Travel Guide Baltiysk (Балтийск)

Baltiysk was known until 1946 under the name Pillau. The most western Russian city in the enclave was closed to all visitors, foreigners and Russians, until: it was the naval base of the Russian army, a garrison town and a port strategically chosen by the Soviets with an opening to the Baltic Sea, to the West, in a port that does not freeze in winter.Today, access to Baltiysk is free. But the city is not interesting. The main interest of the visit is primarily linked to the discovery of the military base. We can see from the outside only the Swedish fortress, still occupied by the military, a monument of 1857 dedicated to "3 generals" (Napoleon, Prussia and Russia), a museum, a former German lighthouse and beside, on the quay, the statue of Peter the Great. In July, the military fleet festival is an opportunity for parades. At the end of the jetty, a huge statue of the Elizabeth Tsarina looks at the West. It was built in 2003. There is a ferry crossing on the peninsula opposite, which is the border between Poland and Russia. We can get there for the day. Beaches lack infrastructure. However, they have the merit of being poorly attended.