Discover Švėkšna

The “Štetlo paieškos Švėkšnoje” mosaic trail runs along mosaics in the pavements and offers insights into local history, the Jewish community and local figures. The Švėkšna exhibition has four themed rooms: ethnography, archaeology, manor history and local history. At the centre is a paved market square, where a market is held every Thursday.

The mosaics on the “Štetlo paieškos Švėkšnoje” trail combine artistic design with insights into the history of the local Jewish community and local figures.

Historic features in the manor park have been preserved or restored. These include the main gates with sections of fencing, garden gates with remains of a stone wall, and a statue of Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, on an island in the pond. Other features include a restored sundial, a vase on a pedestal, a circular viewing platform with a balustrade, a staircase with vases, a statue of the Virgin Mary, the “Laisvės angelas” and small footbridges. The Neoclassical gate is the park’s main entrance; the architectural ensemble also includes “Genovaitė”, a Neo-Renaissance manor villa built in 1880.

A pedestrian viaduct over the road connects the park with the churchyard of St James the Greater Church. This physical link also serves as a landmark for the “Grafų Pliaterių takais” cycling route: the tourism route recommends starting at the churchyard in the centre.

The Švėkšna exhibition has been housed in new premises in the Švėkšna “Saulės” Gymnasium building since 2005. Its four sections focus on different subjects: ethnography, archaeology, manor history and local history. You can choose which part of the exhibition to visit based on what interests you most. For current visitor information, contact the museum; the exhibition’s themes may change.

Another activity is the augmented-reality 3D tour in the Švėkšna synagogue. Participants use a smart device to scan their surroundings and view the generated augmented-reality images. Ask the museum about the tour’s current availability and booking.

The market takes place every Thursday in the paved square in the centre. If the market day is important for your plans, check the details again before your visit. Alternatively, the Centre for Traditional Crafts offers educational activities in traditional crafts, including weaving a straw garden or a straw ornament. These activities must be booked in advance; contact the centre to plan your visit.

The “Paprūsės skoniai” tasting includes soup, kastinys and homemade bread kvass. Ask the Centre for Traditional Crafts in Švėkšna about its educational activities and the tasting. This lets you choose between an exhibition, a craft activity and a regional tasting based on the subjects you would like to explore during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Priekulė, Vileikiai, Juodkrantė, Vilimiškė, Kretingalė, Dauparai, Ventė, Dituva.

What can you see on the Švėkšna mosaic trail?

The “Štetlo paieškos Švėkšnoje” trail runs along mosaics in the pavements. Their motifs offer insights into local history, the Jewish community and local figures.

What subjects does the Švėkšna exhibition cover?

The four rooms cover ethnography, archaeology, manor history and local history. Since 2005, the exhibition has been housed in new premises in the Švėkšna “Saulės” Gymnasium building. Ask the museum about current visitor information.

Do you need to book the craft activities in advance?

Yes. The educational activities at the Centre for Traditional Crafts, such as weaving a straw garden or a straw ornament, must be booked in advance. Ask the centre about the activities on offer.

For the broader travel guide: Klaipėda District.