Kaliningrad

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Kaliningrad , also known by its original German name, Königsberg, is the capital city of Kaliningrad Oblast in Russia. It has about 450,000 inhabitants. It is also called 'Karaliaucius' in Lithuanian, as Lithuanians (cousins to the 'Old Prussians') used to live there. So it is truly the 'City of the Four Ks: Kaliningrad / Königsberg / Krolewiec / Karalaucius '. Following World War II in Europe|the Second World War, it was briefly known as Kyonigsberg (Кёнигсберг) and the Russified form of the original German name.

Kaliningrad Halal Explorer

Kaliningrad 05-2017 img04 Kant Island - The Kaliningrad Gothic Church

History of Kaliningrad

Kaliningrad's history dates back to the 13th century, when it was under the rule of the Teutonic knights, an order of German knights, priests and lay men who sought to expand Christianity through missions and conquests. Known by its German name of Königsberg then and the city was the former capital of Prussia.

Kaliningrad was a hub for science and culture whizzes from Germany, Poland and Lithuania. In-fact the famous mathematical Königsberg bridge problem is based in the city. Kaliningrad is also home to renowned philosopher Immanuel Kant and prominent German writer Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann. Kant is said to have had such pride in his hometown that he barely left the place in his lifetime, declaring that he did not need to venture abroad because ships came and brought people to tell him stories.

Destroyed in World War II and annexed to the USSR in 1946 and the region was stripped of its German identity after the German population had been expelled and was named after Mikhail Kalinin, a Russian communist leader. A highly militarised zone during the Soviet era and the area only opened to visitors about 25 years ago.

How is the Climate in Kaliningrad

The best time to visit is in summer between June and August, when the temperature is around 20 to 25 deg C. Temperatures in autumn range from 10 to 15 deg C and the season lasts from September to November. The Kaliningrad winter, which is from December to February, is much milder winter than Russia, with temperatures from 5 deg C to minus 11 deg C.

Take along an umbrella, because the weather is unpredictable and windy. The weather is quite humid too, thanks to its proximity to the Baltic Sea. The Baltic sun is mild.

Travel to Kaliningrad

Visa & Passport Requirements to enter Kaliningrad

As Kaliningrad is an exclave of the Russian Federation, almost all visitors require a Russian visa to enter. If you plan to travel overland between Kaliningrad and other parts of Russia, you will need at least a double-entry visa in order to exit and re-enter Russia. Travelling by air on domestic flights between Kaliningrad and Moscow or St. Petersburg can be done even with a single-entry visa. For more information about Russian visas, see the Russia#Visas|visa section on the Russia page.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kaliningrad

• Khrabrovo Airport - (Аэропорт Храброво) IATA Flight Code: KGD 16km away from Kaliningrad - Khrabrovo Airport Russia Kaliningrad location map.svg - A regular bus (144) is going every hour from the hub to various stops in the downtown for 33 rubles. Taxi service is also available; If you know the exact address, ordering a cab via mobile apps called Taxi Maxim or Rutaxi (that both have English language option and, by the way, work in a number of other Russian regional centers) can save you approx.10% in comparison with prices of airport cab services. The official airport taxi services that are represented in the arrival area with a couple of counters, charge a fixed price of 600-1000 rubles to get from the airport to any point in the city; other cab companies might charge even more.

Airlines and destinations include:

• Aeroflot (Moscow-Sheremetyevo)
• Pobeda (Moscow-Vnukovo, St.Petersburg, Rome)
• Belavia (Minsk)
• LOT (Warsaw)
• Rossiya (St. Petersburg)
• Rusline (Belgorod, Lipetsk, Voronezh)
• S7 (Moscow-Domodedovo)
• Severstal (Cherepovets)
• Ural Airlines (Domodedovo International Airport|Moscow-Domodedovo, Yekaterinburg|Ekaterinburg, Saint Petersburg|St.Petersburg)
• UTair Aviation (Moscow-Vnukovo)
• UVT Aero (Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Volgograd)
• Uzbekistan Airways (Tashkent)

