Top 10 Things to do in Kaliningrad, Northwestern District

The submarine is one of the most popular objects of the Museum of the World Ocean. The B-413 was built in Leningrad and was launched in September, 1968. During 30 years it had been serving in the North and Baltic Fleets. The submarine was moored at the museum quay in June, 2000. It is the only one in the country and a few in the world belonging to pre-atomic period of undersea fleet. Moreover, it is preserved in its original state. Firm and light hulls, superstructure, all the major and auxiliary mechanisms, equipment and weapons are the same as they were after the submarine was excluded from the Navy. What strikes you most as you walk along the narrow corridors and squeeze through the seemingly miniscule portholes that protect each section, is the incredible mechanical complexity. This 1960s technology required pipes, cumbersome and hard wearing switches and large well worn wheels to keep the submarine either afloat or submerged, as needs dictated.

Fort XI Donhoff is the fortified structure built in 1877-1882. It is one of 12 forts composing the outer fortification ring of former Fortress Koenigsberg previously called "Night feather-bed of Konigsberg". In the end of the Second World War on April 7, 1945 the garrison located in Fort XI capitulated practically without fight. On this reason it is the most undisturbed and well-preserved fort among other Kaliningrad forts. Nowadays guests visiting Fort XI Donhoff have possibility to touch pure history and see with their own eyes the part of Koenigsberg defensive system that existed before 1945. There are such interesting exhibits and objects as original German gate, iron spiral staircases, barracks corridors, an observation post, the operating lifting mechanism for a raising of ammunition, etc. Now it is under the management of a private company that preserves its identity and develops the fort as a museum, touristic, cultural and artisan center.

Museum of the World Ocean is one of the most innovative modern cultural institutions in Russia. It is more than just a museum – it’s also a cultural centre offering opportunities to see, learn about, and listen to everything marine. We try to connect different shores, cultures and people with our permanent expositions and temporary exhibitions, innovative ideas and ecological initiatives.Our vessels: Diesel/electric Submarine "B-413", Scientific-research Vessel "Vityaz", Research vessel of the Russian Aerospace Agency "Kosmonavt Victor Patsaev", Medium Catching Trawler "SRT-129", Icebreaker "Krasin". Main building and open territory: Aquariums with dwellers of various areas of the World ocean. Congress-hall for exhibitions, conferences and presentations. Exposition "Shores of the World". The lighthouse “Sperm-whale” pavilion. Open territory with oceanological and diving equipment, archeological findings. Landscape park "The Baltic Sea".

We are glad to invite you to our apartment situated in the old house built in 1912, and where the spirit of old Koenigsberg is still completely perceivable. The time seems to stop in this place. One may easily come over and find oneself surrounded by the atmosphere of the beginning of XX century, it is the past that could be in reach of one’s hand and of one’s breath; that marks the delicious coffee offered by the fireplace. Besides, coffee is served in a vintage porcelain cup too. Happily survived authentic interior, unusual furniture and housekeeping items let you look into 100 years back and be in a position of an East Prussian’s citizen. During our time voyage we tell how Koenigsberg and its most luxurious district Amalienau were built up in XIX – XX centuries. We show which city-planning rules were used to design the architecture of the district and the German house itself. A short insight into a history of East Prussia let you find out the characters of housekeeping and everyday life of citizens who lived in our region 100 years ago. This museum has no fencing, glass cases or watchmen at all. The objects of the exhibition are original stuff found by chance in garrets or bought at flea markets and European auctions. Here you can sit on an antique chair or an armchair wherever you like, you may play the phisharmonica as well or even grind some roasted coffee beans with an old-fashioned coffee-mill and then brew coffee in an porcelain coffee-pot by yourself. We would serve you some real Koenigsberg’s marzipan of traditional recipe. It would be a great pleasure for us to try to answer any of your questions concerning the pre-war history of Prussian Koenigsberg. And you will listen to the story sitting at the table under a picturesque lamp, wherever you like.