Cedar Canoe Tour in Klaipeda: Discover Fortifications and Sailing Ship Meridianas
5.0
12 Ratings
Klaipeda
Embark on a thrilling cedar canoe tour in Klaipeda and explore the city's industrial area, uncover the historic Memel fortifications, and get a close-up view of the majestic Meridianas sailing ship.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Jono Kalnelis - Under the guidance of the engineer Charles Rose, the city was to be encircled in the manner of Holland-type fortifications, eastward from the former church of the St. John. Moulds and bastions measuring about 3.5 metres high were formed, and outer ditches (moats) were dug. Because of their size, the citie’s fortifications are categorized as being amongst the great royal castles. The works were finished only in the late 17th century-early 18th century. Later, the moulds were reconstructed in the mid-18th century. The fortification system of KlaipÄ—da at the time was complex. Because the city was surrounded by bastion fortifications in the East and South and secured by the Naujoji DanÄ— River in the North, the only access was via three gates named after their main objects: Tiltas (Bridge), KÅ«lių (of Stones) and MalÅ«nų (of the Mills). The latter two were built upon earthen ramparts.

During the wars in the 18th century, the maintenance of the fortress was neglected, the gateways were starting to be disassembled for their bricks, the ramparts were torn-up, the ditches were filled with soil; in the 20th century, only small fragments of the former complex fortification system remained.

Today, the former fortification system can be best observed at the end of Turgaus Street, from the bastions referred to in the historical records as the Geldern and Purmark. In front of the bastions, the water-area of the defensive ditch/moat, and the only surviving ravelin can be seen. The remains of these defensive fortifications were restored in 1994-1997 (author of project V. Å liogeris).

What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • Hand-made cedar strip canoe
  • Hand-made wooden canoe paddle
  • Personal flotation device (PFD) and dry bags
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience Klaipeda in a unique way. Explore the city’s industrial sectors, uncover the historical Memel fortifications, and get intimately acquainted with the Meridianas sailing ship.

This city excursion is perfect for visitors on a strict schedule. It also serves as a wonderful initiation into paddling and a chance to see a genuine cedar strip canoe in motion.

  • Minimum age is 16 years
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Location
Jono Kalnelis
Turgaus g. 37
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(12 Ratings)
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Kyle_c
Jul 2, 2023
Go for it!! - This was a fantastic experience and unique way to learn about the city. Also, the canoes are handmade and extremely high quality. I recommend booking this activity!
Review provided by Viator
450catherineg450
May 30, 2023
Relax and Enjoy - We enjoyed a very interesting and informative trip with our guide. It was lovely to paddle down the river and see all the wetlands, building and bridges.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fumnene
May 18, 2023
Amazing! - Absolutely brilliant. Enjoy every second of it. Taught us how to canoe, pick up from the cruise port, not to mention took our pictures also. We loved loved it
Review provided by Viator
Giovanna
Aug 20, 2022
Highly recommended tour! - We had an amazing time with Janis, he came to pick us up at the hotel and took good care of us, on the land and in the sea. He explained thoroughly how to ride a canoe from the front and in the back, explained how much time it took him to build it and so on. We had a nice break for a pic nic in a very nice spot and then rode back. I highly recommend this tour with Janis!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
935edmundass
Sep 2, 2020
Good vibes only! - Our Guide Janis was very informative and professional with a good sense of humour. Very recommended. Looking forward for a next trip with them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
940ignast
Jul 29, 2020
Nice way to see a city differently - It was a really nice way to see city of Klaipeda from a different point of view. The guide was really nice and friendly. Can't wait to try out different tours of this company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Arturisanastronaut
Jun 1, 2020
Hi-end experience! - King Wilhelm channel tour was the best spent money this year. Handcrafted canoes, super friendly guide and premium service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steff83714
Sep 5, 2019
Perfect ! - Thank you for this Tour. It was our first canoe experience and it was Perfect ! Everything was great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vikksr
Jul 31, 2019
ViKa - Good time with friends. We enjoy our time together. Feel relax and valm, beautiful river and town view. And of course amazing sunset...
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jolanta
May 22, 2019
Simply perfect! - Thank you for my first and the best canoe experience! Janis service and handcrafted canoe was a perfect match for a wonderful evening in Klaipeda, hope to repeat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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