounding area: Beech Grove and Wolf Ravine. Guests are treated to tea from a samovar and invited to creative master classes.
There is no full-fledged amusement park in Svetlogorsk. On Lake Tikhoye there is a rope park with trails of varying difficulty levels. There you can rent bicycles and scooters, rent a boat or catamaran. In the Amber Period Park, children will see an active volcano erupting with amber, moving figures of dinosaurs, will be able to visit a yurt and do archery, feed farm animals and play in tree houses. Also in the Amber Period Park there is a rope park, trolls “Flying over the Volcano”, two slides for tubing. This is the largest family amusement park in the vicinity of Svetlogorsk.
Park "Seasons"
The spacious green park “Vremena Goda” is one of the best places for walking in Svetlogorsk. There are dozens of paths in the larch-coniferous forest. There are also observation decks with views of the promenade and the Baltic Sea.
The sculpture “Sleeping Marie” appeared in the park in 2022. She portrays the main character of Hoffmann's fairy tale "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King". The author was born and lived in Koenigsberg, so people in the Kaliningrad region love him very much.
Where to go from Svetlogorsk
If you are lucky and the weather is warm and sunny (which is rare for the Baltics, where even in July it is easy to run into a long period of rain), you should not miss this time. Therefore, if the weather is good, it is better to go to a place where a trip to museums and attractions can be combined with relaxing on the beach and the opportunity to swim in the sea.
Beach in the village of Yantarny / photo by Alena Patrikeeva
So, in good weather you can go:
- to the Curonian Spit (you can swim and relax on the beach in an almost secluded environment in the village of Lesnoy);
- to Zelenogradsk (tours to museums here can be perfectly combined with a beach holiday and walks in the park, which has very good playgrounds);
- to Yantarny (here is the best beach in the entire region, which has a Blue Flag and was built with the participation of EU countries. There is also an Yantarny plant in the village - with a museum, an observation deck and a company store).
Kirch Rauschen (Mayakovsky, 14)
Until 1928, there was not a single Catholic church in Rauschen, so believers had to go to services in Königsberg. This was corrected by Pastor Stoff, who bought the plot and built a church with his own money. During Soviet times, the building was turned into a warehouse, then into a gym. And in 1992, the Rauschen church was given to the Orthodox Church. Now this is the Church of the Holy Venerable Seraphim of Sarov.
Monument to Ivan Pavlov (Gagarin St.)
The most controversial sculpture in Svetlogorsk. Nobody knows when it appeared or who its author is. Moreover, there is a legend that in fact the sculpture does not depict the famous Russian academician, but his German colleague Robert Koch. Scientists have a portrait resemblance. Koch visited Rauschen, but Ivan Pavlov never did. Be that as it may, the plaque on the sculpture says that the monument depicts a Soviet, not a German scientist.
Nearby is the Old Doctor Hotel - the former Tannenhov (Spruce Yard). It was built in 1912 as a rest home for the medical staff of Mercy Hospital.
Larch Park
The entrance to Larch Park is decorated with sculptures of Sphinxes. Tourists often make wishes by placing their hand on the head of one of the creatures. However, legends say that the Sphinxes should not be disturbed. Therefore, it is better not to touch them, but just take a photo next to them.
Bench swings are installed in Larch Park. Tourists and locals love to relax here.
Makarov Organ Hall
The Catholic chapel with the beautiful name “Mary, Star of the Sea” was built in Rauschen with the money of the clergyman Stoff in the 1930s. During the Soviet years, the building fell into disrepair. It was used as a warehouse and then abandoned. Then the site was bought by the famous Russian composer and pianist Andrei Makarov. The musician hired Lithuanian restorers and returned the chapel to its historical appearance. Then a German organ was brought in. Today the Makarov Organ Hall is an important landmark of Svetlogorsk and a functioning concert hall.
Choosing amber jewelry and souvenirs
From the station, my friends, you can independently go along the main street towards the descent to the sea. On the way you will come across street retail outlets selling amber products. And, if you have not yet managed to purchase a souvenir or gift for your family, then these shops offer a wide range of products. Here you can find:
- costume jewelry;
- Jewelry;
- figurines;
- paintings depicting a sea wave or local landmarks;
- cosmetic products made using amber raw materials;
- postcards depicting the main ones;
- themed mugs with the inscriptions Königsberg and Rauschen;
- handicrafts made from clay, wool or yarn.
Our little journey has come to an end. During the three-hour walking tour, you managed to visit the territory of modern Svetlogorsk and see national historical architectural monuments and appreciate cultural heritage.
Baltic Sea.
I'm sure you will want to return to this town again.
Ekaterina, 34 years old, writer
Water and mud bath building with water tower
The tower was responsible for the water supply to Rauschen. The water came from the Mill Pond (now Lake Tikhoe). The mud bath is a place for therapeutic and health procedures: from massage to mud baths. Today it belongs to the Military Sanatorium of Svetlogorsk. There is an observation deck on the water tower, from which you can see the central part of the city. True, the entrance to it is now closed.
Pump room with mineral water
Svetlogorsk is famous for its medicinal mineral water. In the center of the city there is a small pump room with a tiled roof. It was opened in 2010. The pump room belongs to the Svetlogorsk military sanatorium. Previously, everyone received water, but now it is bottled only as prescribed by a doctor. If you want to try the local mineral water, go to the store for a bottle of Tilsit, Amber Land or Zelenogradskaya.
Why go to Svetlogorsk
The former German town of Rauschen was considered a local health resort back in the last century; aristocrats from all over East Prussia came here to breathe the healing air of coniferous trees and heal the body with mineral water from salty springs. Since that time, many buildings in the style of German romanticism have remained in the city; it seems that history comes to life here, even new hotels are built according to old models with pointed tiled roofs.
And since the time of development of the area, Svetlogorsk has been actively landscaped, it seems that the whole city is a huge park, in this way it resembles Sochi. Here you can find not only the usual maple and birch, but also tropical plants - magnolia, rhododendron, azalea, hydrangea and larch.
But I wouldn’t recommend choosing Svetlogorsk if your goal is to swim in the sea and sunbathe, and here’s why.
There is an opinion that Svetlogorsk is not only a healing, but also a seaside resort. However, in order to get to the beach you will have to overcome steep descents and ascents, because the city itself is located on a hill. Going down to the sea you may be disappointed, because the coastline is narrow and the water comes almost close to the promenade. Unfortunately, despite numerous fortifications in the form of wooden breakwaters, local beaches cannot boast of a large area. People come to Svetlogorsk not for a beautiful tan, but to a city that has preserved its European flair more than others. I’ll tell you further what places to visit.
Central square of Svetlogorsk
At the intersection of Kurortnaya and Lenina streets there is a small square with many small attractions. It is surrounded by modern houses, stylized according to the German architecture of Rauschen. They house shops and cafes. On the square you can see a lovers' bench with a back in the shape of hearts. Then throw a coin into the decorative fountain. Admire the apple tree with amber apples. And also consider the model of Kneiphof Island (now Kant Island in Kaliningrad).
Central square and model of Kant Island
After exploring the cultural value of Svetlogorsk, we rise with you 36 meters above sea level, into the city. The path will pass along a wide staircase with 265 steps. After the ascent we find ourselves in the central square of the tourist city. There are cafes, grocery and souvenir shops here.
On the square there is also a miniature model of Kant Island, the former German Kneiphof. On display are clay houses that recreate the atmosphere of historical Königsberg.
