The Baltic coast is known for its wide beaches, fine golden sand, refreshing sea, and European architecture. In this review, we will explore the resorts of the Kaliningrad region that are perfect for a summer vacation.
Contents
- How to get there
- Weather
- Yantarny
- Zelenogradsk
- Pionersky
- Svetlogorsk
- Baltiysk
How to get there
By plane
There are direct flights not only from the capitals of Moscow (from 10,000 rubles one-way) and St. Petersburg (from 9,000 rubles), but also from major Russian cities. For example, you can fly to Kaliningrad from Kazan for a minimum of 27,000 rubles, and from Nizhny Novgorod for a minimum of 18,000 rubles one-way.
There are direct flights to Kaliningrad not only from Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also from major Russian cities. Photo: bellena/Shutterstock.com
By train
Tea lovers with cup holders, sugar cubes, birch trees passing by the window, and the endless rattling of wheels can still travel to the westernmost region of the country by train.
Things to consider. You will need a valid foreign passport — you won’t be able to buy a ticket using an internal document, as the train travels through Lithuania. If you don’t have a valid Schengen visa on your passport for the dates of your trip, and you don’t have a Lithuanian residence permit, you will need to obtain a simplified travel document (STD). This can be done at the RZD ticket office when purchasing a ticket or online. You will need to print and sign the document, as you will not be allowed to board the train without it.
The Amber train from Moscow to Kaliningrad takes only 20 hours, and tickets start at 5,572 rubles. The journey from St. Petersburg takes 25 hours, and tickets start at 4,500 rubles. The journey from Adler takes 2.5 days and starts at 7,500 rubles.
From Kaliningrad, you can take a train, bus, or taxi to reach the resorts. For example, the travel time to Zelenogradsk and Svetlogorsk is between 30 minutes and an hour.
Weather
The sea in the Kaliningrad region is more of a pleasant addition to sightseeing, meditative, and educational vacations, an opportunity to slow down, sunbathe in the middle of a busy day, or take a break and walk knee-deep in the salty water.
The Baltic Sea only warms up to +22 °C by the end of July or the beginning of August, which is relatively acceptable for most vacationers, and only rarely reaches +24 °C. By September, only walruses swim in the sea, as it quickly cools down to +18 °C, and few people are willing to enter the water at this temperature.
The Baltic Sea is often windy, and it can be unpleasant to get out of the already cool water. Storms are also frequent visitors here, so you won’t be able to swim on some days due to strong waves. We recommend checking the weather forecast and air flow map in advance, such as on Windy.com. However, strong winds have a pleasant bonus: after a storm, it becomes easier to find pieces of amber on the beaches.
The sea in the Kaliningrad region is more of a pleasant addition to sightseeing, meditation, and educational vacations. Photo: Evannovostro/Shutterstock.com
Yantarny
The tourist life in Yantarny is built on two pillars: beaches and amber. The Baltic gold is mined here on an industrial scale, proudly shown to guests, and there are workshops on how to mine it, and it’s not difficult to find a piece of petrified resin on the beach. In addition to amber, the former Palmniken (as Yantarny was called before 1947) is known for its best beaches in the Kaliningrad region, which are clean and spacious.
Beaches. Yantarny’s beach is considered the best in the region, and it has been repeatedly awarded the Blue and Blue Flags, as well as international and Russian quality marks. With a length of approximately 6 kilometers and a width of up to 300 meters, it is the widest beach in the Kaliningrad region, providing ample space for everyone.
The sand here is almost white, and there are no stones in the water — you can safely swim barefoot. The landscape resembles the beaches of Turkish Patara, only instead of turtles there are pieces of amber.
For a comfortable stay, there are sun loungers (rent — from 800 rubles per day), gazebos (from 3500 rubles per day), toilets, cafes, playgrounds.
Less crowded — the beach near the now abandoned mine “Anna”. What’s good here is that the lake is warm, unlike the sea.
The sand here is almost white, and there are no rocks in the water, so you can safely swim barefoot. Photo: ocharophoto/Shutterstock.com
Where to go and what to do
- Explore the sunstone at the Amber Combine Museum (tickets cost 50-100 rubles).
- See the amber quarry from a height of more than 50 m at the observation deck (a single ticket to the museum and the observation deck will cost 800-1500 rubles).
- Take a walk through the picturesque Moritz Becker Park.
