Klaipėda is Lithuania’s only seaport and the gateway to the Curonian Spit. Most visitors arrive through Palanga airport, by train or bus from Vilnius, on a cruise ship or on the overnight DFDS ferry from Kiel or Karlshamn. This guide is written by the Mosso team – our restaurant is in the Old Town on the bank of the Danė, in the historic Michaelson warehouses, within walking distance of everything worth seeing.
- Nearest airport
- Palanga (PLQ), north of the city
- From Vilnius
- Train or bus, about 4 hours
- Ferries
- DFDS from Kiel and Karlshamn
- Old Town
- Walkable, Castle Harbour on the Danė
Getting here
Palanga airport
The closest airport. A taxi or a pre-booked transfer takes you to the Old Town; regular buses run to Klaipėda bus station.
Vilnius and Kaunas
Direct trains and buses connect Vilnius and Kaunas with Klaipėda. The station is a short taxi or bus ride from the Old Town.
Cruise ship
The cruise terminal is right by the Old Town, so you can explore on foot without a tour bus.
DFDS ferry
Ferries from Kiel and Karlshamn arrive at the international ferry terminal south of the centre – take a taxi to the Old Town for dinner.
The Old Town and the Castle Harbour
Start at the Castle Harbour, where the Danė meets the lagoon: the 1855 swing bridge is still turned by hand for passing yachts. Nearby are the castle site and museum, the Black Ghost sculpture by the water and Theatre Square with the Ännchen von Tharau fountain.
Everything is a few minutes on foot. Mosso is at Žvejų g. 18A, by the river – a good place to start or end the walk.
The Curonian Spit
The UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit begins across the strait. A passenger ferry from the Old Town takes you to Smiltynė in minutes; a car ferry runs from further south. Cars pay an entry fee to the national park.
Spend the day in Juodkrantė and Nida among dunes and pine forests, then return to Klaipėda for dinner by the river.
Where to eat
The Old Town has the densest choice of restaurants and cafés. At Mosso we cook modern European food with Asian accents: breakfast from 7:30, business lunch on weekdays, weekend brunch and dinner with a tasting menu. Book a table online in English and get an instant confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest airport to Klaipėda?
Palanga International Airport (PLQ), north of the city. Vilnius and Riga airports are further away but have more flights.
How do I get from Vilnius to Klaipėda?
By direct train or bus, roughly four hours, or by car along the A1 motorway.
Is Klaipėda Old Town walkable from the cruise terminal?
Yes, the cruise terminal is next to the Old Town.
How do I get to the Curonian Spit?
Take the passenger ferry from the Old Town to Smiltynė, or the car ferry if you are driving. Cars pay a national park entry fee.
Dinner by the Danė, a few steps from everything
Book a table online in English – instant confirmation.
Book a table