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Originally known as Konigsberg but renamed Kaliningrad after its capture and near total destruction during the Second World War. The area is a Russian enclave between Latvia and Poland bordering onto the Baltic Sea. Kaliningrad, is now very much revived and home to a good collection of museums and a number of interesting features that once formed a part of the city’s old defences.

Popular tourist attractions include the restored Konigsberg Cathedral on Kant Island and the newly developed city centre built around Victory Square and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, which was consecrated in 2005 and sprung out of the wreckage of the original 14^th century building. This was left to wreck and ruin after the war and it was not until 1992 that restoration work finally commenced.

An interesting wander around the old town should take in the remaining sections of the town wall and the city gates. Although the city was massively destroyed these represent some of the oldest pre-war structures still standing.

These include:

• The Dohna Tower was part of the towns fortifications, built in 1852, and until 1972 was used as a warehouse. It now houses the Amber Museum.
• Friedrichsburger Fortress was constructed in 1657, rebuilt a couple of times during its history, it was eventually demolished when it was decided to remodel the city. All that remains these days is the main gate that now forms a part of the Museum of the Ocean.
• Rosgartener Gate is another of the old city’s defensive line and this decorative gate was built in 1852. Nowadays the gate is used as a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
• Ausfaler Gate on the western side of the city, it was built in 1866 and has a small chapel beside it, which commemorates those soldiers who lost their lives during the war. Until 2007 the building was a warehouse but now it is part of the city’s historical museum.
• Grollmann Bastion is presently used as part of the college but when it was constructed in 1843 it formed an integral part of the city’s defensive network.
• The Sackheim Gate, this was another of the 19^th century defensive constructions and after the war it was converted into a warehouse. Restoration work here will see it used as the Centre for Standardisation and Metrology, there is also a small museum on site dedicated to measuring instruments. The outer walls are decorated with a large black eagle while the interior face of the gate contains reliefs of old lords.
• Wrangler Tower was another of the 1850’s defences built to defend part of the upper pond.
• Brandenburg Gate dating from 1657 and much altered in the remodelling of the city in the 1850’s. It is the only gate that still functions as its original purpose intended.

Other areas of interest:-

Museum of the World’s Ocean is another very popular attraction, as much favoured for its ships as its displays. The museum is situated on the Pregolya River, on Bagramyan Street, near Kant Island and the Cathedral, which was founded in 1990. Here you will find the Foxtrot class submarine B-413 and the Wityaz Research Ship.

One of the poignant reminders of the cost to the city can be found at the Monument to 1200 Guardsmen, a WWII War Memorial commemorating the Koenigsberg assault and the many lives that were lost in the battle. Now surrounded by pleasant parkland it has become a peaceful place for people to visit.

For those looking to stay in Kaliningrad the Radisson Blu Hotel is a convenient place to stay in the Kaliningrad Oblast area within a five-minute walk of the central train station. The hotel was designed and created by Swedish designer Christian Lundveld and even has an on site French gourmet restaurant.

Once a working class neighbourhood, Christianshavn is now one of the trendiest places in Copenhagen and a fun district to explore.

With its colourful houses and lovely canals, Christianshavn is one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in Copenhagen. The island community was built upon thousands of large wooden poles set into the water, between the years of 1617 and 1622. It was a project of Christian IV as part of his fortifications of the city. Christianshavn was first a privileged merchant’s town, and later in the 20^th century it became a working class neighbourhood which was home to many bohemians and artists.

One of the reasons why the historical architecture in this part of the city is so well preserved is that the many fires that ravaged the city of Copenhagen over the centuries were not able to make it across the water to Christianhavn. As a result, there are many original homes from the 17^th century which are still standing today.

These days, Christianshavn is a trendy district with a unique style, with cool cafes, chic restaurants, and gorgeous architecture lining its elegant canals. Its quiet streets and old houses will remind you of Amsterdam, and this pretty district has many excellent photo opportunities.

Here are a few of the highlights that you can’t miss when exploring this beautiful part of the city:

The Royal Danish Naval Museum

If you are interested in learning more about the naval history of Denmark, you will love this museum. You can find all the information you need about naval battles, uniforms, handguns and cannons. There is also an impressive collection of model ships which starts back in 1670.

Christiania

This strange and wonderful place is actually an established “free town” self-governed community of more than 1,000 people. Christiania is a haven from mainstream culture, and you will find many hippies and other alternative individuals here. Many of the buildings are elaborate self-built homes in bizarre shapes, sizes and colours, and each house has a story to tell. The entire neighbourhood is car free and features many small paths and green areas. Take a stroll through this unique area to experience a totally different and very creative way of life.

Dansk Arkitektur Center

At this gallery, you can see exhibitions about Danish and foreign architecture. There are also conferences, guided tours, and lectures held here if you are interested in learning more about the art of architecture in this country.

These are just a few of the many things you can discover in the district of Christianshavn in Copenhagen. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel near to the Christianshavn district, check out the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel. It has stunning views of the area and a modern and streamlined style with cable TV and free high speed wireless internet in each room. If you want to explore more of Copenhagen, you can stay near the Stroget shopping district at the Radisson Blu Royal Copenhagen hotel.

Enjoy your holiday in beautiful Copenhagen!