Where to stay:
- Palmniken Guest House — from 7,000 rubles.
- 40153 Apart-Hotel — from 16,350 rubles.
- Aquamarine Beach Hotel — from 17,700 rubles.
- Morskoi Club Complex Apartments — from 15,000 rubles.
- Becker Hotel — from 21,700 rubles.
- Hotel Schloss — from 35,400 rubles.
Hotel Schloss.
Where to relax and swim in Russia — we’ve compiled a list here. And, of course, we haven’t forgotten about the recommendations on how to choose a hotel by the sea.
Zelenogradsk
Zelenogradsk is suitable for family vacations with children, romantic getaways for two, or fulfilling a long-held plan to take your mom away from the garden and let her breathe in the sea air. However, keep in mind that the city is considered the cat capital of Russia, so if you have allergies to felines, you’ll need to stock up on reliable remedies.
Beaches. Golden sand with a hint of shells, a gentle slope into the water, and all the necessary infrastructure — paradise, and nothing more. The central beach stretches along the entire 2.5-kilometer promenade, so there’s plenty of space for everyone. There are changing rooms and toilets, and you can rent a sun lounger for as little as 500 rubles per day. Unlike in Sochi, there’s no charge for shade.
If you want privacy, move to the left or right of the promenade. For example, Skovorodka Beach is located closer to the Curonian Spit, and the dunes protect it from the wind, making it a popular spot for sunbathers.
Golden sand with an admixture of shells, a gentle entrance to the water and all the necessary infrastructure is paradise, that’s all. Photo: Lizavetta/Shutterstock.com
Where to go and what to do
- Walk along the promenades and the elegant Kurortny Prospekt.
- See the Baltic Seal.
- Taste the mineral water from the Queen Louise Pump Room.
- Take photos of the pre-war mansions of the former German Krantz (as the city was known before 1946).
- Visit the local history museum (tickets start at 150 rubles).
- Visit the Murarium cat museum in the former water tower (ticket — 450 rubles).
- Rent a bicycle (200 rubles per hour, 900 rubles per day) and go to the Curonian Spit.
- Rent a paddleboard and go sailing along the coast (from 1000 rubles per day).
If you have one day to spend in Zelenogradsk, check out our recommendations on how to make the most of your time there.
Where to stay:
- Vito Guest House — from 5000rubles.
- Maziz hotel Zelenogradsk Guest House — from 10,200 rubles.
- Shkiper Hotel — from 10,600 rubles.
- Eliza Inn Hotel — from 12,550 rubles.
- SPA Zelenogradsk Hotel — from 25,000 rubles.
SPA Hotel Zelenogradsk.
Pionersky
The resort is located between Zelenogradsk and Svetlogorsk. There are usually not many tourists here, so you can relax in peace, harmony with nature, and comfort.
The city of Pionersky was called Neukuren until 1945, which means “new resort” in German.
Beaches. Like almost everything in the Baltic Sea, Pionersky city beach boasts fine golden sand interspersed with pebbles and a gentle entrance into the water. You can sit on your own towel or rent a chaise longue (500-800 rubles per day). Showers, stationary umbrellas, changing rooms and toilets are also available.
If the density of people on a kilometer-long beach is too high for you, you can go further away, to the wild Zaostrovye beach. The same sand, great views, and pine trees, but there will be much fewer people. For the most introverted, the beach near the lighthouse is perfect.
The city beach of Pionerskoye boasts fine golden sand with pebbles and a gentle slope into the water. Photo: Aleksandra Sokolova/Shutterstock.com
Where to go and what to do
- Rent a SUP (1000 rubles per hour).
- Take a boat ride and go fishing (from 2,500 rubles).
- Visit the Rantava Historical and Archaeological Museum.
There are no noisy nightclubs in Pionersky, but there are stunning sunsets, so grab a blanket, a drink of your choice, and go admire the vastness and colors of the Baltic Sea from the promenade or the Arch of Lovers in the Sosnovy Bor Park.
Where to stay:
- The Lights of the Baltic on the Coast – from 7,500 rubles.
- «Studio Comfort» — from 7,600 rubles.
- «By the Sea Breeze» — from 7,800 rubles.
- «Elegant Butterfly» — from 8,600 rubles.
«Studio Comfort».
Svetlogorsk
A very green, calm, and unhurried resort. There are many parks, walking areas, and sanatoriums: German aristocrats began visiting the former Rauschen for water treatment in the first half of the 19th century.
