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Zelenogradsk sights
What to see in Zelenogradsk?
Zelenogradsk is a quiet and cosy town on the shore of the Baltic Sea. Nature has been generous to this place: the cleanest sandy beaches, the coniferous forests of the Curonian Spit reserve, mineral springs.
The resort is famous for its parks and green squares, old architecture and museums, its promenade and sandy beaches. Along the cobbled streets there are souvenir shops and stalls, coffee shops and restaurants. Now we will tell you where to stay a while and what to see. How to get there from Kaliningrad.
The resort is famous for its parks and green squares, old architecture and museums, its promenade and sandy beaches. Along the cobbled streets there are souvenir shops and stalls, coffee shops and restaurants. Now we will tell you where to stay a while and what to see. How to get there from Kaliningrad.
Spa resort holidays:
By 1816 the population of Cranz was only about 300 people. It was a godforsaken, poor fishing village.
But by order of the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm III, it was decided to set up the first sea baths in Cranz for therapeutic purposes: water treatments were used to restore strength. In time, healing mud — peloids, extracted from ancient bottom sediments — was added to the sea baths, and here they began to treat arthritis, osteochondrosis and skin diseases. In search of health and longevity everyone came here — from noble aristocratic families to simple residents of neighbouring Königsberg. By 1885 a railway branch had come here from Königsberg, and the number of holidaymakers began to grow. The town was completely transformed.
As befits a resort town, Zelenogradsk has its own sanatoriums, whose main “highlights” are the sea air and healing mineral water. The health resorts offer guests dietary meals and rehabilitation treatments.
By 1816 the population of Cranz was only about 300 people. It was a godforsaken, poor fishing village.
But by order of the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm III, it was decided to set up the first sea baths in Cranz for therapeutic purposes: water treatments were used to restore strength. In time, healing mud — peloids, extracted from ancient bottom sediments — was added to the sea baths, and here they began to treat arthritis, osteochondrosis and skin diseases. In search of health and longevity everyone came here — from noble aristocratic families to simple residents of neighbouring Königsberg. By 1885 a railway branch had come here from Königsberg, and the number of holidaymakers began to grow. The town was completely transformed.
As befits a resort town, Zelenogradsk has its own sanatoriums, whose main “highlights” are the sea air and healing mineral water. The health resorts offer guests dietary meals and rehabilitation treatments.
Beach holidays:
The entire coastal strip around Zelenogradsk is covered with sandy beaches. To the northeast of the resort the Curonian Spit begins.
Zelenogradsk has three beaches.
The most visited is the Central Beach. It is in the central part of the town. Above it stands the powerful concrete structure of the Zelenogradsk Embankment, rising some twenty metres above the beach. Given the strong impact of the waves, a structure of breakwaters was built here as early as the 19th century to reinforce the shoreline. In Soviet times these structures fell into disrepair. The construction of new breakwaters made of Siberian larch began in 2016; they were installed along the old ones. These are wooden piles 4–6 metres long. They absorb the impact force of the sea wave and reduce the force of the backwash.
The Western Beach is the widest beach in Zelenogradsk. Its width reaches 70 metres in places, and sand dunes rise above it. If a strong wind blows, these dunes serve as a kind of shelter from bad weather.
On the eastern side of Zelenogradsk is Skovorodka Beach. The name appeared as early as the 19th century. “Skovorodki” (frying pans) are secluded spots in the sand dunes at the base of the Curonian Spit that heat up strongly in the sun and are sheltered from the Baltic wind. But opposite the “frying pans” the entrance to the sea is not the best — there are many stones in the water. They say that if you walk further, past the frying pans, you can run into Zelenogradsk’s nudist beach... but that is not certain.
The entire coastal strip around Zelenogradsk is covered with sandy beaches. To the northeast of the resort the Curonian Spit begins.
Zelenogradsk has three beaches.
The most visited is the Central Beach. It is in the central part of the town. Above it stands the powerful concrete structure of the Zelenogradsk Embankment, rising some twenty metres above the beach. Given the strong impact of the waves, a structure of breakwaters was built here as early as the 19th century to reinforce the shoreline. In Soviet times these structures fell into disrepair. The construction of new breakwaters made of Siberian larch began in 2016; they were installed along the old ones. These are wooden piles 4–6 metres long. They absorb the impact force of the sea wave and reduce the force of the backwash.
The Western Beach is the widest beach in Zelenogradsk. Its width reaches 70 metres in places, and sand dunes rise above it. If a strong wind blows, these dunes serve as a kind of shelter from bad weather.
On the eastern side of Zelenogradsk is Skovorodka Beach. The name appeared as early as the 19th century. “Skovorodki” (frying pans) are secluded spots in the sand dunes at the base of the Curonian Spit that heat up strongly in the sun and are sheltered from the Baltic wind. But opposite the “frying pans” the entrance to the sea is not the best — there are many stones in the water. They say that if you walk further, past the frying pans, you can run into Zelenogradsk’s nudist beach... but that is not certain.
Architectural monuments of Zelenogradsk:
Villa Klell
One of our town’s hallmarks is the villa built in the early 20th century at Königsberg Strasse, 49. The building was constructed to a unique design that blends the Russian style with Gothic.
