Kaliningrad
City and Population
Founded in the 13th century by Teutonic knights and formerly known as Köingsberg, the capital of East Prussia, Kaliningrad is home to 420,000 people and is an important Russian Baltic seaport, Russia's gateway to Europe. The city offers easy access with flights to Western Europe, while the port in Baltiysk provides ferry service to Denmark, Germany, Latvia and Saint Petersburg.
Sights
The region has been known since classical antiquity as a main source of amber in Europe. The amber industry is still a key business in the city and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The region is also blessed by pristine beaches and pine and sand dunes, and it features the beautiful nature reserve of Kurshskaya Spit. Throughout its dramatic history, this ancient European city was home to a myriad of thinkers and artists including the philosopher Immanuel Kant, a life-long resident who taught at the local university, and the iconic composer Richard Wagner.
Football
The most successful football club in Kaliningrad is FC Baltika Kaliningrad, which competes in the First Division. Over 10,000 persons are involved in football in the region of Kaliningrad with over 2,400 children registered in sports schools.
Stadium
The new FIFA World Cup™ Stadium Kaliningrad will be situated on the banks of an island around which flows the Pregolya River. Its star-like design reflects the shape of the historic entrenchment that lies outside the city. Water is featured in the old defence architecture as well as in the new city development and plays an important role in the landscape design of the precinct, allowing for stunning views of the city centre and harbour of Kaliningrad. With its FIFA World Cup™ Stadium, Kaliningrad will deliver a football venue of the highest quality. Designed to meet all the FIFA requirements to host group games, Kaliningrad will have a capacity of 45,015 seats.
FAN FEST
The Kneiphof Island in the historic city centre of Kaliningrad shall host the main Fan Fest of this Host City. The island is one of the city's main tourist attractions accommodating several museums, Kaliningrad Cathedral and the grave of Immanuel Kant. The island is connected to the mainland through five bridges.
