31 January 2019
Анастасия Одношивкина
Гид по IRONSTAR KALININGRAD 2019
On August 17, 2019, the Zelenogradsk resort area in the Kaliningrad Region, will host
the Ironstar competition on two distances — "Half-Iron" (1.93 km swimming, 90 km
cycling, 21.1 km running) and Sprint (0.75 km swimming, 20 km cycling, 5 km running).
the Ironstar competition on two distances — "Half-Iron" (1.93 km swimming, 90 km
cycling, 21.1 km running) and Sprint (0.75 km swimming, 20 km cycling, 5 km running).
location rightfully called the Russian Baltic resort capital. Neither participants nor their
fans will be bored here: racing hardcore can easily be replaced by the 19th century style
recreation by the water, which, in its turn, can be swapped by sun tanning on the beach,
and then by sightseeing: the trip will not leave anyone indifferent.
Zelenogradsk is located on the Northern coast of the Sambian Peninsula. A long strip of
Curonian Spit connects it with the Lithuanian city of Klaipeda. It offers you a chance to enjoy
fresh sea air, mild Baltic climate and ecologically clean parks, forests, and beach areas.
Course
The swimming stage will be held in the Baltic Sea, the high-speed bike course runs along the
Seaside ring and the running course is planned along the picturesque Zelenogradsk
embankment.
The water temperature at this time is approximately 18-20oC, and the air warms up to 25oC: the
Baltic star does not only shine, it warms as well!
Read more about the race here.
Within the framework of this competition, the IRONLADY Women's and STARKIDS children's
run will be held (on August 16, 2019, i.e. the eve of the triathlon competition).
The starting package can be obtained on August 15 and August 16 Putting bicycles into the
transit zone is possible on August 16 only.
Detailed schedule for all the days of the competition and other important information about the
race are available here.
How to get there
Zelenogradsk is located 38 km north-west of Kaliningrad.
The route from Kaliningrad to Zelenogradsk can be found here.
From Khrabrovo Airport to Zelenogradsk there is bus №243-E. But there are only three
departures: 10:45 a.m., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.. Travel time is around 40 minutes.
In addition, there is a commuter train from Kaliningrad to Zelenogradsk. The journey takes 30-40
minutes. Departure to the Zelenogradsk-New station is from the South Station (Kaliningrad, 29,
Zheleznodorozhnaya street) and the North Station (Kaliningrad, 2 Sovetsky Avenue 2).
This is a very convenient way for the beach and sea connoisseurs, because the train takes you
almost to the sunbed. Our starter town is also located within a walking distance of the station.
Worth a Visit
Kaliningrad
The Fishing Village
The fishermen inhabited this place since the times of Old Prussians. The quarter is designed in
the architectural style of the pre-war Königsberg featuring neat German streets, romantic
benches and street lights. The village offers a chance to take a boat trip along the Pregolya river
or to walk on the draw bridge.
Gothic Architecture
Samples of Gothic architecture include Königsberg Cathedral with the largest organ in Russia,
the castle of Königsberg, the Church of the Holy Family.
The Brandenburg Gate is a sample of Gothic architecture and a symbol of the city. It is decorated
with pinnacles, stone flowers, medallions and coats of arms. The only surviving gate of the city is still used for its original purpose, and not only as a backdrop of postcards.
Zelenogradsk
The main sights of Zelenograd are related to the sea: they include the sandy beach with a quay
and a 150-metre pier. There is an unofficial nudist beach and a surf school. At the quay there is a
pump-room of Queen Louise, the Queen of Prussia. It is a source of mineral water to which all
tourists to Zelenogradsk flock for drinking.
On the Zelenogradsk beach there are sandy glades, surrounded by vegetation, where even on
windy days the sand is so strongly heated from the sun that people call them "frying pans".
Zelenogradsk is the beginning of the Curonian Spit, a unique natural sight, included to
the UNESCO List of World Heritage. Perhaps, it is the most famous landmark of the
Kaliningrad region: 98 kilometers of picturesque sand dunes and forests. The most
convenient way to get there is by bus from Zelenogradsk bus station.
The Murarium museum is located in rather a picturesque park part of the city, in the old
water tower. It is an exhibition of various cat-themed things: handicrafts, glass or amber
crafts, etc. Everything is in the form of cats. Therefore, it is a must for cat lovers as well
as visitors with kids. The water tower was erected in 1905; at the altitude of 24 m there
is a ring observation platform.