An interesting fact: during a recent renovation, a clear print of an infant’s foot was found on one of the bricks. It was a tradition of Jewish families to leave the footprint of the firstborn when building a house. When the Nazis came to power, Israel Pick and his family (the owners of the villa) were forced to emigrate to the USA and never returned to Königsberg.
From 1947 a children’s library was housed within the villa’s walls, and since 2014 the city local history museum has placed its exhibitions here. From October 1947 the building was used as a children’s library.
Since 2014 the City History Museum has been open here. Its halls present eight themed exhibitions covering the history of the region from the formation of the Baltic Sea to the post-war years.
Prehistoric artefacts — stone axes and bronze fibulae, scales, ancient Roman coins, horse harness, weapons, jewellery and burial urns. You can see knightly armour, horse tack, ceramics and even fragments of stained glass. It is interesting to look at the collection of bricks with animal prints and the stand with fresco paintings.
One of our town’s hallmarks is the villa built in the early 20th century at Königsberg Strasse, 49. The building was constructed to a unique design that blends the Russian style with Gothic.
An interesting fact: during a recent renovation, a clear print of an infant’s foot was found on one of the bricks. It was a tradition of Jewish families to leave the footprint of the firstborn when building a house. When the Nazis came to power, Israel Pick and his family (the owners of the villa) were forced to emigrate to the USA and never returned to Königsberg.
From 1947 a children’s library was housed within the villa’s walls, and since 2014 the city local history museum has placed its exhibitions here. From October 1947 the building was used as a children’s library.
Since 2014 the City History Museum has been open here. Its halls present eight themed exhibitions covering the history of the region from the formation of the Baltic Sea to the post-war years.
Prehistoric artefacts — stone axes and bronze fibulae, scales, ancient Roman coins, horse harness, weapons, jewellery and burial urns. You can see knightly armour, horse tack, ceramics and even fragments of stained glass. It is interesting to look at the collection of bricks with animal prints and the stand with fresco paintings.
Queen Louise Pump Room:
The “Queen Louise” pump room is a small round gazebo built over a public mineral spring with money from the local patron A. Dronov.
It got its name in honour of the Queen of Prussia, who stayed in the town in 1807 while fleeing the advancing troops of Napoleon.
Originally a bust of Queen Louise was installed in the pump room — a bronze copy of a work by the German sculptor C. D. Rauch, who had seen Queen Louise in her lifetime. Later, to avoid vandalism, the bust was moved to the square named after her next to the library. The gazebo was opened in 2006. The healing water from the Zelenogradsk spring is available to everyone. The pump room operates from April to October.
The “Queen Louise” pump room is a small round gazebo built over a public mineral spring with money from the local patron A. Dronov.
It got its name in honour of the Queen of Prussia, who stayed in the town in 1807 while fleeing the advancing troops of Napoleon.
Originally a bust of Queen Louise was installed in the pump room — a bronze copy of a work by the German sculptor C. D. Rauch, who had seen Queen Louise in her lifetime. Later, to avoid vandalism, the bust was moved to the square named after her next to the library. The gazebo was opened in 2006. The healing water from the Zelenogradsk spring is available to everyone. The pump room operates from April to October.
Kurhaus Cranz:
Literally, kurhaus translates as “resort house”. In Germany and East Prussia this status was given to the main hotel, which was the centre of resort life.
The half-timbered building was erected in 1843. Besides rooms, it had a restaurant, a billiard room, halls for concerts and dances, smoking rooms and a reading room. Not only guests but also other townspeople and holidaymakers could attend events or dine at the hotel.
After the war the former Kurhaus of Cranz was turned into a sanatorium building, and in the 2000s into a hotel. Today the historic monument houses a hotel, a bakery and a cafe.
Literally, kurhaus translates as “resort house”. In Germany and East Prussia this status was given to the main hotel, which was the centre of resort life.
The half-timbered building was erected in 1843. Besides rooms, it had a restaurant, a billiard room, halls for concerts and dances, smoking rooms and a reading room. Not only guests but also other townspeople and holidaymakers could attend events or dine at the hotel.
After the war the former Kurhaus of Cranz was turned into a sanatorium building, and in the 2000s into a hotel. Today the historic monument houses a hotel, a bakery and a cafe.
The Post Office (Pochtamt)
On Kurortny Prospekt — the town’s central pedestrian street — stands one of the examples of old German architecture that has survived to our days in practically its original form. The finishing uses many neo-Gothic elements: pointed niches, arched windows and a stepped gable (the upper part of the building, more often triangular). The walls of the building are decorated with a pattern of dark brick.
Before the Second World War its premises housed a post office, a telegraph and the postmaster’s official apartment. After the Second World War it was the Zelenogradsk post office.
In 2020 the building passed into private hands. The Prussian post office was restored — for this the owners even requested architectural plans from the archive in Berlin, according to which the building had been erected. Now a Baltic cuisine restaurant of the same name operates here.