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Kaliningrad

Kaliningrad 05-2017 img36 South train station - The South (i.e. main) Train Station

Long-distance trains leaving from Kaliningrad run on Moscow time, an hour ahead of the local time. Thus a train advertised as leaving at 6:30PM actually leaves at 5:30PM local time. Comedian Yakov Smirnoff might have said, "In Soviet Russia trains are on time, you are late" Clocks at stations use Moscow time. Just to confuse things, local trains run on local time. After witnessing this system, you will no doubt understand that the railways were one of the driving forces for standardized time-zones throughout Europe. East-bound (towards Vilnius in Lithuania) long-distance trains still run regularly. Departures are daily from Moscow (22 h) via Minsk (11 h) and every two days from Saint Petersburg (26 h, also via Minsk).

Some services are available from Chelyabinsk (69 h) in the Urals and Gomel|Homel (via Minsk). There's also trains from the Black Sea resort, such as Sochi (61 h), expect 1-2 trains a week during summer. All cross-border services across the Polish border have unfortunately been cancelled. Kaliningrad-Passazhirsky GPS 54.694571,20.498506 (Калининград-Пассажирский), sometimes called Kaliningrad South, is the main train station and is located at ul. Zheleznodorozhnaya, 15.

By car

The road system is extensive in the Kaliningrad region; however and they are not always well-maintained, and sometimes it is hard to get around because of absence of signage indicating directions/destinations (especially in the city). Driving rules are generally the same as in most European countries, but many do not follow the rules, especially during rush hour in the city. Beware of the traffic police because they like to stop foreigners and often expect bribes.

There are two ways to get to Kaliningrad by vehicle - from Poland and from Lithuania, but you should expect delays on the borders (sometimes it can take a couple of hours)! The green card for insurance has been valid since beginning of 2009.

Travel on a Bus in Kaliningrad

Bus from Tallinn via Riga

Bus to/from Gdańsk (Zloty 28, from Kaliningrad to Gdańsk 700 Rubles) - leaves Gdańsk at 06:00, 06:30, 15:00, 15:30.

Bus to/from Warsaw - leaves Warszawa Zachodnia bus station at 8:00 Mon, Wed, Thu-Sat, tickets RUB1520. On Tuesday and Saturday there is another bus that leaves Warszawa Zachodnia at 13:00 and the ticket costs 1200RUB.

Bus to/from Vilnius - leaves Vilnius at 13:15

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Kaliningrad

During summer there is a boat service between Kaliningrad, and Frombork, Krynica Morska and Elblag, Poland

How to get around in Kaliningrad

City has bus, shuttle van, trolleybus, and tram networks. The best way to explore the city is by bus. The public transportation system is very good. Half of the population live in the city, hence it is very well-connected. Fares are kept low, at a flat rate of 20 rubles (€0.26) on the bus and the waiting time is short. Tickets on the buses are handed out by the conductors.

Taxis within the city may have meters, but most prefer to negotiate fares in advance. Minimum charge within the city is at least 100 Rubles, even for short distances.

What to see in Kaliningrad

• The old cathedral of Königsberg - Kanta 1 54.706389, 20.511667 Easily approachable by foot either from the direction of the Kaliningrad Hotel (take the left side of the Leninsky Prospekt auto bridge south, and descend the stairs when the cathedral appears on your left) or from the direction of the Fish Village ☎ +7 4012 63-17-05 Opening Hours: 9AM to 5PM 270 rubles Königsberg Gothic Church Kaliningrad 05-2017 img09 Kant Island - Founded in 1333, largely reconstructed after World War II and the cathedral on Kneiphof Island along the Pregolya River is a sight to see. The cathedral links Kaliningrad to its German past, as it is where the Prussian kings were once crowned. There are two rooms in the Gothic Church Museum devoted to the life of Kant, whose tomb lies beside the cathedral walls. Up the stairs to the left of the main door is a three-story museum dedicated to the life and work of Immanuel Kant (separate ticket needed). Kant's grave can be viewed outside the cathedral, on the northeast corner of the building.

