Palanga, a town stretching peacefully along the coast of the Baltic Sea, is one of the most visited seaside towns and most popular resorts in Lithuania. What are the origins of Palanga? It is believed that the fishermen’s huts, that were standing near the sea and were washed by the waves at some long-gone times, used to be filled up with the sand up to the windowsills by the wind. Thus, one of the versions of the origins of the Palanga name is connected with the words ‘window’ (Lith. ‘langas’) and ‘windowsill’ (Lith. ‘palangė’). Today, the sea waves do not reach the windowsills, and the city greets its guests with a harmonious and well-groomed environment, a wide stretch of sandy beaches and attractions that ensure a time spent purposefully.
When staying in Palanga, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Palanga Amber Museum housed in the impressive estate of Count Feliksas Tiškevičius. The museum, which opened its doors in 1963, still maintains its popularity and holds the title of one of the most visited museums in the country. You will find over thirty thousand of exhibits there! This museum is the perfect place to familiarise yourself with the peculiarities of amber formation, trade routes and processing, as well as to see the inclusions that are the main attraction for a curious visitor. Haven’t you heard that the museum exhibits one of the most amazing inclusions in the world?
Museum lovers should not limit themselves solely to the Amber Museum, as a great time awaits them in the Palanga Resort Museum, the Dog Museum, and the Memorial Homestead of Dr. Jonas Šliūpas as well.
See the sun rising and sinking into the sea! The Palanga beach is fascinating by its beautiful bluish sea in tandem with its golden sand. You can admire the sun rising or going down into the sea from the comfortable setting of the dunes or from the bridge, which looks especially enchanting when illuminated at night. The bridge stretches into the sea for nearly half a kilometre: its length reaches 470 meters.
Should you be looking for a place to eat in Palanga or to buy souvenirs, move straight to Basanavičiaus Street. It is the main ‘artery’ of the city, stretching towards the sea and ending at the famous bridge of Palanga. You will find many restaurants in Basanavičiaus Street, where you can taste traditional Lithuanian dishes or enjoy the meals characteristic of cuisine of other countries. It looks like this street never sleeps, especially during the warm season, when it is filled up with continuous hustle and bustle of locals and tourists, and this mild chaos creates an extremely warm and pleasant atmosphere.
Those interested in architecture should visit the Palanga Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, dating back over a hundred years. This building captivates by the grandeur and elegance of the Neo-Gothic style. Both the exterior and the interior of the building is worth spending time on. What’s more, this church has a tower with an observation deck that offers breathtaking views of the resort. Another attraction of this kind is Palanga Evangelical Lutheran Church with its architectural solutions, so don’t miss it.
A great entertainment for the evening in Palanga is the musical fountain, fascinating by the amazing dance of water, music and light, which creates a harmonious and enchanting atmosphere.
This popular Lithuanian resort will ensure that the time spent in Palanga is purposeful and memorable for all the guests of the city: those who prefer passive leisure and those who like active recreation forms, as well as those who want to explore and learn as much as possible. If you are looking for a place to stay in Palanga, you will easily find the accommodation that best suits your needs, as Palanga has a well-developed tourism infrastructure.