On Kurortny Prospekt — the town’s central pedestrian street — stands one of the examples of old German architecture that has survived to our days in practically its original form. The finishing uses many neo-Gothic elements: pointed niches, arched windows and a stepped gable (the upper part of the building, more often triangular). The walls of the building are decorated with a pattern of dark brick.
Before the Second World War its premises housed a post office, a telegraph and the postmaster’s official apartment. After the Second World War it was the Zelenogradsk post office.
In 2020 the building passed into private hands. The Prussian post office was restored — for this the owners even requested architectural plans from the archive in Berlin, according to which the building had been erected. Now a Baltic cuisine restaurant of the same name operates here.
The Church of St. Adalbert
Built to a design by the architect Launir. On 23 August 1896 the foundation stone was solemnly laid, and on 5 November 1897 the church was consecrated as the Lutheran kirche of St. Adalbert. It is made of red brick with a Gothic tower 42 metres high.
After the Second World War the building lost its purpose, and for a long time the town gym was housed here. In 1995 the kirche was handed over to the Russian Orthodox Church and was consecrated in 2007 as the Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration. Outwardly the building has hardly changed. The interior of the working cathedral combines features of two confessions. The high vaulted ceilings, wooden finishing details and pews for parishioners, characteristic of Lutheran churches, are a reminder of a bygone era.
Built to a design by the architect Launir. On 23 August 1896 the foundation stone was solemnly laid, and on 5 November 1897 the church was consecrated as the Lutheran kirche of St. Adalbert. It is made of red brick with a Gothic tower 42 metres high.
After the Second World War the building lost its purpose, and for a long time the town gym was housed here. In 1995 the kirche was handed over to the Russian Orthodox Church and was consecrated in 2007 as the Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration. Outwardly the building has hardly changed. The interior of the working cathedral combines features of two confessions. The high vaulted ceilings, wooden finishing details and pews for parishioners, characteristic of Lutheran churches, are a reminder of a bygone era.
Murarium
One of the architectural landmarks of Zelenogradsk is the 40-metre water tower. This structure, built in the early 20th century, was the most important part of the water supply system of the town of Cranz. Today the restored and modernised building is an architectural monument and one of the symbols of Zelenogradsk.
The former water tower, built in 1905, now houses the unique cat museum “Murarium”. It is the largest cat art collection in Russia, with more than 4,500 exhibits. A viewing platform runs around the dome of the 40-metre tower, offering picturesque views of the town and the coast.
One of the architectural landmarks of Zelenogradsk is the 40-metre water tower. This structure, built in the early 20th century, was the most important part of the water supply system of the town of Cranz. Today the restored and modernised building is an architectural monument and one of the symbols of Zelenogradsk.
The former water tower, built in 1905, now houses the unique cat museum “Murarium”. It is the largest cat art collection in Russia, with more than 4,500 exhibits. A viewing platform runs around the dome of the 40-metre tower, offering picturesque views of the town and the coast.
The Museum of Skulls and Skeletons (MChS)
Next to the Water Tower there is a hotel complex with a very unusual themed collection. The museum’s exhibition was put together by the efforts of doctors, managers, patrons and music lovers. It presents the unimaginable transformation of “skulls and skeletons” in symbols, religions, art, decor elements and accessories. Interactive objects are offered for the especially active and curious.
Next to the Water Tower there is a hotel complex with a very unusual themed collection. The museum’s exhibition was put together by the efforts of doctors, managers, patrons and music lovers. It presents the unimaginable transformation of “skulls and skeletons” in symbols, religions, art, decor elements and accessories. Interactive objects are offered for the especially active and curious.
How to get to Zelenogradsk?
Zelenogradsk is only 30 km from Kaliningrad.
Zelenogradsk is connected with Kaliningrad by convenient rail and bus services — buses and trains run regularly from the Kaliningrad railway and bus stations. You can also get there by taxi.
And how do you get there from Moscow? The simplest route is to take a plane that will bring you straight to Khrabrovo airport in Kaliningrad, and then 15 km by bus or taxi to the final destination — Zelenogradsk! A train journey from the capital to Kaliningrad can turn out to be long and burdensome, since to cross the territory of the European Union you need to obtain a visa and take a foreign passport. However, there is an alternative route that promises a longer but more exciting journey: on the cargo-passenger ferry “Georg Ots” from St. Petersburg to Baltiysk, and then change to a bus to Zelenogradsk!
Zelenogradsk is only 30 km from Kaliningrad.
Zelenogradsk is connected with Kaliningrad by convenient rail and bus services — buses and trains run regularly from the Kaliningrad railway and bus stations. You can also get there by taxi.
And how do you get there from Moscow? The simplest route is to take a plane that will bring you straight to Khrabrovo airport in Kaliningrad, and then 15 km by bus or taxi to the final destination — Zelenogradsk! A train journey from the capital to Kaliningrad can turn out to be long and burdensome, since to cross the territory of the European Union you need to obtain a visa and take a foreign passport. However, there is an alternative route that promises a longer but more exciting journey: on the cargo-passenger ferry “Georg Ots” from St. Petersburg to Baltiysk, and then change to a bus to Zelenogradsk!
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