Zelenogradsk in 3 Russian words

Gateway to Russia

Apr 21 2026

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This city was founded in the 13th century by the Knights of the Teutonic Order and, until 1947, it was known as Kranz. Today, it’s one of the main resorts in Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast. Here are three of its main symbols.

1. КУРШСКАЯ КОСА (The Curonian Spit)

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This narrow, 98-kilometer strip of sand separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. The spit was named after the ancient Baltic tribe of the Curonians. It stretches from Zelenogradsk to Klaipeda, Lithuania. There, you can visit the ‘Dancing Forest’ with its twisted pine trees and encounter families of wild boars.

2. КОШКИ (Cats)

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Zelenogradsk is the “cat capital” of Russia. They are literally everywhere! The walls of buildings are decorated with murals depicting them, souvenirs are sold and there’s even a museum. According to legend, cats once saved the city from rodents in ancient times and residents remain grateful to them to this day.

3. ВОДОНАПОРНАЯ БАШНЯ (Water Tower)

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This is one of the tallest and most beautiful buildings in Zelenogradsk, an important symbol of the city. The 40-meter water tower was built in the early 20th century. Today, it houses (surprise, surprise!) a cat museum and an observation deck offering stunning views of the city and the sea.