Kaliningrad 05-2017 img68 House of Soviets - The 'Monster' as viewed from the Pregolya river bridge

• The House of Soviets 54.709756, 20.512472 - House of Soviets (Kaliningrad) Kaliningrad 05-2017 img68 House of Soviets Known to local residents as 'The Monster,' this is sort of an anti-attraction, but useful for orientation in the downtown. It was constructed on the ruins of the Königsberg Castle, but was deemed structurally unsound and therefore never occupied. Rumor has it that a mysterious owner prevents it from being demolished. An archaeological dig is active on the grounds, which is not open to tourists, but specialists may be able to arrange for a visit of the remains of the castle.

Sackheim vorota - Sackheim city gate

• The old fortifications | From approx. 1860-70 and they include 15 town gates - Sackheim, King's, Rossgarten, Attack, Railway, Brandenburg, Friedland, Friedrich Wilhelm III. One of the towers is home to the Amber Museum.

• Fishing Village | Red-roofed buildings and colourful exteriors illustrate the charm of old Koenigsberg, what Kaliningrad used to be known as.

• Victory Plaza 54.720072, 20.500724 - Victory Plaza, Kaliningrad Nordbahnhof Königsberg - The central area where the administrative buildings, banks and retail outlets are.

• The New Kaliningrad Synagogue - The New Synagogue | Ulitsa Oktyabr'skaya, 1а 54.70585, 20.51512 Re-built from scratch and opened to the public in 2018 on site of the former New Synagogue (opened in 1896) that was burnt down by the Nazis during the Kristallnacht in November 1938. Despite the fact that the building isn't an exact copy of the former one, it rather inherited the overall architectural solution as well as its main volumes and proportions.

Museums

• Amber Museum - Marshal Vasilevsky Plaza 1 54.722361, 20.523378 In the Dohna Tower of the city wall ☎ +7 4012 46 68 88 +7 (4012) 46 65 50 Opening Hours: 10AM to 7PM, daily except Monday 90 Rubles Kaliningrad Regional Amber Museum Kaliningrad 05-2017 img13 Amber Museum - Houses a large number of amber ornaments and jewellery from Yantarny in the wider Kaliningrad region.

• Bunker Museum | Universitetskaya 2 Enter the first courtyard to the right behind the Kaliningrad Hotel Opening Hours: daily except Wednesday, 10AM to 4PM 50 rubles A bit hard to find (one must weave through three or four courtyards and children's playgrounds before finding it, which is barely marked except by two black upright triangular canopies over the bunker doors), it was the headquarters of the local German command during the 1945 battle. A museum of the city's German past (which lasted 689 years) and Soviet "liberation" of the city, including several interesting dioramas of events during the days of the battle.

• Immanuel Kant Museum | Kneiphof island

• Museum of the World Ocean - Nab. Petra Velikovo 1 54.722361, 20.523378 ☎ +7 4012 53 89 15 Opening Hours: 11AM to 6PM, Wed-Sun Kaliningrad Regional Amber Museum Kaliningrad 05-2017 img13 Amber Museum - Includes two museum ships and one submarine.

• Kaliningrad Regional Museum of History and Arts - Klinicheskaya 21 54.71375, 20.518522 Opening Hours: 10.00 – 18.00; closed: Monday Kaliningrad Regional Museum of History and Arts - Istoriko-hudozhestvennyMuzey The main building was once the Stadthalle, Königsberg's performing arts centre. Branches include Bunker Museum, Fort 5 «King Frederick Wilhelm III», open air «Koenigsberg Castle» and Park of Sculpture.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kaliningrad

• Walk the bridges - The seven bridges of Königsberg linked the two islands and the banks of the Pregel River. Proving the impossibility of there being a route that crosses each bridge exactly once led Euler to important discoveries in mathematical graph theory. Königsberg became Kaliningrad and the Pregel became the Pregolya, two of the bridges were bombed in WWII, two were demolished and replaced with a highway called Lenin, and one was rebuilt in 1935. Now there are five bridges and the problem is solvable. Try it!