Beaches. The main promenade in Svetlogorsk is still undergoing repairs and shoreline stabilization, so access to the sea is limited. However, you can still swim at the Panorama, Central, or more remote beach near Sand Mountain. These beaches have fine sand and gentle entry into the river, and after a storm, you can find a piece of amber (be careful, the search can be addictive!). However, if the mere mention of repairs triggers a nervous tic, we recommend postponing your trip until 2026.
You can still swim at the Panorama, Central, or more remote beach near the Sand Mountain. Photo: bellena/Shutterstock.com
Where to go and what to do
- Take a cable car ride (40-70 rubles) or a panoramic elevator ride overlooking the sea (120 rubles one-way or 200 rubles round-trip).
- Explore the exhibits at the World Ocean Museum (tickets cost 200-400 rubles).
- Attend a concert or performance at the Amber Hall.
- Take a stroll along Lenin Street, admiring the preserved villas.
- Examine all the details of the Kniphof Island miniature and find the Homlin grandfather (yes, they exist not only in Kaliningrad). Homlins are mini-sculptures of fairy-tale characters.
- On a day with strong waves, take a surfing lesson for 4,000-5,000 rubles (depending on the number of people).
- Rent a bicycle and ride to the beautiful Lake Tikhoe. Here you will find swans and a whole family of Svetloyozhiks, a cute Svetlogorskian equivalent of homlins. After that, you can take a ride to the Lane of the Storyteller Hoffmann: see the heroes of fairy tales and Königsberg in miniature, as well as visit the past in the museum “The Wheel of History” (300-1000 rubles).
Where to stay:
- Breeze of the Baltic Sea – from 7000 rubles.
- Energetik Sanatorium — from 10,760 rubles.
- Les Georges — from 9,600 rubles.
- Amber One Apartments — from 12,800 rubles.
- Madame El — from 21,000 rubles.
«Madame El».
Baltiysk
On the left is the Pillau Fortress, on the right is the fort, and in between is the beach. Baltiysk is a very rugged seaside destination, and while it may not have the same level of tourist infrastructure as established resorts like Zelenogradsk or Yantarnoye, it offers a secluded beach experience on the Baltic Spit.
Beaches. The city beach, as is typical for the Baltic Sea, is sandy, quite wide, and has a gentle slope into the water. There are sun loungers (500 rubles) and private cabanas, as well as toilets, showers, and lifeguards. A distinctive feature of the beach is the view of patrol ships and military boats.
There are fewer visitors at the Western beach on the Baltic Spit, and the wild beaches offer a more secluded experience. However, you will need to bring your own drinks, fruits, and other supplies for your stay.
The city beach, as is customary on the Baltic Sea, is sandy, quite wide, and has a gentle slope into the water. Photo: photopixel/Shutterstock.com
Where to go and what to do
- Take a tour of the Pillau Fortress, which requires a passport and advance booking. Tickets cost between 200 and 350 rubles.
- Visit the Baltic Fleet Museum (ticket price: 350 rubles).
- Take a walk along the Northern Pier, Russia’s westernmost point, where you can admire swans, the vastness of the Baltic Sea, ships, and stunning sunsets.
- Explore the Baltic Spit by ferry (ticket — 210 rubles) or private boat.
- Explore the Nightif Battery and the ruins of the bunker.
The other side of the spit features deserted white beaches, crunchy sand underfoot, sun-warmed pine trees, and overnight stays in tents or glamping under a thousand stars.
The romance of glamping can also be found in the vicinity of St. Petersburg. You can find some nice options here.
Where to stay:
- Pillau Apart Apartments — from 5,600 rubles.
- Paradise of Prussia Guest House — from 9,000 rubles.
- Sand and Sea Hotel — from 9,700 rubles.
- Balt Apart De Luxe Aparthotel — from 10,000 rubles.
- House on the Baltic Spit — from 10,000 rubles.
- Baltic Hills Glamping — from 14,350 rubles.
- Vikinguur Glamping — from 18,000 rubles.
Vikingur Glamping.
Vacation on the Baltic Sea can be different, and a lot depends on the resort. But what will definitely be stable, so is the accommodation, which is best to book on Ostrovok. Spa-hotel, guest house or apartment – there is everything for your amber vacation!
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Cover photo: Alessandro Colle/Shutterstock.com
