Baltiysk: A journey to Russia’s westernmost edge

The town of Baltiysk was closed to ordinary visitors for many years. The biggest Russian naval base at the Baltic Sea was mostly used as a temporary barracks for young sailors who would come here with their families for military service. After their service many of them left to spend their lives in places with a more welcoming climate and a greater number of employment opportunities. Despite all of these demographic challenges, Baltiysk has one of the youngest populations of any city in Russia. Most of its inhabitants are in their early 30s.

Photo credit: Lori/Legion-Media

By contrast, the tourist attractions in Baltiysk are mostly pretty old. Even the railroad, which connects the town with Kaliningrad, is still not electrified and the locomotive runs on diesel. However, this windy town on the edge of the Kaliningrad Region is quite possibly travel’s next hot place to be.

“Dancing” sands and amber
You can hardly find such wide (more than 30 meters) and endless sandy beaches anywhere in the region. The so-called “dancing” sand dunes on the Baltic Spit are the main attraction here. Amazingly beautiful, they can reach 40 meters high and are able to literally “move” every day depending on the wind’s direction. You must use caution when riding a bike, as there could be deep holes beneath you – these are the former entrances to abandoned underground bunkers.

The beaches enchant with their rich yellow color due to the many bits of amber pieces that appear after storms. For centuries amber fever attracted those looking to strike it rich to the region. Even today’s increased extraction of natural amber does not deplete your chances of bringing a shiny souvenir home from the Baltic shore.    

You can get to the Baltic Spit from the center of Baltiysk by regular ferry, which you can take your car on, or by a private tiny day cruiser. Both are cheap and the journey takes no more than 20 minutes.

Despite being used by huge warships and tiny fishermen’s boats, the harbor is filled with numerous white swans. They are spoiled by locals and behave like domesticated pets, constantly begging for food.  

Photo credit: RIA Novosti/Igor Zarembo

Due to the small number of buildings and electric lights, you can expect beautiful sunsets and starry nights almost any time of year.
 

Gone with the wind
With strong winds blowing all year long Baltiysk is an ideal destination for all kinds of surfing. As there are no dedicated sport facilities on the beach, you can practice on your own or with friends without the prying eyes of judgmental crowds. Sailing is also an option here.

Photo credit: Lori/Legion-Media

German heritage
When you feel like you’ve had enough nature and are ready for more cultural impressions, you should head to Baltiysk’s center. The heart of the town, which was founded in the 14^th century, is the pentagonal star-shaped fortress Pillau. The Pillau Citadel is the only place in town that is best seen on Google Earth – its perfect star shape is quite impressive. Its thick brick walls have been in use for hundreds of years. Their sturdiness is probably why the fortress still serves as a functional military base.

A German-style urban quarter is another place you shouldn’t miss. Most of the buildings were constructed at the beginning of the 20^th century to host the German Army. The Naval Cathedral of St. George, which currently serves as an Orthodox Church, is apparently the oldest building in the district. It was originally a gothic church. The old German cemetery here now looks more like a landscape park with a few neat white crosses under bushy trees.

Photo credit: Lori/Legion-Media

But the most impressive items of German heritage here are located outside of town in the middle of the Baltic Split. Huge metal constructions, former hangars for hydroplanes and other aircraft, make the landscape here look like a post-apocalypse movie and attract photographers and sci-fi fans. The Neutief Base was built in the 1930s. At that time it was already quite advanced with heated runways placed at 45-degree angles so that planes could take off and land at any time of year and in any weather.
The architectural jewel of Baltiysk is its 33-meter tall lighthouse. The original structure was built out of wood in 1741. In the next century it was rebuilt in stone by an unknown architect. Initially the light was produced by burning vegetable oil, although later it was replaced by petrol. Now the light, which can be seen 16 sea miles away, is electric.

Navy parade
If you like ships, you should come to Baltiysk on Navy Day, which is the last Sunday of July, or on May 9, Victory Day. You can enjoy a spectacular demonstration on either of these days with all types of warships including submarines.

Photo credit: Lori/Legion-Media

If you can’t be in town on either of these dates, you can always come a week early and watch the rehearsal.

 

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