• Annual Jazz Festival 'Don Chento Jazz' - Takes place in August

• Fish at the Baltic sea | See Curonian Spit sand dunes below - All year round

• Trek in the forests | Two-hour drive from the city - Soak up nature in the untouched forests

• Kaliningrad's annual two-day City Day | Commemorates its founding since 1255. It is celebrated in September. The city comes out in full force to party under the dazzling fireworks, concerts, performances, sports, arts and car-related events.

• Watch football at Kaliningrad Stadium, built in 2018 to host group games of the FIFA World Cup. It's home to FC Baltika Kaliningrad, who play in the Russian National Football League (also called the First Division, ie the second tier of Russian football.) The stadium is two-tiered, with a design modelled on the Allianz Stadium in Munich. Its capacity for the World Cup was 35,000, but this is to be reduced to 25,000. It's sited 2 kilometers east of downtown on Oktyabrsky Island, a long marshy island in the River Pregolya. So it's walkable from the centre, or take tram 5 or bus 40 or 72 and get off at Veteranov. The football team formerly played at Baltika Stadium north-east of the centre: this is a multipurpose stadium of capacity 14,600 but its future main use has not been announced.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kaliningrad

• Europa shopping mall | Ploshad Pobedy, 2A Victory Plaza Train to Severnyy vokzal ☎ +7 8 4012 21-08-23 - 66,000 m2 of high-end boutiques, cinemas, food and beverage outlets ranging from fine-dining restaurants, cosy cafes to good quality food kiosks.

• Viktoriya Supermarket | Leninsky Prospekt 30 Ground floor of the Plaza Center - A 24-hour supermarket, useful for self-caterers. Other locations throughout the city, too.

Amber jewellery and art and craft is the local specialty:

• Kaliningrad Amber Factory - Ul. Chernyakhovskovo 62 also other locations in the city ☎ +7 8 4012 53 05 45 - Factory store offering a wide variety of jewelry and objets d'art for almost any budget.

• Amber pavilion | A few blocks up Leninsky Prospekt from the Kaliningrad Hotel Opening Hours: opens at 10AM Several stores grouped together with a variety of amber items at competitive prices.

• Yantarny | Information tourist center «Gorod Vdohnoveniya», Masterov Plaza, Yantarny settlement Located an hour's drive from the city ☎ +7 8-911-462-79-59- 8-911-462-79-59 Yantarny has the biggest amber mine in the world and accounts for more than 90 per cent of the world's output. This settlement has a wide variety of amber products.

• Amber Museum's gift shop 1, Marshal Vasilevsky square ☎ +7 8 4012 46 68 88, +7 8 4012 46 65 50 You can buy a piece of amber from 240 rubles.

Halal Restaurants in Kaliningrad

• Papasha Beppe Pizzaria | Leninsky Pr. 20/26 and Baltiiskaya Ul. 12 Opening Hours: 11AM to 11PM 200-600 Rubles per Pizzas Many local residents consider this to be the best thin crust and thick crust Pizzas in town, also a wide variety of salads, Pasta. risottos, and desserts.

• Karamel | Leninsky Prospekt 30 On the top floor of the Plaza Center; note the separate elevator to the right of the main entrance to the shopping mall. ☎ +7 4012 53-04-61 - Some of the best views from the city from this cafe. Excellent food and fairly broad range of European cuisine, roughly 500 rubles per entree.

• Razgulyai | Ploshad' Pobedy 1 ☎ +7 4012 533-689 - Cafeteria-style restaurant with rustic decor. Good for children.

• Solyanka Cafe | 24 Prospect Mira ☎ +7 4012-936-203 500 rubles Try the solyanka, a thick, piquant soup that is either meat-based, fish-based or vegetable-based. It is cooked with preserved cucumbers, olives, capers and tomato puree that give a strong sour-salty taste to the soup. Solyanka is perhaps one of the most popular soups besides borscht (beetroot soup) in Russia, but remains unknown beyond the national boundaries.

