Ideas for an Unforgettable Day Trip to Kaliningrad
But for sightseeing opportunities in a couple of days, Kaliningrad during the 2018 FIFA World Cup will be a great idea. Going to the Fifa World Cup this year will be, better still, an uncommon chance to witness Brian Idowu play for Nigeria in his native St. Petersburg.
Three-time African champions, Nigeria, will open their 2018 World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 16 in the Russian enclave. From Morocco to former World champions, Spain and England, to high-flying Belgium Red Devils, there’ll be a host of interesting teams to watch and they aren’t necessarily bringing loads of travelling support.
Big events — like the World Cup — don’t happen in Kaliningrad often, so locals are doing their best to spice up the spectacle of the month-long showpiece. As at today, it’s not been easy booking accommodation for next summer’s event (as at the time of writing this article). I have personally had separate bookings cancelled; however, hotels are expected to start making their rooms available soon.
Nigerians travelling to Russia as Fifa World Cup spectators can use their Fan ID’s for multiple entries (visa-free) upon presentation of International passport (with not less than six months validity) and other required documents (like the yellow card). The fan ID’s benefits include inter-host city travel and free transportation across host cities on match days. The Russian Federation has made possession of this documents mandatory and it’s valid for the period beginning 10 days from the opening ceremony to 10 days after the closing ceremony.
However, you need an EU visa for trips across the border to neighbouring nations like Lithuania, Germany and Sweden. As for talks of free shuttle between host cities during the tournament, this could be some long-distance train ride like the one for Kaliningrad matches from Moscow. Need for transit visa may arise for anyone planning on taking the free train from Kaliningrad to Moscow (and vice-versa), as a few hours of the train ride passes through Belarus. I’ve contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but they say I should hang on.
While I hang on for mother luck on territory regulations plus ticket applications, I conceived an article that will highlight some idea on having a memorable day trip in Kaliningrad. Talk about a Kaliningrad adventure, tour and sightseeing opportunities and the laidback ambience of Nida along the Curonian spit.
The soon-to-be-named squad has requested from Fifa to leverage on the state-of-the-art Professional Sanatorium Complex Mashuk Aqua-Therm in Pyatigorsk. Just a 2 hours flight from the venue of the team’s first match against Croatia, about 1 hour 30 minutes from Volgograd, and 50 minutes from St. Petersburg by air.
Road to Russia 2018 has been a delightful journey with lots of sightseeing opportunities for football fans. The Soviet building stands in a very obvious spot in Kaliningrad once the Prussian stronghold of Koenigsberg. On its own, the building is an eyesore for many Russians. Its neighbourhood will most definitely be livened up with the Fifa fan fest during the tournament. Long-term partners, Cocacola, are currently showcasing the iconic trophy in various destinations across the host cities.
There’s the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by Russia (southern part) and Lithuania (northern part). It’s a thin-curved sand-dune peninsula that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea coast. There are National parks on both sides of the spit, great beaches, locally grilled fishes and beer. It’s advisable you make a full day tour here. Most fans visiting Kaliningrad for any of the four matches will be considering the resort town of Nida (Lithuania) as a perfect vacation destination. Bruno Mars will be visiting Gdansk (Poland) shortly after the group stage games.
Enjoy the nightlife, dancing and concerts. Some evening beer with Germany playing on TV at some German restaurants specialised in local dishes. A half-day trip to the tanks exhibition and medieval-styled pubs in Nesselbeck. Ocean museum and the cathedral with Kant grave. Expectedly, there’d be World Cup special events in Kaliningrad and other host cities. A road trip to suburban regions for some old architecture and ruins.
However you plan to experience Russia during the World Cup, there’s a lot to do and see during the tournament while hoping that your team really do your country proud and claim a silverware.
What are your plans for Russia 2018? We could start sharing knowledge here in time for the opening ceremony on 14th June at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. I’ll like to know why you think the Russia World Cup would be exciting.
