Kaliningrad

Kaliningrad sits between Lithuania and Poland along the Pregolya River, serving as Russia's westernmost territory with access to the Baltic Sea. The settlement spreads over both riverbanks, connecting residential quarters with port facilities that remain operational throughout the year.

The settlement began as Königsberg in 1255 under Teutonic Knights rule and became Soviet territory after World War II in 1945. Since then, it has remained a Russian exclave, geographically separated from the main territory of the country.

Visitors notice German-era architecture next to Soviet-era apartment blocks, while local life unfolds with a mix of Russian and Baltic identity in markets and riverside cafes. Families gather at the fish stalls along the river and at outdoor terraces throughout the day, reflecting the rhythm of daily routines in this coastal territory.

The port remains ice-free throughout the year, allowing ships to dock in any season. Visitors should be aware that a special visa is required to enter this Russian territory, as the surrounding countries belong to the European Union.

The Amber Museum displays roughly 90 percent of the world's natural deposits of this fossilized resin, extracted from nearby Baltic coastlines. Visitors can also find wartime rubble from World War II still visible in many neighborhoods, preserved within city museums.