• Zarya | Prospekt Mira 41/43Just up the street from the Moscow Hotel ☎ +7 4012 21-39-29 - A trendy, upscale restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, wide selection on the menu, excellent desserts. In the same building as a movie theater.

• Steindamm 99, Zhitomirskaya ulitsa, 22, ☎ +7 (401) 238-84-70. 11-23, Fri-Sun 12-23. Well-designed interior, good service, fairly priced lunch menu on weekdays. 600-800RUB.

• Twelve Chairs - Dvenadstat' Stulyev | A very chic bohemian style cafe with a decent food menu.

• In the Shadows of the Castle - V Teni Zamka | In the strip mall across from the Kaliningrad Hotel Opening Hours: opens at 11AM One of Kaliningrad's longest-lasting cafes.

Local organic juice brands that are available in stores include Ostmark and Königsberg.

• Hmel Restaurant and Brewery | Pobedi Plaza, 10 'Klover' Shopping Centre, 2nd Floor ☎ +7 4012-593-377 95 rubles/glass Live music starts at 9PM every night. A gigantic brewery on the second floor churns out home-made soft drinks.

• Kropotkin | Teatralnaya ulitsa 30 next to the big McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) near Victory Plaza ☎ +7 401 266 8060 400 RUB - Self-made organic juice (100 RUB 0,5l), probably the best in town. Try the unfiltered one. Acceptable food, cosy Colahall atmosphere and business lunch.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kaliningrad

Kaliningrad - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kaliningrad, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kaliningrad. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kaliningrad and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kaliningrad. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kaliningrad. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKaliningrad: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kaliningrad.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kaliningrad: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kaliningrad, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kaliningrad.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kaliningrad, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kaliningrad, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kaliningrad and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kaliningrad, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kaliningrad, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kaliningrad without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kaliningrad is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kaliningrad.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kaliningrad is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kaliningrad, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kaliningrad Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kaliningrad

eHalal Group Kaliningrad is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kaliningrad. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kaliningrad.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kaliningrad ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kaliningrad. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kaliningrad, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kaliningrad are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Kaliningrad

• Komnata Otdyha - Комната Отдыха | Inside the main train station follow the Комната Отдыха signs - 500 - 1500 RUB The station offers rooms and small dorms. You do not need to show a rail ticket to stay. A good budget option, especially if arriving late.

• Ibis Kaliningrad Center - Moskovsky Prospekt 52, Kaliningrad ☎ +7 401 259-64-30

• Kaliningrad Hotel - Leninsky Prospekt 81 54.712095, 20.509742 ☎ +7 4012 536021 2100-2500 Rubles per day A landmark hotel in the centre, clean and well renovated, within walking distance to most sights. Breakfast buffet is 250 Rubles extra.

• Moscow Hotel | Prospekt Mira 19 54.719708, 20.487285 ☎ +7 4012 352333 2100-2500 Rubles Affiliated with the Kaliningrad Hotel, and quite similar although a little bit up the road, but still near the centre.

• Radisson Hotel Kaliningrad - Victory Plaza, 10 54.719919, 20.504609 ☎ +7 401 259 3344 On the historic main square. 178 rooms and suites created by Swedish designer Christian Lundveld

• Skipper Hotel - Oktyabrskaya Ulitsa 4A 54.704741, 20.514952 In the Fish Village ☎ +7 4012 592-000 2500-2800 Rubles per day A boutique hotel. Breakfast buffet is 200 Rubles extra.

Telecommunications in Kaliningrad

Consulates in Kaliningrad

A large number of Western Embassies might close in the near future as a tit for tat

Armenia - Honourary Consulate | Kievskaya street, 23 ☎ +7 4012 681-083, +7 4012 680-022

Visa Centers

All visa centers of Estonia, Hungary, Slovenia and Sweden have closed.

Travel Next from Kaliningrad

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