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Klaipėda, Lithuania
Lithuania's only seaport — a half-timbered old town with a Germanic past, gateway to the soaring sand dunes and pine forests of the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit.
Lithuania's only seaport — a half-timbered old town with a Germanic past, gateway to the soaring sand dunes and pine forests of the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit.
Klaipėda's cruise quay sits along the Danė River and Curonian Lagoon, a short walk from the old town. The headline sight — the Curonian Spit — is a quick ferry hop across the water.
💡 Pro move: The Curonian Spit is the unmissable experience — its towering 'Lithuanian Sahara' dunes near Nida are spectacular but ~50 km south, so a tour or early ferry start helps.
Klaipėda docks ships centrally along the Danė River near the old town, with the Smiltynė ferry to the Curonian Spit just across the lagoon.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Klaipėda cruise quay📍 | Docked |
| MSC / AIDA | Klaipėda central quay📍 | Docked |
| Holland America / Princess | Klaipėda📍 | Docked |
| Norwegian / Celebrity | Klaipėda📍 | Docked |
| Smaller ships | Old Castle Port📍 | Docked |
Klaipėda pairs a charming German-Baltic old town with one of Europe's great natural wonders. Pick the dunes or the streets — both are worth your hours.
The UNESCO-listed sandbar of shifting dunes, pine forest, and fishing villages — the great Parnidis Dune above Nida is a 'desert by the sea.' The signature Klaipėda outing.
Find Curonian Spit tours →The half-timbered Fachwerk streets of the former Prussian city of Memel — Theatre Square, the Ännchen of Tharau statue, and the tiny sculpture trail.
Find old town tours →Just across the ferry on the spit's north tip — the Lithuanian Sea Museum and aquarium in an old fort, plus quiet beaches and pine trails.
Find Smiltynė tours →The breezy seaside resort of Palanga to the north, with its famous Amber Museum in a palace park and a long sandy beach and pier.
Find Palanga tours →Klaipėda's compact old town is a short walk from the quay. Each route links to a map.
Through the Fachwerk lanes to Theatre Square and the little Ännchen of Tharau fountain, hunting the tiny bronze sculptures hidden around the center.
Along the Danė River past moored tall ships and the chain ferry, a relaxed stroll linking the old town to the port area.
Climate normals for Klaipėda, Lithuania (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F / 2°C | 28°F / -2°C | 15 | 8:55 AM | 4:35 PM |
| Feb | 37°F / 3°C | 30°F / -1°C | 12 | 7:59 AM | 5:40 PM |
| Mar | 42°F / 6°C | 32°F / 0°C | 12 | 6:50 AM | 6:38 PM |
| Apr | 51°F / 11°C | 38°F / 3°C | 8 | 6:30 AM | 8:41 PM |
| May | 60°F / 16°C | 47°F / 8°C | 10 | 5:24 AM | 9:40 PM |
| Jun | 68°F / 20°C | 56°F / 13°C | 10 | 4:51 AM | 10:21 PM |
| Jul | 71°F / 22°C | 60°F / 16°C | 14 | 5:12 AM | 10:09 PM |
| Aug | 71°F / 22°C | 60°F / 16°C | 15 | 6:08 AM | 9:10 PM |
| Sep | 64°F / 18°C | 54°F / 12°C | 10 | 7:07 AM | 7:52 PM |
| Oct | 53°F / 12°C | 46°F / 8°C | 14 | 8:06 AM | 6:34 PM |
| Nov | 44°F / 7°C | 39°F / 4°C | 14 | 8:11 AM | 4:28 PM |
| Dec | 39°F / 4°C | 33°F / 1°C | 17 | 8:59 AM | 4:01 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The cruise terminal is just 1.5–2 km from Klaipėda Old Town — an easy 5–10 minute walk along the waterfront.
Local public buses serve the city center from near the terminal. Inexpensive and straightforward for the short distance.
Metered taxis are available at the terminal. The ride to Old Town is only 5 minutes; confirm the meter is running before departure.
Both Uber and Bolt are confirmed active in Klaipėda. App-based fares are transparent and comparable to taxis for the short city-center run.
Local operators like Klaipėda Sightseeing offer city tours (~€40, 2.5 hrs) and Curonian Spit UNESCO tours (~€100, 5 hrs). Book in advance or at the terminal.
Upcoming cruises that call at Klaipėda, Lithuania. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.