Overall Score
One of the oldest settlements in Lithuania is located on the shores of the Kura River. The Dane River splits the Klaipeda River in two parts – modern and historic. Its a place with a mild climate, cool winters and dark winters.
The name «Klaipeda» has a Kurcho origin, and the German name of the city – Mämel – is the German term Nemann (Klaipeda is located near the mouth of this river).
In the beginning of the first century, the area was inhabited by Balinese tribes of kurkhas. In the 13th century, the Germans entered here, founded the Order of Lebanon and many strongholds and towns. Mémeláóðg (Klaipeda) – among them. A wooden fortress, which was founded in 1252, became a stone fortress in 1258, and the village near the fort was given the right of Lubeck. As a result of constant clashes with the Lithuanians, the city of Mölmerburg fought several times in the 14th century, until it fell to the Teutonic Order (1384). As a major port and trading city, Melem often changed hands between those who competed over the influence of different states in the region. It was part of Russia, Sweden, Russia, and united Germany. A well fortified city was a cultural center of the Lithuanians, an important port (competing with Danzig and Koenigsberg). By the beginning of the 20th century there was an exceptional economic growth. After the First World War, Lithuania was granted independence, but Lithuania was placed in the care of the League of Nations as an independent city and an autonomy of the Lithuanian Republic. In 1939-45, Klaipeda was occupied by the Germans. In 1945-91, – part of the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic.
Klaipeda retained many of the traits of the German period of its history. For example, in the historic center there are mostly remains of the 13th-15th century, dozens of fakery buildings, remains of forts and castle structures of the 15th-19th centuries. There are several major museums in the city: the Museum, the Aquarium, the Museum of Clocks, the Museum of Art, the Museum of Minor Lithuanian History, the Gallery of Art, and the Museum of Cultures. Among the cultural buildings, the Church of St. Nicholas stands out.
In the Soviet era, Cliveda became known as a resort town. Today the city hosts a sea festival, jazz, ethnic and poetic festivals.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 93 US AQI Moderate. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Ambiguous
- Population: 150,000 people
- GDP: $14,707 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 39 Mbps
- Best wireless: Omnitel
- Pay without cash: No, cash only esp. for foreigners
- Tipping: Tips are welcome, but there are no standard rules. Most of the times you may see a tip jar on the counter to throw change in, so you don’t need to tip bartenders or baristas directly. The only exception might be expensive, luxury bars where you are expected to tip the barman directly.
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best coffee 24/7: Qtime LT
- Best coffee: Skibal shopping center 24 hours
- Best taxi: Taxify
- Online electronics shop: Kilobaitas
- Best hospital: Republic Klaipeda Hospital
- Best short-haul air carrier: Ryanair
- Best intl air carrier: Ryanair
- Monthly costs for expat: $1150
- Monthly costs for family: $2000
- Monthly costs for local: $550
- Meal: $6
- Small Cola: $1.2
- Beer 1 Pint: $1.7
- Coffee: $2
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