Understand

Welcome to Kretinga, a town with a rich history dating back to the 13th century! Originally known as castle Cretyn, it held great importance in the Mguva Land of Courland. This land was shared between Curonian noblemen, the Livonian Order, and the Bishop of Courland. In 1260, the Livonian Order and the Teutonic Knights came together in Klaipda to plan a campaign against the Samogitians. Little did they know that a battle against the Samogitian force was already underway in Courland. The knights courageously fought on the shore of the Durb Lake, resulting in the Battle of Durb. Although the knights were defeated, this battle sparked rebellions across the Baltic lands. Amidst this historical turmoil, Kretinga Castle rebelled against the Livonian Order. The castle defenders held strong, even capturing the master of Memel Castle and making a dramatic sacrifice on a pagan altar. However, the Livonian Order returned for a second attack, cunningly luring the castle crew into a trap. The castle was razed to the ground, leaving a lasting tale of bravery and tragedy. Despite its turbulent past, Kretinga thrived in the 17th century as it embraced Christianity and developed into a town. Magdeburg rights were granted on January 23rd, 1609, symbolizing a new era for the town. The Blessed Virgin Mary, holding baby Jesus in her arms, became the town's patron saint and is depicted on its coat of arms. Even during the challenges faced after the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Kretinga prospered as part of the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Count Tyszkiewicz played a significant role in the town's development by establishing his family estate here. He acquired an old palace from Prince Zubov and restored it to its former glory. While visiting Kretinga, don't miss the opportunity to explore its rich history and natural beauty. Start your journey at the Kretinga District Tourism Information Center. Located at Vilnius St. 2B, this center is a hub of valuable information and services for tourists. Whether you're interested in historical routes or nature-related activities, they have you covered. You can even purchase unique hand-made souvenirs, books, and booklets to remember your Kretinga adventure. Come and experience the charm and heritage of this remarkable town.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Cepelinai - Also known as zeppelin potatoes or potato dumplings, cepelinai are a traditional Lithuanian dish consisting of boiled potato dough, often filled with meat or accompanied by bacon and served with a sour cream and onion sauce.

Koldūnai - A Lithuanian fish soup made primarily with carp and other freshwater fish, along with potatoes, onions, and various spices. The fish is typically marinated in vinegar before cooking, giving the soup a distinct flavor.

Šakotis - A towering, cone-shaped pastry made of layers of flaky dough, often filled with sweet or savory ingredients such as poppy seed mixture, sugar, and raisins, or even minced meat and onions. Šakotis can be enjoyed both as a dessert and a snack.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing